How to Rebuild Relationships after Alcohol Treatment

When a loved one is addicted to alcohol, it puts massive strain on the people that love them the most.

Family members will often feel angry and resentful towards the individual for what they have done during the time they were addicted, which is understandable.

However, once their loved one has completed a stint in alcohol treatment, it’s now solely up to the recovering alcoholic to make amends for what they have done.

But how exactly does one do this when family members are upset and angry? Here’s how to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll tell you how to rebuild relationships after alcohol treatment.

It’s important to understand that nothing will happen overnight, as the healing process will be a slow one. Being patient plays an important part in the recovery process.

A good way to start is by apologizing for any hurt or damage that was caused and gives the person a chance to express how they feel.

There’s a saying that goes ‘actions speak louder than words’ and it’s no more apt than in trying to win your family members over. Instead of telling them that you've changed for the better, show them that you have.

Family members should also learn to forgive and forget what happened in the past. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. Give your loved one a second chance to prove to you that they are serious about their recovery.

There may be relationships that just cannot be saved because of the damage that was previously caused. Remember that even though you are asking for forgiveness, you cannot force another person to do this.

The best thing to do is to simply respect their decision as attempting to make things right may only damage the relationship further. Hopefully at a later stage, this person may eventually forgive you.

Some alcohol treatment centers incorporate family therapy in their programs, which helps the loved ones of the addict to better understand why and how they became an alcoholic in the first place. It also plays a major role in helping to mend relationships that were broken.

There are also support groups available for families who have been affected by alcohol addiction.

Al- Anon is one of them, which offers understanding, support by sharing experiences of strength and hope with people who are in similar positions as themselves.

Al-Anon meetings are free, highly confidential and their main aim is to simply help families of problem drinkers.

Alcohol Addiction Help

We understand what families of alcoholic’s are going through and we would like to help. Alcohol addiction is a disease that will only get worse over time if it’s not dealt with immediately.

The best way to treat alcohol addiction is by getting professional help and the safest way to do this is to get into a rehab center, where patients will receive good quality medical care, therapy, counselling and education.