When you’re trying to recover from addiction problems, even your oldest and best friends can start to seem like strangers. After all, you’re probably not the person you were. It can be hard for your old friends to understand the changes you’re going through and the new life you’re trying to live. And let’s face it: some of your old friendships may not be the best thing for your recovery. But if you’re willing to be honest with friends you trust, you can keep old friendships without going back to old habits.
Talk openly with friends you trust about
- your fears of relapsing
- how you feel about not drinking, doing drugs or gambling anymore
- your concerns about fitting in
Let them know that your friendship with them is important. But also let them know that to stay friends with them, you need to set some boundaries on the relationship. Here are some things you can do:
- Only get together when both of you are not drinking, using other drugs or gambling.
- Plan things to do together that don’t involve alcohol, other drugs or gambling.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What can you do to improve your old friendships?
- Who might be able to help you improve your old friendships?
- How could they help you?
