Trust

Why is trust important to recovery?

As alcoholics and addicts we needed the help of others to offer encouragement, support, guidance, and medical treatment to begin recovery from a substance use disorder. Seeking that help requires trust. As you work on your ongoing recovery and go to Twelve Step meetings, you may wonder how people will react and what they will think of you. Trusting your sponsor, your recovery group, and your Higher Power is integral to your recovery. Without trust in others, you’re on your own again. Trusting those with more recovery experience than you will help give you perspective and objectivity, especially in early recovery.

How can you build trust in relationships?

To build trust, start with a willingness to be honest. Tell another person your feelings and thoughts—even if it is difficult—and remember to be a good listener in return. Engage in heartfelt conversations and talk about what makes you happy, your goals and dreams. Go on outings and share your interests and hobbies with another person.

If you often feel anxious and find it difficult to trust new people, counseling may be beneficial for you. Sometimes incidents from our past can make us suspi­cious of others, unwilling to open ourselves up to hurt or rejection, and unable to trust. Group therapy may be especially helpful because you can hear and iden­tify with the stories of others, learn to be sympathetic, and become comfortable enough to admit your own struggles. Stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation, can also help to reduce the anxiety you may feel around others.