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26 May 2021

Letting Go of Toxic Friends During Recovery

Addiction recovery can be an exciting and arduous journey. Cutting ties and avoiding toxic relationships can mean the difference between recovery and relapse.

Long-term sobriety is key for beating addiction. However, even after treatment and rehabilitation, the risk of relapse is high. 

In order to avoid it, it's crucial that you carefully curate the best environment for your recovery. Letting go of toxic friends is an important part of that. In this post, we'll tell you how to do it. 

5 Tips for Letting Go of Toxic Friends

How do you walk away from friendships that are bad for you? Read on to find out 

1. Identify Toxic Relationships

The first step to getting rid of toxic friends is to learn to spot them. But what exactly is a toxic friend? Here are the most common characteristics to look out for:

  • They bully you under the guise of friendship
  • You don't trust them
  • Your friendship is one-sided
  • They only contact you when they need or want something from you
  • They gossip constantly
  • They're not there when you need them

If any of your so-called friends are exhibiting these signs, it's time to let them go. 

2. Remove Drama and Negativity

We can sense negativity in people and places around us, as long as we're paying attention to it. When you do, you may start to realize how toxic some of your friends can be. For example, spending time with dramatic people may have been fun before, but it can become exhausting.

Everything is exaggerated, and nothing is ever easy. These people will drag you down. Remove any unnecessary stress and drama by cutting ties with them. 

3. Stop Seeking Validation

Sometimes, we keep in contact with people because we seek some kind of validation from them. That can be a lost cause.

You don't need anyone else approval or permission to move forward with your life. Seek it from yourself only, and you won't have to rely on others.  

4. Find New Places to Hang Out

In order to completely let go of toxic friends, you may need to avoid certain places altogether. The places in which your alcohol or drug abuse would occur can trigger a relapse if you revisit. While you're in these spaces, you can find yourself surrounded by toxicity and temptation, and this can be overwhelming.

To aid your recovery, stop going back to these places and find more positive spaces in which to spend your time. 

5. Prioritize Your Own Healing

You can't control the behaviors of others. The only thing you can control is your reaction to them, so instead of trying to change people, work on yourself instead. While it can be painful to let friendships go, it's a crucial part of the recovery process. Remember that your healing is the main goal, and that has to come first. 

Get a Fresh Start

Letting go of toxic friends is one of the best ways to ensure your environment facilitates your recovery. However, there's more to it than that.

At Fresh Start Sober Living, we know that. That's why we provide safe, affordable housing for those who are struggling with addiction.

To find out what we can do for you, contact us to talk to one of our specialists.


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