Rebuilding Trust: A Step by Step Process

January 18,2013

For many addicts, the time before recovery can be rocky and very destructive. Friendships and other relationships can be demolished because of the terrible behavior substance addiction causes...

Rebuilding Trust: A Step by Step Process

For many addicts, the time before recovery can be rocky and very destructive. Friendships and other relationships can be demolished because of the terrible behavior substance addiction can drive people to display. Most often, trust is the first thing which is lost in many relationships; this is due to stealing, lying, cheating and/or irresponsibility. Since full blown addictions render people capable of nearly anything in order to get their next œquick fix, it can be hard to re-establish trust after everything is said and done.

The process of rebuilding trust starts with the recovering addict recovering trust in themselves. They must think carefully and reflect on their dark past to understand what their own actions and desires truly did to their credibility. It's important for a recovering drug or alcohol addict to reformulate their decision-making skills and rediscover the connection to their core.

After adequate time has passed, the individual will have recovered enough to trust themselves once again; it's only then that they can begin rebuilding trust with their loved ones. The process of gaining trust from others can be a long road, and it's often justified considering the abuse that many addictions bring onto loved ones.

The acronym set up as a guideline for recovering addicts is C.A.R.D. Credibility is the cornerstone of building trust. This means the lying stops and so do the excuses. Next is accountability; the addict learns to answer for their mistakes and future obligations. The ˜R' stands for responsibility. This part goes without saying as a ˜must have' for a recovering addict. They must display responsibility for themselves in re-establishing a functional life, but even more, they must fulfill the obligations they have to others to show that they can be trusted again. Last is dependability. A reliable person is a trust worthy one. This includes that a recovering addict show up on time, as expected without failing loved ones to fulfill promises and expectations.

These character traits can be interchangeable, and progress may come in a different order than C.A.R.D. However, whichever way this acronym is approached, at the end of the day each trait must be embodied in order to truly re-gain trust. Loved ones, friends and co-workers should display patience; give the recovering a few months to be sure that the precious trust (which they may or may not give back) is valid and deserved.

The darkest alleys of addiction can drive people to do unthinkable things and hurt those that are closest to them. The betrayal and pain can strike very close to home and has driven families apart in the past. With adequate assistance from an addiction recovering program, it is very possible to mend the breaks made throughout drug or alcohol addiction. It is very possible to re-establish the fragile yet invaluable trust that others have in each other. The process though, is different for everyone and cannot be rushed. It is a step by step project which requires a lot of demonstration from the recovering addict and patient understanding and forgiveness from loved ones. Once self-healing is underway and an addict can once again put faith in trusting themselves, then trust from others will soon follow with dedicated love and work.

______________________________________________________

For over ten years, Florida Center Addiction Recovery has offered a wide array of comprehensive treatment programs and services to those in need. Offering a unique blend of traditional and holistic methods, we provide our patients with the opportunity to develop life-management skills, relapse prevention techniques, and a better understanding of drug abuse and its harmful effects. Our treatment programs at Florida Center for Recovery are based on several components that are essential for every successful recovery:

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery

441

views

PDF Print Email Report

Contact

Florida Center for Recovery

800-960-5041

MARK KILLAR

Featured Sections