Setting boundaries goes two ways in recovery. One is for the individual who is in recovery ensuring that “people, places, and things” don’t threaten their sobriety and lead to a relapse. The other is for the family and close friends to set boundaries to ensure that their own health and mental well-being are kept intact.
Better Understanding Addiction And/or Mental Illness
Many people don’t realize how prevalent addiction is in the U.S. and around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Also, many people who struggle with addiction have issues with their mental health. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction And/or Mental Illness
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental illness are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are many universal signs and symptoms that one should look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Harming oneself or others
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Feeling excessively anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Having feelings of depression, including loneliness and hopelessness
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Struggling with lack of sleep, or sleeping too much (insomnia and hypersomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- Having suicidal ideations
Clearly, these are serious signs and symptoms, which is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is critical that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It is also critical that appropriate boundaries be set.
Setting Boundaries in Recovery
Now, setting boundaries in recovery can feel scary for both the individual and their loved ones. This is because the individual may feel as though they may turn loved ones away when they set the essential boundaries they need to stay sober.
Also, setting boundaries for family members can feel hard because they worry that they may upset a loved one when their sobriety is at its most tenuous. However, it is critical to remember that in both instances setting boundaries can be life or death matters.
Some boundary-setting for family members may include not letting a loved one into the home if they continue to use or drink. It may also include not allowing an individual near certain family members if they choose not to get help. For individuals in recovery, setting boundaries may include not allowing alcohol or substances in the home and ensuring that they have time to attend 12-Step meetings during the workday.
Setting Boundaries in Recovery and Other Means, Methods, and Modalities
Now, setting boundaries in recovery can also be an essential component of certain treatment modalities. This includes modalities like psychotherapy, experiential therapy, and holistic healing methods. Many people learn the importance of setting boundaries through the spiritual practice of yoga and meditation.
Meditation also offers a myriad of other benefits. According to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU),” During the process of meditation, accumulated stresses are removed, energy is increased, and health is positively affected overall. Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency.” Meditation can also give an individual the peace and serenity that is so often needed when setting boundaries.
Setting Boundaries With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in the importance of setting boundaries, which is why all of our treatment plans focus on helping our clients set appropriate boundaries, We also believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes,” which is why all of our plans are both individualized and comprehensive.
It is important to remember that recovery is all about the journey, never the destination. There is no better place to start that journey than at Lantana Recovery. Success is just over the horizon. We can help make it happen. The key is to ask for help and go out there and get it.
It is important to set boundaries in recovery. This is true for both the individual in recovery and for the loved ones around them. These boundaries may include not allowing a loved one in the home if they continue to drink and use. Setting boundaries can also help the family heal and help those struggling to avoid a potential relapse. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to do this alone. For more information about setting boundaries and other treatment options, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.