Loving relationships can deliver powerful emotions. The chemicals of dependency that come from our romantic relationships can often mimic the feelings of an addiction high. While this may seem like an appropriate replacement for substance abuse, it can be a dangerous game when we place all of our happiness on our partner. This article discusses the importance of building confidence and reliance on oneself before diving into a relationship following addiction recovery.
Defining an Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is defined as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” When we do something that we like, our brain releases chemicals that give us a warm, fuzzy feeling. Addiction causes a bigger dose of these chemicals to flood the system. This causes cravings to become stronger and stronger.
When discussing addiction, it’s crucial to realize that it can come in various guises such as drugs, drinking, gambling, and even romantic connections. When the latter is the case, we can become reliant on our significant others for support, security, and approval. This sort of dependency can be as damaging as substance abuse. Addiction is any repeated conduct that leads to unfavorable repercussions. This can look like a lack of funds, health problems, or emotional abuse.
Defining a Relationship
A relationship is a strong connection between two or more people. It’s an emotional bond that is created over time and can be based on friendship, reciprocal attraction, or similar hobbies. Relationships are based on mutual trust and respect for one another while employing strong empathy. In stable relationships, each person supports the other, and both sides feel comfortable sharing what’s on their minds. Relationships are supposed to bring happiness and dependability to our lives.
However, many relationships are not marked by these traits. Many bonds are created on a foundation such as manipulation, lying, or cheating. If we are feeling worried and anxious about our partner, this is a red flag. It is our body’s way of communicating its lack of safety. This should not be ignored. According to Health Psychology Research, the cycle of abuse that can occur in unhealthy relationships teaches the recipient to be helpless. Similarly, with substance abuse, we can become vulnerable and helpless in relation to our cravings.
The Similarities Between Addictions and Relationships
Addictions and relationships both give us a major high that feels euphoric. Similarly, we can become addicted to them in the same way. They both take us out of our comfort zone and make us feel both giddy and nervous at the same time, which is why they’re so hard to resist. Sometimes we’re looking for something to fill a void, like feeling alone or not feeling confident. That’s when we might turn to either an addiction or a relationship. However, if we get too wrapped up in either of them, they can quickly become toxic and make us feel like we can’t live without them. This is unhealthy for both our minds and bodies.
Replacing Substance Addiction With Relationship Addiction
It’s easy to turn to a romantic fling to fill the void left by an addiction we no longer engage in. We may be receiving the same endorphin rush and need for escape from life. However, not all relationships are the same, and if we try to use one to replace a drug habit, this can go wrong in major ways.
One thing we need to ensure is that we are healing independently. It is important to seek help for our addiction without any relationship ties. This is both for our benefit and for the potential partner we might have. Before starting a relationship, we must already be in a healthy place mentally and emotionally. Without that stability, we can easily endanger ourselves emotionally.
To commit to a relationship in a healthy way, we have to be game for more than just emotionally connecting with someone. A good relationship is built on trust, communication, respect, mutual understanding, and support. All of these things don’t just happen. Instead, they require time and effort to develop and maintain. On the other hand, addiction is almost always about getting locked in on one thing, usually something external, to feel complete. We must discard that habit when engaging in a relationship.
If You Aren’t Ready
There is no shame in not being ready for a relationship. It is commendable to better yourself before you develop strong ties with anyone else. If you’re struggling with addiction, please reach out to us at First Steps Recovery. We want to equip you with the tools to become a strong individual. Our staff members understand what it means to feel unstable and turbulent. We want you to not only find your footing but also find your happiness again, apart from any other dependence.
Often when we leave an addiction behind, we want to plunge into romantic relationships to fill that void. However, relationships can also be addictive and destructive to our lives as well. It is important to address the deeper causes of addiction to prevent transferring this behavior to new relationships. Addiction treatment is not only striking at the heart of the individual’s pain, but it is aiming to address the effects on those around them. At First Steps Recovery, we take into account all of the addictions you may be facing. We want you to gain your happiness again, free from the worries of substance abuse. For more information, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
Often when we leave an addiction behind, we want to plunge into romantic relationships to fill that void. However, relationships can also be addictive and destructive to our lives as well. It is important to address the deeper causes of addiction to prevent transferring this behavior to new relationships. Addiction treatment is not only striking at the heart of the individual’s pain, but it is aiming to address the effects on those around them. At First Steps Recovery, we take into account all of the addictions you may be facing. We want you to gain your happiness again, free from the worries of substance abuse. For more information, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
