Learn about addiction and relationship issues, the signs of serious relationship problems, how to build a healthy relationship, and lots more.
Time and time again, research has proven the importance of relationships. In fact, healthy relationships make people live longer, cope with stress better, maintain better habits, and be more resistant to colds.1
Learn more about the benefits of healthy relationships below.
Because we are social beings, our interactions impact our mental, emotional, and physical health. As a result, healthy relationships increase people’s ability to maintain anxiety and fear, allowing them to manage and cope with stress better.
Compassion in relationships helps us control our emotions, quiet our primitive warning systems, and extend our periods of health. People discover that they may securely manage their anxieties, fears, goals, and dreams in good partnerships. This ability fosters connection, closeness, and a secure feeling that significantly affects emotional control and flexibility.
One study found that, over a ten-year period, greater involvement with formal social groups (e.g., religious organizations, charities, educational clubs), friends, and family members leads to more positive health behaviors.3
A sense of belonging, connection, and having the support of others all psychologically boost emotions of optimism and self-worth, which in turn increases happiness.
Healthy connections with family and friends can improve people’s quality of life and boost self-esteem. Individuals can build healthy relationships over time when focusing on the following:
Problems in relationships can occur due to a variety of different factors. The most common reasons and risk factors for relationship turmoil will be detailed below.
Addiction doesn’t only harm the individual with this chronic disorder; it also impacts all facets of their life, including relationships with family, friends, and partners. It can affect any relationship at different levels, romantic or platonic. One study found that marriages characterized by close relationships between partners are less associated with cocaine and heroin use.4
Relationships between those with an addiction and their loved ones can undergo a lot of stress, pain, and tension. For example, friends can feel frustrated for not knowing how to provide proper support, parents may feel helpless, and significant others may question why their partner engages in substance abuse. Fortunately, these connections and personal scars may be mended with time, counseling, and proper care.
It is normal for people to argue in relationships, but consistent arguments may lead to withdrawal. This will eventually lead to a communication gap between partners resulting in communication problems.
For romantic relationships, not making time for each other may lead to significant relationship issues in the long run. For example, some people could get so preoccupied with their jobs that they hardly have time to see their significant others. As a result, intimacy between partners can decline, causing hostility, disconnection, and detachment.
Money may cause issues in relationships. Money disputes frequently reflect power imbalances or relational concerns, as well as expectations and plans for the future.
Struggling over home chores in the family may impede family connection and cause relationship issues.
Trust issues and jealousy can quickly cause tension and problems in any type of relationship. The inability to trust a friend, family member, or partner can lead to arguments and increased stress.
Indications of serious relationship issues include:
It can be hard to decide when issues in a relationship are normal or indications that you should leave. Consider the factors below to help determine when to stay and when to leave a relationship.
You should continue if the good times exceed the bad in your relationship. Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions, it may signify that the relationship is going well.
Relationships are about giving to one another rather than taking; the best partnerships succeed when both partners contribute equally. Without equal contribution, the relationship may feel one-sided, causing hostility and tension. Furthermore, other red flags indicating you should leave a relationship include if your spouse or significant other ignores you, does not respect you, takes advantage of you, or verbally and/or physically abuses you.
It could be time to break up if you feel strongly that your partner no longer values you. Even while you can learn how to avoid conflicts, you might not be able to resolve the more serious issues caused by unhealthy communication.
Here are a few tips for building a healthy relationship:
If you or your partner struggles with substance misuse, and that is leading to problematic areas to develop within your relationship, it is important to utilize the resources available to you. At San Diego Detox, we can help you achieve and maintain long-term sobriety and wellness. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support today.
