Teens and adolescents are still learning what it means to set boundaries. That’s why peer pressure is so effective. Those struggling with substance use disorders may have a tough time avoiding bad influences. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, your son learns to set addiction recovery boundaries against alcohol and drug use triggers. For more information about how our treatment programs can help your son, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.
What Are Addiction Recovery Boundaries?
Here are the different boundaries needed to reduce triggers and prevent relapse:
- Family: It’s essential to set up boundaries with family members, primarily if they use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Friends: You may have to set boundaries with your son’s friends. He may have to give up friends who still use drugs or alcohol.
- Social activities: Some activities can trigger alcohol and drug use. Your son should avoid social situations such as parties, clubs, and events that jeopardize his recovery.
- Work: Staying busy can help your son maintain balance and keep his mind off alcohol and drugs. This boundary could include getting a part-time job or focusing on schoolwork. Volunteer work is another excellent option that the whole family can support.
- Significant other: If your son has a partner who still uses drugs or alcohol, he may have to end the relationship to support his recovery.
- Yourself: Your son will have to re-establish his beliefs and values to avoid a relapse.
How to Set Boundaries
After setting boundaries, it’s crucial to maintain all of them to prevent a relapse. Here are some tips that can help you encourage your son’s addiction recovery:
- Identify the motive behind each boundary.
- Communicate the boundary to others.
- Recognize when someone crosses a boundary.
- Remove your son from situations and people that cross boundaries.
- Try to maintain boundaries.
Examples of Healthy Boundaries
Immediate boundaries include removing your son from abusive situations. If a family member or friend has a history of verbal or physical abuse, keep them away from your son at all costs. Additionally, your son must learn to trust his instincts when it comes to avoiding substance abuse triggers.
Here are a few of the usual signals that it’s time to walk away from a situation:
- Your stomach ties into knots.
- You feel resentful, hurt, or angry.
- You feel confused or manipulated.
- Someone triggers feelings of resentment.
Setting Addiction Recovery Boundaries in Relationships
Everyone has a unique set of triggers and people they should avoid. This avoidance may prove the most challenging task in addiction recovery.
Here are a few examples of how to set boundaries in personal relationships:
- If someone you care about asks you to lie for them, that compromises your values. Refuse the request and consider whether it’s worthwhile to maintain a risky friendship
- If you have a loved one in recovery and they begin to use drugs or alcohol, keep your son away from them.
- Your son is in addiction recovery, and friends invite you over for a barbeque. You may want to avoid any events that include alcoholic beverages.
If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, keep a handy excuse for an early exit. You can choose to provide a more detailed explanation when you feel healthier. In any case, your recovery has to take priority over everything.
Adolescent Recovery Center in North Carolina
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery provides addiction recovery services for adolescent and teen boys. Our adolescent treatment center includes dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring issues. We use a variety of traditional and holistic treatment approaches based on proven addiction recovery methods.
Our services include the following treatment options:
To learn more about addiction recovery boundaries, or learn more about our services, reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Contact us at 866.300.5275, or contact us online to talk to a recovery specialist today.
