Establishing Boundaries

Setting boundaries with someone struggling with addiction can be challenging, but it's essential for both your well-being and theirs. Many alcoholics or addicts only achieve sobriety when their loved ones set hard boundaries and stop enabling. Most of the staff at Tennessee Detox Center are in recovery and can attest to the impact boundaries played on their decision to finally accept help. Here are some suggestions for establishing healthy boundaries:

1. Define your boundaries: Be clear about your limits and values. For example, you may decide not to provide financial support, or housing if they live with you. Halting financial support unless they stop using is often a heavy motivator for people struggling with addiction to seek help.

2. Communicate openly and assertively: Express your boundaries in a calm and direct manner. Many people struggling with addiction are in denial about the severity of their condition and can be extremely defensive when confronted. As difficult as these conversations are, they can be the difference between life and death for the individual struggling with addiction. When setting boundaries, avoid pointing fingers escalating an argument if they to to do that. Speak in facts and expectations. It helps to come prepared so the conversation doesn’t get dereailed.

3. Be consistent: Once you've established boundaries, stick to them consistently. Avoid making exceptions or being swayed by manipulation or promises that are not backed by action. People fighting addiction can be extremely very manipulative in these situations. This is not a reflection of their character but rather a reflection of how strong the grip of addiction can be.

4. Avoid enabling behaviors: It's important not to enable the addict's behavior. This means not covering up their mistakes, making excuses for them, or bailing them out of the consequences of their actions. By allowing them to face the natural consequences, you create an opportunity for growth and change. Consequences are often the catalyst to change.

Addiction is a disease that effects the whole family. Many addicts and alcoholics don’t realize the pain they’ve caused until they come out of the fog and begin recovery. Families, friends, spouses are all in the wake of an addicts destructive behavior. Personally, I had convinced myself that the only person I was hurting was me. Only after I got sober was this delusional thinking shattered. But I would have never achieved long term sobriety if my family hadn’t made the difficult decision to draw hard boundries. I know it was difficult for them and I was livid at the time. I wanted to be left alone and live that miserable life until I died, because i had given up on life. I didn’t think sobriety was possible. Luckily my family’s hadn’t given up and established boundries and expectations. This literally saved my life. I now have so much appreciation and gratitude toward them for their decision. I know it took so much strength and patience, because at ghat time I was as delusional and manipulative as one can get.

Take care of yourself: Supporting someone through addiction can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize your own well-being by seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, as it's crucial to maintain your own mental and emotional health. You are not alone in this battle, so many families are dealing with the same issues. Support groups are valuable resources for support and advice.

Remember, setting boundaries is not about punishing the addict but rather protecting yourself and encouraging their recovery. Our experienced admissions staff is available 24/7 to help guide both families and addicts through this difficult process and get them started on their recovery journey. Call (615) 488-5311 or visit https://tndetoxcenter.com for help and guidance.