Is a Toxic Relationship Secretly Fueling Your Addiction?

If you are dealing with substance abuse issues, you are probably aware of the common triggers that increase your cravings – things like being in social situations where drugs and alcohol are present and emotional issues like anxiety and depression.

But, did you know that your significant other can potentially cause you to relapse? Toxic relationships – ones fueled by jealously, resentment and control – can increase your risk of using and abusing in an attempt to avoid reality and numb the painful emotions.

While it is normal to experience a few bumps on the road in any relationship, toxic relationships are very different in that the chronic “bad times” actually threaten your physical and mental well-being. If you on a path to recovery from a lifetime of addiction, take a few moments to inventory your current relationship to see if it is helping, or harming your sobriety.

3 Symptoms of Toxic Relationships 

(1) There is a cloud of jealousy and suspicion. Solid, healthy relationships are built on trust and faith in the other person. On the other hand, toxic relationships are often shrouded in distrust, lies and deceit. Does your partner often demand to see your phone or hack into your email?

(2) Excessive criticism. Does your partner find fault in everything you do? One hallmark of a healthy relationship is that you work to support each other using healthy forms of communication. In contrast, toxic relationships do quite the opposite – one or both partners feel like the other person consistently puts them down and erodes their self-esteem.

(3) Professional success and personal growth are frowned upon. One of the best parts of being in a healthy relationship is that you have someone to help you celebrate your accomplishments like achieving a weight-loss goal or getting that big promotion at work. In toxic relationships, partners often intentionally manipulate the other person by withholding praise and support. Does your partner regularly celebrate your success – or remain silent?

No relationship is perfect – it’s a given that you will both experience emotional highs and lows from time to time. But, it’s important to take a step back and reflect to see if your relationship is creating a barrier to achieving lasting sobriety. If so, it’s important to seek help from licensed addiction recovery support specialists that also offer comprehensive family and relationship counseling as part of their overall treatment.

Find Lasting Addiction Recovery and Healthier Relationships

At Rising Roads Recovery, we help women overcome their addiction issues and learn important communication skills and conflict resolution strategies to help build healthier relationships. Start your healthy life today by calling us at (866) 746-1558.