Some recovery addicts might notice that their ability to communicate isn’t as strong as it could be. Perhaps they don’t communicate with others when they need something, which is common in codependent relationships. They may feel uncomfortable to do so, perhaps feeling on some level that their needs don’t matter.
Some addicts may not communicate when something has gone awry in a relationship. They may have learned that it’s better to keep quiet.
Poor communication skills is commonly the case with those who grew up in families with addiction, or simply, those who grew up with addicts around. In fact, there may have been much that went unsaid despite the unhealthy circumstances.
For Instance, Those Who Grew up Around Addictionendured the Following
- Feeling disconnected or misunderstood by family and closest friends
- Feeling emotionally distant or numb
- Wanting to avoid people who used to be important to you
- Drinking alcohol more often or taking drugs
- Being constantly on edge or jumpy
- Feeling angry or irritable
- Having problems eating or sleeping
- Feeling hopeless
- Forgetting things often
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you normally enjoy
- Having difficulty living your usual life or just getting through the day
- Acting violently or being physically aggressive
Fortunately, when you’re in recovery, there’s a chance to change all that. There’s an opportunity to learn about yourself and about the ways that you might be contributing to your own unhappiness.
For instance, in recovery you’ll likely learn about healthy relationships and healthy ways to communicate. In fact, a person will likely develop better communication and relationship skills as a result of learning more about themselves.
Reasons to Learn How to Communicate in Healthy Ways in Recovery
- You might be experiencing cravings, which challenge your sobriety. Communicating that you’re experiencing a challenge can get help from others.
- You might notice that you’re slipping into a depression. Keeping it to yourself might only make things worse, jeopardize your sobriety, or even cause a relapse.
- You might begin to feel uncomfortable in your relationship, feeling old challenging feelings. Without communicating how you feel might affect your mental health and sobriety.
- You might have a hard time saying no to others and therefore get taken advantage of from time to time.
- You might have a hard time saying yes to others and therefore prevent experiencing the closeness you’re looking for.
- You might avoid speaking the truth about certain experiences because you want to avoid rejection or harm. However, often the truth, although it’s difficult can help a relationship not hurt it.
Learning how to communicate in healthy ways doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and practice. If you’re interested in learning healthy communication skills, you might find a mental health class on the subject in your neighborhood. Or you can call a mental health provider for assistance.