Being in a relationship in recovery has its benefits and challenges. On one hand, you have someone to support and be supported by. On the other hand, you have a relationship to maintain while you’re going through a difficult period. You may feel irritable, anxious or restless, and that can understandably affect your words or actions with someone you love.

You might have additional issues to deal with, like a relationship breakdown or family dysfunction. You may have had to leave some relationships behind in order to recover. You may be facing underlying problems, like unresolved anger or resentment, that didn’t surface before you began treatment. Trouble with your family can be especially upsetting, and it can be a relapse risk. Positive social support — like a healing relationship with your partner or other loved ones — can help you.

Some people in recovery, as well as those receiving mental health treatment, have discussed common relationship challenges. In this article, you can find a few issues and tips to work through them. Moving forward is possible. ReKlame Health’s psychiatric nurse practitioners offer support.

Learn about a few common challenges

Some of the difficulties that you and the person you love might run into in recovery from substance use disorder include:

• Misconceptions about substance use disorder

Misunderstanding what you are going through may lead to miscommunications or disagreements. Internalized mental health stigma may contribute to this or keep you from speaking up. You may be able to get advice about this, information or resources from your treatment provider.

Your partner may learn and clear up misconceptions by talking to people with similar experiences. Recovering Couples Anonymous is tailored to this. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon and SMART Recovery Family & Friends offer support for people with a loved one in recovery.

• Misunderstandings of a recovering person’s needs

You might wonder about needs and boundaries. At home, how might you feel about your partner drinking? When you go out with your partner, what might they do? Do you need them to avoid drinking around you or keep certain substances out of the house?

Bringing these things up directly might be uncomfortable, but establishing what works for each of you may be worth it. You can make plans around specific people, places and things that might be triggering.

• Social isolation or disconnection

Recovery can be a demanding process that requires all your focus. When all your energy is devoted to moving forward in treatment, there may not be much left for your relationship. This can be challenging — but it might be temporary.

Meeting others in support groups may help you combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. As you make progress, you may build a stronger relationship with your partner. You may create a stronger connection, too. Your ability to connect may extend past this relationship to your relationships with friends and family members.

• Stigma or discrimination

Prejudice against people in minoritized groups can make recovery more difficult and strain a relationship, too. Sexual and gender minorities may find less support for themselves as well as their relationships due to homophobia, biphobia or transphobia. They often report higher psychological stress and a lower quality of life during recovery. People in multiple minoritized groups may face additional stressors due to intersectional discrimination. These stressors include trauma and isolation from their peers and community.

These disparities may require care from culturally competent, compassionate treatment providers. The professionals at ReKlame can center you, your needs and the resources you need to recover.

Build stronger connections in recovery

Your partner might be one of the most important people in your life, but they may not be the only person you care about. You may encounter a few challenges, perhaps similar ones, in relationships with your family members and friends. We’re here to support you through those challenges, too.

Your care team, consisting of a care navigator and psychiatric nurse practitioner, can help you:

• Develop relationship skills to create connections
• Set boundaries that foster healthier relationships
• Reintegrate in your relationships and community
• Overcome common barriers to mental health care

We offer confidential services virtually, so you don’t have to take time to travel to and from appointments. You don’t have to leave a place that is comfortable for you, either. You can rely on our team for support fully tailored to your needs.

Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.