Every stage of recovery from drug abuse and alcoholism brings forth new challenges. One of the biggest obstacles for people battling substance abuse is building a strong support system. Without this, the journey to sobriety can be very lonely. On the other hand, a solid support system can help avoid relapse and promote overall well being, empowering a person to lead a healthy, productive life.
But the truth is, drug addiction can isolate you from family and friends, making it difficult to build a positive support system, one that will help you stay focused on recovery. A recovery coach can help you overcome these barriers and develop a strong support system for drug abuse.
If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation during recovery or you want help for your son or daughter, here are some tips on developing a strong support network during drug and alcohol treatment.
Know Who to Count On
The transition from using drugs and alcohol to sober living is a difficult one. You will be tempted to go back to your old life with your former crowd. But to remain on a positive path of recovery, you may need to distance yourself from some people. The only people you should count on during recovery should be those who care about you and are invested in your future. They should be reliable, accountable, and available. And most importantly, they should be clean and sober (for at least as long as you have been). If you cannot find someone among your family and friends, a recovery coach ticks all the boxes.
Understand What Kind of Support You Need
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things recovering addicts have to do. Because of the stigma associated with drug abuse and alcoholism, talking about your addiction can be overwhelming. But to make a successful recovery, you have to identify what help you need and ask for it. Some people require emotional support, while others need help finding a job. Your support network should ideally include multiple people so that you can count on them in different situations. It may help to make a list of your network and write against their names the challenges they can help you with.
Rebuild Relationships
It is not uncommon for there to be a complete breakdown in communications with close family members when someone is using drugs or drinking excessively. For example, a family intervention can leave a recovering addict feeling betrayed and isolated. Friends and family members can be deeply hurt by the actions of someone with an addiction. But here’s the thing – close friends and family members are more likely than anyone else to come through for you. There may be some rough issues to work through, and the healing can take time, but do not discount the most important relationships in your life. Family therapy sessions can help, as can a recovery coach who offers structured family recovery or family drug help.
Find Mutual Support Groups
Mutual support groups and 12-step meetings like AA and NA can be an extremely valuable part of your recovery. These groups offer addiction help by giving you somewhere to go when you’re vulnerable. They area place where you can meet people who are facing similar challenges as you and learn from them. This kind of support system can be instrumental in helping you stay sober for the long-term. Finding a sponsor can also be a key step in overcoming the challenges of recovery.
Take a Class
Whether it is yoga, tai-chi, art, or learning an instrument, taking a class is a great way to build a new network. Pick anything that interests you – a book club, a gardening collective, a course at your community college, or a volunteering opportunity nearby. As long as it is a positive, healthy activity, it will benefit you by decreasing stress levels and putting you in touch with people who are a positive influence. However, it is important to remember that not everyone you meet in hobby groups is clean and sober. So, be careful about developing new friendships that lead to activities such as going out for a drink or going to parties where drugs are present. Choose to participate only in activities that support your growth in recovery.
Consider a Sober Living Community
If you feel like you’re not quite ready to transition from drug rehab to your old life, a sober living community can be a great way to ease into independent living. These are properties that house people in addiction recovery and support them in continuing their journey. You get a chance to explore and enjoy various healthy activities with other residents and learn skills that will help you maintain sobriety once your stay concludes.
Hire a Recovery Coach
A recovery coach is a support, mentor, and guide who has undergone training and certification in helping people in recovery from drug abuse and alcoholism. Signing up with a recovery coach is a life-changing decision for many recovering addicts. This is because a recovery coach is focused on your future. They will help you increase motivation, identify goals, create a plan to move towards your goals, and help to remove barriers to recovery.
This strengths-based approach allows for a more fulfilling recovery and it can be done in combination with AA and/or psychotherapy. Recovery coaches are different from sponsors and therapists. There is less stigma attached to recovery coaching than seeing a mental health professional. Also, many people in recovery find it less intimidating to talk to a recovery coach than walking into an AA or NA meeting.
Michael Herbert has more than 25 years of experience working closely with individuals and families. Michael is a seasoned addiction professional providing all aspects of care from interventions to continued care and beyond. Michael will help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for lasting recovery. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
