The good news is you are clean and sober. The bad news is that your past drug use left a trail of terrible decisions and broken trust. Earning back the trust of friends and family will take time. Your own actions can help the process along.
Be Truthful: While you were on drugs you probably lied to people. Whether the lies were about money, your drug use, what you had for lunch or something else, if dishonesty became a part of your daily routine, people no longer trust you to be honest. You can correct this by being truthful now. If lying has become a habit for you, pause for a couple of seconds before you respond to any questions. Make sure you tell the truth in all conversations. Being honest about the small things in everyday life will show people you aren't going to lie to them about the big things again and this begins to rebuild their trust.
Keep Your Word: A big issue with drug use is promising the sun, moon and stars to get what you want and then failing to follow through on your promises. Start keeping promises today. When you give your word, stand by it. Whether it’s a simple promise related to a task like doing the dishes, or a complicated one like building a tree house, do what you say you are going to do. It won't be long before people start counting on you again, and this reliance builds their trust in you.
Watch Your Actions: Back in your drug days, you probably did some things that were not very nice. Perhaps you stole money, belongings or prescriptions. That set the stage for mistrust. Make sure your actions now are beyond reproach. It goes beyond not stealing. That is a given. Make an effort to ensure that you are never in a “position for suspicion.” For example, don't be alone in a room with purses and wallets. When you use the restroom in someone's house, get your business done quickly and don't linger in the bathroom. After some time has passed, you can relax knowing you have earned the trust back of friends and family members and they will no longer worry about having their valuables within your reach.
Be Patient: Have you ever heard the weight loss saying, “it took you more than a day to gain it, don't expect to lose it in a day?” Rebuilding trust works the same way. It took awhile for people to stop trusting you. Now it is going to take time for people to relax and believe that you have returned to your trustworthy, honest self. With everything you do, know that you are one step closer to regaining that trust and when they are ready, the walls will come down for good.
Be Truthful: While you were on drugs you probably lied to people. Whether the lies were about money, your drug use, what you had for lunch or something else, if dishonesty became a part of your daily routine, people no longer trust you to be honest. You can correct this by being truthful now. If lying has become a habit for you, pause for a couple of seconds before you respond to any questions. Make sure you tell the truth in all conversations. Being honest about the small things in everyday life will show people you aren't going to lie to them about the big things again and this begins to rebuild their trust.
Keep Your Word: A big issue with drug use is promising the sun, moon and stars to get what you want and then failing to follow through on your promises. Start keeping promises today. When you give your word, stand by it. Whether it’s a simple promise related to a task like doing the dishes, or a complicated one like building a tree house, do what you say you are going to do. It won't be long before people start counting on you again, and this reliance builds their trust in you.
Watch Your Actions: Back in your drug days, you probably did some things that were not very nice. Perhaps you stole money, belongings or prescriptions. That set the stage for mistrust. Make sure your actions now are beyond reproach. It goes beyond not stealing. That is a given. Make an effort to ensure that you are never in a “position for suspicion.” For example, don't be alone in a room with purses and wallets. When you use the restroom in someone's house, get your business done quickly and don't linger in the bathroom. After some time has passed, you can relax knowing you have earned the trust back of friends and family members and they will no longer worry about having their valuables within your reach.
Be Patient: Have you ever heard the weight loss saying, “it took you more than a day to gain it, don't expect to lose it in a day?” Rebuilding trust works the same way. It took awhile for people to stop trusting you. Now it is going to take time for people to relax and believe that you have returned to your trustworthy, honest self. With everything you do, know that you are one step closer to regaining that trust and when they are ready, the walls will come down for good.
