The Impact of Addiction on Relationship Health
May 9th, 2005 by Terry Keith
Leading experts in relapse prevention found relapse is not generally triggered by physical cravings, even in the case of substance addictions such as to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Social pressures and interpersonal conflicts are one of several major causes of relapse. (Groups and individuals in our lives) The groups we associate with have a powerful social influence. The Berkeley Alcohol Research Group tracked Americansā?? drinking problems for two decades and found the best predictor of whether you will have a drinking problem is how many drinking problems those in the groups you drink with have. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of the groups you associate with, will help you to identify influences and supports in your life.
One way to identify and create worthwhile relationships is to think about whether the friend(s) or the particular person(s) you are attracted to is worthwhile or not and why are you attracted to them. Questions to ask about your friend(s) or a mate are:
Do they display traits I admire, and enjoy, and would want to emulate?
Do they have good relationships and treat me and other people well?
Are they in control of themselves? Are they addicted to chemicals, love or fantasies?
Do they get real rewards in life? Do they have a positive impact on the world?
People who are positively involved with their families and coworkers and communities, are less likely to become addicted and more likely to get over addiction. Deal effectively with other people, so you can respond appropriately to the needs of others and have your own needs met. End relationships that have serious negative consequences for your health and your life goals. Addiction narrows life to a preoccupation with oneself and oneā??s own needs. You now need to bring yourself back into contact with others in constructive, mutual ways. Rebuild or learn and practice positive social relationship behaviors. Develop concerns in life outside yourself - political, environmental, community and helping others.
This entry was posted on Monday, May 9th, 2005 at 5:17 pm and is filed under Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
