Setting Healthy Boundaries When a Loved One Is Addicted

The Importance of Setting Boundaries With an Addicted Loved One 

When a family member or loved one struggles with an addiction, it’s important to implement strict yet realistic and respectable boundaries. To ensure an addict adheres to personal guidelines, you must set boundaries for relationships, friendships, coworkers, as well as with your significant other or partner. Boundaries are imperative as they set policies and limits for what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to obligations, actions, and ultimately, accountability.  

Your family and loved ones care deeply about you, your well-being, and ensuring you take charge of your addiction. 

Signs You Need to Set Boundaries  

When boundaries are not set, there are no explicit limitations, allowing you to lose yourself and your loved ones. This fundamentally bleeds into every other aspect of your life.  

Some of the signs that boundaries need to be set are: 

• You are very critical and quick to attack 
• Consistently bringing up the past 
• You make excuses for them (the addict) 
• Feel as though everything you say could result in a potential argument  
• The addict continually takes advantage of you 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Three Examples of Healthy Boundaries  

It’s time to establish healthy boundaries if you’d like to get respect as well as change. Communication is of utmost importance, so be sure to explain the rules thoroughly, so there is no questioning what is acceptable and what is not; it is made very clear. Be sure to mention and communicate the consequences and repercussions of breaking these rules. Some of the top ways in which you can set healthy and sensible boundaries that demand change are: 

1. A zero-tolerance rule for drugs or alcohol in the house or around the family/loved ones/partner/kids – Be very explicit on the rules regarding drugs and alcohol in the presence of others and accept nothing less.  
2. Friends who use drugs and alcohol are not permitted into the home – Be clear about who is and who is not allowed in the residence. If you know that someone close to the family is an active drug and alcohol abuser, be sure they know the rules of when they can enter the home under any circumstances. If it takes a police presence to truly drill in the reality of the situation, then do not fear calling authority to come and make their appearance. 
3. Do not be the ‘go-to’ person they call when they are in trouble – Establish that if the drug/alcohol abuser gets into trouble with the law and requires bail, they will not contact you. Individuals must take responsibility for their actions and face the consequences of their behavior.   

Family Therapy at WhiteSands 

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers family therapy to family members struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Addiction is considered a family disease which means that each member is affected by an individual’s addiction and substance abuse. By treating the entire family, there is consistency across the board, and everyone knows what their part entails when helping the individual who is struggling. When everyone remains on the same page and understands how to help this individual, the addict has a much better chance at attaining sobriety.  

The family ecosystem plays a pivotal role in change and is a critical support system for struggling individuals. Get in touch with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today and learn how family therapy can help you and your loved ones overcome and manage addiction within the family. With numerous locations throughout Florida, you can rest assured you and your family can access the best addiction treatment facilities in the state.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.