Communication is a critical component of your ability to achieve long-term recovery. If you are unable to express how you’re feeling with others effectively, then you put your progress at risk. Those who attend meetings know that sharing and interacting with a support network helps them stay clean and sober. They also know that if they keep their sentiments to themselves, then they could be setting themselves up for relapse.
At Hope By The Sea, we work with clients and their families to encourage effective communication. Many addicts and alcoholics are unable to be open and honest with their loved ones, which contributed to their problems with drugs and alcohol. Part of recovery is learning how to break through the barriers that prevent one from authenticity.
Clean and sober people often say: recovery is an honest program. Achieving continued progress after treatment rests on adopting communication skills and speaking genuinely. Being an effective communicator will not only help you stay sober, but it also helps in every aspect of life. Those who are not truthful with their support network are more likely to revert to old ways of thinking and behaviors.
Expressing your true feelings with your peers will allow you to find solutions to any problems that arise. Having honest conversations with your family will help you avoid resentments and relapse.
Recovery Teaches People How to Communicate
If you follow current events, then you may have read that Elton John recently celebrated 29 years clean and sober. The pop icon posted about his milestone on social media on July 29, 2019. On Instagram, the knighted musician wrote:
29 years ago today, I was a broken man. I finally summoned up the courage to say 3 words that would change my life: “I need help.” Thank-you to all the selfless people who have helped me on my journey through sobriety. I am eternally grateful.
A recent biopic, “Rocketman,” which hit theaters in May, delves into some of John’s struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction. His substance use took him to a dark place and almost cost him everything. Please take a moment to watch a brief interview about the film:
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Elton John shares that he struggled with communication for many years, which he believes stemmed from his upbringing. However, addiction recovery taught the artist how to deal with pitfalls and maintain relationships through effective communication.
“What I couldn’t do when I was an addict was communicate,” John told Variety, “except when I was on cocaine I thought I could but I talked rubbish. I have a confrontation problem which I don’t have anymore because I learned if you don’t communicate and you don’t talk about things then you’re never going to find a solution.”
Hope By The Sea Family Program
Addiction is a family disease; it affects everyone who loves someone who suffers from alcohol or substance use disorder. Experience shows us the family’s involvement aids that person’s recovery. At Hope By The Sea, we offer a Family Program to help. The three-day event involves educating, empowering, and supporting families.
Our team works with clients and their loved ones to develop better communications skills, which is essential for achieving long-term recovery. Please contact us today to learn more.
