When it comes to addiction and recovery, there are a lot of things that go into getting and staying sober. One of the most important things you can do for yourself during the healing process is to learn how to set healthy boundaries. This blog post will discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries for women in recovery.
What are Boundaries?
Setting healthy boundaries is essential to addiction recovery, but what exactly are boundaries? Boundaries are defined as “the line between what is acceptable and what is not.” In other words, boundaries are like a fence you put around yourself to protect yourself from harm. It can be tough to say no, but it is crucial for your mental health and sobriety. Setting healthy boundaries will help you protect yourself from people and situations that could set you off course in your recovery journey.
When you are in recovery, being honest with yourself about your limits is vital. This means you need to be clear about what you are and are not comfortable with by communicating in both words and actions.
Different Types of Boundaries
There are many different types of boundaries you can set in recovery. You may need to set healthy boundaries with your family and friends, as well as with your job or school. You may also need to set boundaries around your own thoughts and emotions. Instead of being controlled by your thoughts, you can learn how to manage your thoughts in a healthy way. These techniques and skills are often part of a residential treatment program, allowing you to learn and practice them in a safe environment.
Emotional Boundaries
In order to establish emotional boundaries, it is important to understand that you are responsible for your own feelings and that you are not responsible for others’ feelings. Essentially, you cannot be “made” to feel any particular way. You choose how you feel or react to something just as others choose how they feel or react.
By asserting emotional boundaries, you are protecting yourself from the emotions of others..
Mental Boundaries
Your mind is yours to control, and you decide what information you allow in. For instance, if reading the news upsets you, you can choose not to read it, or if someone is mentally abusing you, you can walk away.
The choice to share your thoughts, opinions, or beliefs is yours. The contents of your mind cannot be seen by anyone. Furthermore, you are not required to listen to the thoughts, opinions, or beliefs of others. Your thoughts are yours to protect and you are not required to share your thoughts if you are not comfortable doing so.
Physical Boundaries
Physical boundaries include your body and what you are comfortable with. You are entitled to your space, safety, and privacy. You have the right to feel comfortable within the invisible boundary line surrounding your physical body. Handshakes may be preferred over hugs, for example.
Physical boundaries are unique to everyone. As you would like others to respect your space, respect theirs as well. Another person may not be comfortable with what you are comfortable with.
Spiritual Boundaries
The practice of spiritual boundaries promotes your spiritual well-being. It is inevitable that people will try to challenge your ideology or insult your religious beliefs. Spiritual boundaries are yours to protect. The spirituality you hold is personal, and you do not have to explain your beliefs to anyone else.
Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries
Be assertive in your communication.
Be clear and direct when communicating with others. It is essential, to be honest about your needs and wants. If you feel overwhelmed, tell the person you are talking to if you are comfortable. Feel free to limit what you are willing to do or discuss.
Seek support from others in recovery.
It can be helpful to talk to others who are in recovery. They can understand what you are going through and offer support. There are many online and in-person support groups available. You can also continue working with a therapist or counselor once you leave residential treatment.
It is important to remember that boundaries are not static and may need to be adjusted as your recovery progresses. This process is normal and expected. As you grow in recovery, you will likely find that your boundaries need to change. So, if you find that a boundary is no longer working for you, don’t be afraid to adjust it.
If you are struggling to set healthy boundaries, there is help available. You can talk to your therapist or counselor about boundary setting. If you are struggling with addiction, setting healthy boundaries is an essential step in your recovery.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety.
For more information about the stages of alcoholism in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 866-952-5532.
