Getting clean and sober after battling addiction can be a second chance, if you take it seriously. In order for recovery to be a success, it’s best to treat it as a fresh start to life. Your old way of living life, of thinking and even communicating must be shifted and reevaluated to promote a more honest, healthier life, with stronger communication skills.

Struggling when you’re trying to talk to someone or communicate how you feel or why can be disheartening. Trying to learn to communicate in a way that maintains healthier relationships with the people around you can be even worse, especially if you’ve struggled with addiction for a long period of time. Addiction puts an incredible strain on those closest to the person, and communication between those in recovery and their families is often minimal. Trying to overcome bad habits can be like learning a new language.

 

There are a number of tools you can use to help build your communication skills, including:

 

  1. Give and take – If others listen to you and do their best to support you, it’s important to do the same in return. All relationships are a two way street, and the people in your life may need an ear just as badly as you do.
  2. Be assertive – Not to be mistaken for being pushy or manipulative, assertiveness is key positive communication. Have the confidence to say no when you need to, say what you mean and mean what you say, always.
  3. Honesty – Being honest and having trust with those around you go hand in hand. If you’re consistently honest with yourself and others, it’s simply easier over time to continue to do so. The more honest you are, the more you set yourself free.
  4. Be kind to yourself – We’re our own worst critics. If we’re constantly talking down on ourselves, we often encourage that kind of negativity from others, and allow it to root in our minds.

 

 

 

 

 

Communication skills are just part of the treatment curriculum offered in our 5-week treatment program at The Springboard Center. Serving the Permian Basin, our program is designed to provide families the best in mental health care and substance abuse recovery. Call us today for information: (432) 620-0255