Communication
This term refers to the exchange of information, emotions, thoughts, and needs between people.
What is communication?
When stressed, some people do this; withdrawing or shutting down instead of expressing themselves.
What is avoiding communication?
This painful emotion from past behaviors can create walls that make openness difficult.
What is shame?
These “invisible lines” define what is acceptable and protect your well-being.
What are boundaries?
Depression may cause this communication pattern, making it hard to express needs.
What is withdrawal?
Communication is described as this type of process, meaning it involves both giving and receiving.
What is two-way process?
This communication style involves being unclear or indirect about needs and feelings.
What is passive communication?
People may withhold feelings because they fear this — being misunderstood or criticized.
What is judgment?
Saying “I can listen, but I can’t fix this for you” is an example of this type of boundary.
What is an emotional boundary?
Anxiety can make people fear speaking up, leading to this communication barrier.
What is fear of expression or fear of communicating?
Open communication helps reduce this emotional state that often leads to isolation in recovery.
What is loneliness?
Effective listening requires managing these internal reactions, such as judgment or emotional triggers.
What are distractions or emotional reactions?
Feeling “not good enough” can weaken this essential ability to speak up for oneself.
What is self-advocacy?
Protecting your meeting schedule is an example of this type of boundary.
What is a time boundary?
PTSD can cause hypervigilance and emotional reactivity, which often leads to this interpersonal problem.
What is miscommunication?
Talking openly about struggles promotes this quality, which reduces secrecy and supports recovery.
What is accountability?
Many people in recovery notice this type of change in their communication; sometimes progress, sometimes setbacks.
What is growth or evolution in communication?
Trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn can interfere with this interpersonal skill.
What is healthy communication?
Saying “I don’t feel safe talking when I’m being yelled at” is an example of this boundary category.
What is a communication boundary?
Many people used substances to numb emotions they didn’t feel safe enough to do this with.
What is communicate or talk about them?
Honest communication helps process these three difficult emotional experiences often tied to substance use history.
What are trauma, grief, and shame?
This skill involves expressing needs, limits, and feelings clearly and respectfully.
What is assertive communication?
Emotional dysregulation — intense anger, fear, or sadness — can impair this ability to communicate thoughtfully.
What is emotional regulation?
Boundaries help prevent burnout, resentment, and triggers; all of which support this major recovery goal.
What is relapse prevention?
Managing dual diagnoses requires this essential skill — expressing needs around therapy, medication, and support.
What is self-advocacy?