Why Having a Sober Support Network is Vital to Recovery
However, many people do not recognize this until they have a chance to connect with those who have already overcome an addiction. One of the easiest ways to do this is to build a healthy support network and to open up about your past experiences. During a life of addiction, many people may unwittingly damage their personal relationships. Whether it’s their relationship with family members, friends, or romantic partners, addiction is known to wreak havoc on interpersonal connections. Unfortunately, it can sometimes seem challenging to build a support network.
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Remember, building and maintaining relationships is an ongoing process. It requires effort, open communication, and a willingness to sober network support and be supported. By showing appreciation and gratitude, offering support and encouragement, and seeking professional help if needed, you can nurture and maintain the relationships that are crucial to your recovery journey. Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards your support network is a powerful way to strengthen your relationships.
Overcoming Challenges in Building Relationships
Substance abuse and addiction treatment programs focus on several primary goals, one of which is helping those in recovery establish a health recovery support network. Whether you participate in an inpatient or outpatient program, attending peer support groups, group therapy, and other supportive treatment modalities can be a big part of your ongoing treatment regimen. Once you leave treatment, the support network should still be in place and will also evolve to ensure a sober transition and long-term recovery. They provide individuals with emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Building healthy relationships can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany the recovery journey. By connecting with others who have similar experiences, individuals in recovery can gain a sense of validation, understanding, and inspiration.
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Reach out to people you meet in meetings, coordinate a gathering of sober friends, or consider sponsoring another person in recovery. By supporting other people, you’ll be more likely to utilize the support network yourself—and you’ll make it stronger for others too. In the past, people thought of addiction recovery as a matter of pulling yourself together or toughening up in the face of challenges. However, social bonds are critical when it comes to reducing stress, increasing feelings of belonging, and boosting your quality of life. Shifting your mindset and changing your attitude are essential for recovery but can be challenging. The perfect support system looks a little different for everyone, depending on a range of factors.
- Isolation can adversely affect mental health; thus, support networks serve as a counterbalance.
- Unfortunately, it can sometimes seem challenging to build a support network.
- But knowing these effects gives you a certain level of control over them.
- If you are in recovery, reach out to the Archstone Behavioral Health team to learn more about our support programs.
- You want someone who will take your calls when you are struggling, and who has a generally positive enough outlook to guide you through your periods of darkness.
- Most likely, they would be excited to meet someone who is engaging in one of their favorite hobbies in an attempt to remain sober.
Some people may find the religious language at the core of AA and NA alienating. When it comes to support systems specifically designed for those in recovery, there are several types and options to explore. This is why a healthy support system during recovery can make a world of difference. According to a 2010 article published by the American Psychiatric Association, research indicates that substance use — among other health habits — may “spread” through social networks.
- Balancing practical and emotional support is essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges of addiction recovery.
- Honest communication with trusted friends or family members can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are common during recovery.
- Studies have consistently shown that social support not only improves mental health outcomes but also provides a sense of meaning and purpose in life 1.
- If you or a loved one are suffering from drug and alcohol substance use disorder.
Engagement to treatment
The term “California sober” is gaining popularity among people struggling with substance use disorders. You need to identify someone that you feel you can trust, someone you respect. But once it’s over, you’ll realize that it was only as difficult as you made it. You know where to find them, where not to find them, and what kind of person you need to be if you want to benefit their support network. This is the part that will come easier for some, but for others will take all of the might and courage they have at their disposal.
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Building a sober support network can be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake assessment. Living with an active drug and alcohol addiction can be isolating and lonely. Working through recovery often means giving up unhealthy relationships.
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Whether it’s through family members, friends, or support groups, the positive influence of a strong emotional support system can transform one’s recovery journey, leading to improved mental health outcomes. Informal support systems also perform complementary functions that enhance the efficacy of professional treatment. Social ties can influence health outcomes through various pathways, including behavioral, psychosocial, and physiological mechanisms. For instance, strong social relationships may lead to healthier behaviors, improved emotional well-being, and better physiological responses to stress 1.
Feasibility and acceptance data in the domains of patient interest, safety, and satisfaction were promising. In addition, mentees significantly reduced their alcohol and drug use from baseline to termination and the majority of mentors sustained abstinence. Fidelity measures indicated that mentors adhered to the delivery of treatment. Sober living houses are alcohol- and drug-free living environments for a group of peers in recovery.