While your support network is vital, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of informal support. In some instances, seeking professional help may be necessary to address specific challenges or conflicts within your relationships. Professional therapists or counselors can provide guidance and facilitate healthy communication within your support network. If you’re struggling with conflicts or feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a professional who specializes in addiction recovery. Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards your support network is a powerful way to strengthen your relationships. Take the time to acknowledge and thank those who have been there for you during your recovery journey.
Identifying Compatible People for Your Support Network
When an addict has an “emergency”, it often means they are about to relapse. Addicts that have good support networks are able to rely on people within them to come to their aid in the event that they feel drug use or a return to drinking is imminent. Additionally, a person in recovery may be empowered and enlightened when another addict asks them for help when they feel like using. This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual.
You will reduce the chance of relapse
Beyond substance use, peer support groups offer unique advantages to engaging our historically difficult-to-engage populations. Using previous year relapse data to provide a comparison rate, Boisvert et al70 found significant reductions in relapse rates among participants in the peer support community programs. In addition, return to homelessness was dramatically sober network reduced by assisting participants in managing their recovery. Boisvert et al70 established and evaluated the effectiveness of a peer support community program. The peer support program was implemented by an occupational therapist and addiction professional following SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) recovery community model.
Consider Supportive Living Environments
To have the best chance for effectively recovering from addiction or substance abuse and remaining sober long-term, individuals should look for drug-free, stable housing that will support their recovery. You might prefer something like this, as opposed to “13th stepping,” which is what it’s called when people try to seek relationships at recovery meetings. Thirteenth stepping is generally frowned upon, as it’s viewed more as a predatory attempt to have sex rather than develop a relationship. But if a bond develops naturally at your home group, and you both have more than a year, then you might consider exploring that. You likely consider that person to be a part of your support network already. Just don’t rush into things and risk creating tensions within your home group if things go south.
There are lots of reasons that it’s important to have a social support network. Even if you don’t take part in organized religion, there are often groups within groups among these types of organizations. For instance, AA and NA 12 Step meetings are often held at churches or other spiritual gathering places.
- In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
- When facing addiction, having a strong support system can be a game-changer.
- You might meet someone with thirty years of sober living behind them, and yet sometimes that person will have a worse attitude than someone with only a third as much experience.
- It may take time, but trust and understanding can be rebuilt with proper communication and shared efforts.
- Some residences are free to the residents because they are government-funded or run by nonprofit organizations.
For many people, this involves accepting and apologizing for unethical behavior such as lying, deceiving, or even stealing. No matter which recovery group you choose to go with, one of the most important things to do is to build new connections. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/writing-a-goodbye-letter-to-alcohol/ What’s more, you need to make sure that you are getting your information from a solid, reliable source. Not all information related to addiction and recovery is created equal, and some of it is simply untrue and unhelpful.
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