There could be several reasons why your family is still treating you like an addict, even if you believe you have made positive changes or progress in your life. Some possible reasons include:
Previous behaviors: If you had a history of addiction, your family may still be cautious and hesitant to fully trust that you have overcome your addiction, especially if they have witnessed relapses or problematic behaviors in the past.
Fear of relapse: Addiction is a chronic disease, and the fear of relapse is common among family members. Even if you have been in recovery for a while, your family might worry about the possibility of a relapse and may want to remain vigilant to offer support if needed.
Lack of trust: Rebuilding trust can take time, especially if your addiction caused significant strain on your relationships with family members. Trust is a crucial component of any relationship, and it might take time to regain their confidence in your commitment to sobriety.
Enabling patterns: Sometimes, family members unknowingly enable addictive behaviors by being overly protective or accommodating. When you make positive changes, it might disrupt the enabling dynamic, and they may struggle to adjust to the new dynamic.
Stigma and misconceptions: Society often stigmatizes addiction, which can lead to misconceptions about recovery and the capacity for individuals to change. Your family might still harbor some of these stigmas and misunderstandings, affecting their perception of your progress.
Emotional wounds: Addiction can cause emotional wounds for both the individual and their loved ones. Your family members might still be healing from the pain caused by your past actions and may need time and support to work through their feelings.
Lack of awareness or education: Some family members might not fully understand addiction as a disease or how recovery works. Education about addiction and recovery can help dispel misconceptions and facilitate better communication.
If you feel that your family's treatment of you as an addict is hindering your progress or causing distress, consider having an open and honest conversation with them. Express your feelings, share your progress, and let them know how their support can positively impact your recovery. Additionally, family therapy or support groups can be beneficial in helping both you and your family members navigate the challenges of recovery and rebuild trust and understanding.