Boundaries 101
What is a boundary?
A boundary is a limit we set to protect our physical, emotional, mental, or relational well-being.
Name one type of boundary.
Physical, emotional, time, financial, sexual, digital, or social.
What is a boundary violation?
When someone ignores, disrespects, or crosses a stated or implied limit.
What does assertive mean?
Expressing needs clearly, respectfully, and honestly without aggression or passivity.
Why are boundaries especially important in early recovery?
Vulnerability is high and triggers are harder to manage.
Name one reason boundaries are important.
They protect sobriety, reduce stress, prevent burnout, and help maintain healthy relationships.
What is an emotional boundary?
Limits around feelings - what emotions we take responsibility for and what belongs to others.
Give an example of a boundary being crossed.
Give an example of a boundary being crossed.
One difference between is assertive and aggressive communication?
Assertive is respectful; aggressive is forceful or disrespectful.
How can weak boundaries affect sobriety?
They increase exposure to triggers, stress, and enabling behaviors.
True or false: Boundaries are meant to control other peope.
False.
Give an example of a physical boundary?
Not allowing unwanted touch or needing personal space.
How can guilt make boundary-setting harder?
Guilt makes people prioritize others' comfort over their own needs.
Finish the sentence: "I feel ___ when ___ because __"
Any accurate emotion, situation, and reason.
One boundary with friends who still use substances?
Limiting contact, not attending using environments, or declining invitations.
What is one sign your boundaries are being crossed?
Feeling resentful, anxious, overwhelmed, guilty, angry or pressured.
What does a time boundary protect?
Our energy, schedule, priorities, and rest.
What is one red flag that doesn't respect boundaries?
They argue, guilt-trip, minimize, mock, or repeatedly ignore limits.
Why is saying "no" an important boundary skill?
It protects time, energy, safety, and recovery.
How do boundaries support self-respect?
They communicate that our needs and recovery matter.
What is the difference between a boundary and a rule?
Why are financial boundaries important in recovery?
Why do boundary violations increase relapse or emotional distresss?
They increase stress, resentment, emotional overwhelm, and coping through substances.
Role play: how would you assert a boundary with pressure?
Example: "I'm not comfortable with that, and I need to say no."
"I've already said no, and I need you to respect that."
What is one boundary you need to strengthen right now?
Personal reflection.