One common recommendation for people in addiction recovery is to avoid an intimate relationship with someone else in recovery. How would you explain the importance of this to a patient?
Many healthcare providers say that the choice of addiction patients to establish new relationships with other addicts is, in a way, a 'comfort zone' for them. While some people feel that establishing a support system with people who have had the same experiences can be beneficial, research indicates that this could lead to an increased chance of relapse because those, especially in early recovery, are still learning coping mechanisms to help prevent relapse. The interviewer wants to know that you are able to understand and be able to educate patients on how to associate with people who will be a strength to them during this critical time in their lives and on ways to make healthy decisions regarding their support system and relationships so that the patient can increase his chances of staying clean and sober.
"I think it is important for my patients to understand how to make healthy choices regarding their relationships. If I were to explain the rationale behind not having an intimate relationship with someone else who is suffering from addiction ,I would begin by telling my patient that in the early stages of recovery, the main focus should be on self. This means self-awareness, such as triggers that may cause a desire or a feeling of 'need' to relapse and how to avoid them. In early recovery, patients should be educated on why it is important to avoid establishing any new intimate relationship."
"I believe when educating a patient regarding intimate relationships, it is important for the patient to realize that relationships take work. For an addict, recovery has ups and downs. I would explain to my patient that, although friendships are good, relationships (intimate or not) should be built with people who can offer them strength and encouragement during their recovery rather than people who are suffering with addiction, who may not be as helpful in stress times."
"The best way I have learned to educate addiction patients on this is to explain to them that recovery from addiction is like recovering from an abusive relationship. It takes time and hard work, and when other things are thrown into the mix it often creates more turmoil and frustration. I like to encourage my patients to take time for themselves and to learn to love themselves again. It is a process, a lifelong process. In time, other people can be added in the mix, but careful consideration should be given to when and who should be allowed in an addict's circle."
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