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Always recognize the people you have asked to support you when they behave in a manner that is helpful to you or when they otherwise make you feel valued and encouraged as you navigate your recovery. Sometimes, a quick thank you may be enough while at other times you may wish to communicate in greater detail how the individual helped and supported you. 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.
As you establish your support network, it is important to do your part to maintain healthy relationships with those who support and encourage you. People often mistakenly assume that the people who are in their support network automatically know what they need. Communicating your recovery needs and discussing the nature of your relationship with members of your support network can also help you avoid potential misunderstandings.
From that very moment you walk in the door, you are exposed to others fighting this same cycle of addiction. The best thing you can do is to take advantage of that, to keep an open mind and to be open with those around you. If you have a spouse or partner, this person is integral to your recovery journey. Try to help partners understand mental illness and substance abuse, and encourage them to get involved with your treatment.
Dating is hard enough, but dating while sober can add a whole other level of challenges. We are so used to grabbing drinks on a first date or smoking a joint to ease our nerves before meeting for the first time that it can feel like you are missing a part of the equation when you begin living sober.
As you move through life, methods like these don’t have to be your only form of support, but they’re a good start. Additionally, sober socializing with others can reinforce your goals, as long as you’re honest with people about how you feel and what you need. It may surprise you discover just how vast your care network really is, and how each tribe member lifts you to new heights.
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. This is the part where you actually make the appropriate connections and put yourself out there by asking for the help you need to stay sober. Chances are that you were introduced to the concept of recovery groups and may have even joined a group prior to graduating from your treatment program. Recovery groups provide environments in which you may connect with other people who are in recovery.
It can be hard to do so, especially if you’ve known them for a long time. But ultimately, if you want to make the most of your recovery, then you need to avoid the risk of temptation. This means that if you do decide to keep those people in your life, then you must make sure that they take your recovery as seriously as you do. Early in your recovery, you probably should not be around them when they have been drinking, either. Anyone who is unwilling to respect these boundaries does not belong in your support network. Rehab centers often offer couples and family counseling and are typically able to educate the people who surround individuals who have struggled with substance abuse.
This is why it is vital to develop a sober support network throughout your recovery journey. If you’re questioning whether or how to get sober, this is a great place to meet other people in the same place…or a place you want to go. You can see how far you’ve come, see the accomplishments even after one day. We are all about social media, this is a place that you can let it all out…without worrying about your in-laws or job finding out you’re in recovery. Post sobriety pictures or thoughts…find inspiration when you need it – from people who understand what you’re going through.
HalfwayHouses.com offers an online directory for recovering addicts looking for sober living facilities. SoberHouses.com is an easy-to-use and intuitive online directory comprised of sober houses and recovery residences. RecoveryZones.com helps individuals in recovery find affordable housing during their transition into sober living. Nevertheless, people often find it challenging to effectively build a support network. Some people are so excited to have completed a rehab program that they don’t fully realize the importance of building a support network. Others have may feel discouraged because they do not have supportive friends and family members, or they may have difficulty meeting new people.
Whatsapp a couple of your friends because you suddenly realise you could officially finish work at 5.30pm today without anyone noticing and shouting “half day?! Plus you’re never usually in this part of town, and if you can sneak in a cheeky pint with Dean, who works round here, you won’t have to get the tube back over here next time for no reason. It’s amazing that coffee has evolved so much, and yet, networking events have managed to avoid good coffee completely.
Being aware of this can help you stop relapse in its tracks and get back on the course of your healing. Accountability will help you maintain your recovery without setting you back. Your sober network will become your first line of defense against the obstacles that challenge recovery, so select carefully. Research has shown for quite some time that a support network is important for helping people in recovery avoid relapse.
That clarity helps you hit every “selling” point and be an effective listener. You’re less likely to walk away thinking “I can’t believe I forgot to say…” or “I just wasn’t my best” if you’re conversating sober. We’ll be in your inbox every morning Monday-Saturday with all the day’s top business news, inspiring stories, best advice and exclusive reporting from Entrepreneur. The data comes from an internal spreadsheet shared among Google employees, comprised of information from over 12,000 U.S. workers for 2022.
Social networks are an important source of support for many people in recovery from alcohol abuse. The present study investigated the role of one particular source of support for recovery in changing the personal networks https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-sober-networking-is-and-why-it-is-important/ of people in recovery, sober-living houses. In a randomized, longitudinal design changes in the network size, heterogeneity, and composition of usual aftercare and sober-living home residents were examined.
Most times I was met with a “diet coke-coke-sprite-water” answer, sometimes not even water was available. I would immediately feel defeated and my entire resolve would melt away and I would have a “forget about it” moment and instead opt for a glass of red wine. Let the people close to you know about support groups such as Al-Anon, Alateen, NAMI, and SMART Recovery Family & Friends. Former residents of Willingway have a strong alumni organization of people to turn to whenever they need a helping hand.
I Am Sober is more than just a free sobriety counter app. Along with tracking your sober days, it helps you build new habits and provides ongoing motivation by connecting you to a wide network of people all striving for the same goal: staying sober one day at a time.
Instead, they should practice self-care, empathize with you, and be positive about the treatment process. Experts recommend that people with substance use disorders continue attending one indefinitely. In these sessions, you and a group of peers discuss your experiences, share your feelings, and learn from one another. Seeking help and saying you feel vulnerable can be two of the hardest things to do. A strong support network is critical for long-term recovery from substance use, mental illness, and other conditions.
