Setting boundaries with someone in early recovery can be one of the hardest things to do. The boundary itself may be easy to make, but setting it and keeping it are the real challenges for most people. Whether you are a parent of a person in early recovery or your significant other is just getting sober, showing that you care for that person by setting a boundary can be a big part of helping someone in their own recovery.
Loved ones and family members who are close to newly recovering addicts and alcoholics may need to set a boundary for various reasons. For example, if someone you care for is currently in treatment and you want to make sure they understand some terms for when they are coming back into your life, then setting a boundary is probably best done right away.
1. Create a boundary that is clear
2. Make sure that everyone setting the boundary is on the same page.
3. Plan for the worst
4. Be firm with YOUR commitment
5. Boundaries can save lives
Boundaries can save YOUR life.
Remember that the boundary you are setting isn’t just for the person, but it is also for you. Maybe you have continued to allow a destructive pattern of behavior in your home or you are tired of feeling like there’s nothing you can do to help someone? Setting a boundary can bring relief to your life. It can also allow you to feel more at peace, because you are taking steps to help someone make a change.
The planning that may need to be done when setting and keeping boundaries will be what really makes the difference. Committing to a plan that has clearly been discussed with anyone that may also need to set a boundary will ensure that the boundary is being kept.