For a lot of us, trust is a major issue. For some of us, we learned early that trusting someone only leads to disappointment and pain. Maybe it comes from childhood experiences. Maybe it stems from a relationship gone bad or trauma we endured as adults. Trust, a massive part of recovery, is also one of the hardest.

What is Trust and How Distrust Hurts Us

Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. As we grow, we learn that somethings and some people cannot be trusted. These are important lessons. Sometimes, things and sometimes, people, become untrustworthy. It’s simply a fact. Trust is a gift and a basic need but it is fragile. It involves risk.

When distrust takes over our lives, though, we can find ourselves in a lonely and dark world. Instead of building relationships, we try to dictate people’s behavior; disappointed we retreat and isolate.

Distrust is fear-based. There is nothing wrong with fear, or even distrust. There are situations in which fear and distrust keep us safe. Living with addiction, it’s important to not put ourselves in situations that lend themselves to relapse. On the other hand, in recovery, we have to trust that we can be strong and that there are people who can and will support us in our recovery.

Building Trust

Like everything else, it’s behavior that matters. We build trust a bit at a time. We build trust through courage. First, we have to take a leap of faith. We have to assume that people are not out to hurt us but mistakes happen. Secondly, we have to forgive, which is difficult if we have lived through trauma but if we cannot forgive we cannot move forward in life. Forgiveness is refusing to carry the weight of resentment. Third, we have to acknowledge that we are deserving of love and health. Often distrust grows out of a sense that we are not worthy.

If we feel the fear and face it. If we accept it and move through it we might be pleasantly surprised. By pushing through dread into success, we learn that the world is not out to get us, that there are people to whom we can turn for help to build healthy and genuine lives which then creates strength and joy.

If you are using substances to deal with a sense that the world is dangerous, that people are inherently trustworthy, there are people who can help. Fort Worth Recovery uses an integrated model of treatment, including Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address the way you think about the world and the people in your life. They can help you see things in a different light. They can help you find the relief you need. Call today at 844.332.1807.

FORT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Get Help Today!

You don’t have to face the journey of recovery by yourself. There are people out there ready to help with what you’re going through. Reach out to someone for support today.

Verify Your Insurance

If you’re covered by any major insurance provider, your treatment will most likely be covered. We guarantee to keep your personal details private.

Share this article:

Related Article

  • Person with high-functioning autism talking to a loved one at a cafe
    ABA Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health

    Signs of High-Functioning Autism

    Autism is a disorder that affects the way the brain […]

  • Group of people participating in a 12-step program for alcohol
    12-Step Program, Alcoholism, Recovery

    Do I Need 12-Step Program for Alcohol?

    While watching movies or television, especially during the past decade, […]

  • Man at work with a headache suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome
    Detox, Recovery, Withdrawal

    What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

    Recovery involves detoxing from drug and alcohol use, which may […]