When we speak of boundaries as it relates to recovery from substance use disorder, we are referring to keeping your recovery safe and protected. Substance dependents have become highly sensitized to certain people, places and things that remind them of drug use, and trigger drug using thoughts. One of the ways to manage this is to set boundaries with people, places and things that are a threat to your recovery. Utilizing appropriate healthy recovery boundaries is empowering and helps you to gain control of your life again. Establishing boundaries does not mean being judgmental of what other people choose to do. It is about firmly saying no to people, places and things that could threaten your sobriety.
Here are some examples of recovery boundaries that may need to be set:
Drug abusing friends, dealers, drug abusing partners or spouses. Emotionally or physically abusive friends or family. Nightclubs, bars, drug houses and anywhere there is a high risk of drug abuse taking place.
Begin saying yes to a positive, healthy, recovery environment, and say no to negative influences and triggers.