Before discussing how you can build your own sober support network, it’s important to understand what a sober support network is. Essentially, your sober support network includes any trusted family members, friends, community groups, addiction specialists, and more who can support you along your sobriety journey. As you connect with others who are in recovery, you will likely find yourself feeling more hopeful, optimistic, and inspired about your own life in treatment.

Tempest offers 24/7 support and access to coaches that can help personalize a plan and help you stay on track to achieve recovery from addiction. Recovery forums and websites provide an additional opportunity to develop relationships, discuss issues, share experiences, collaborate, meet and take part in activities together and much more. Forums are also an excellent way to gather information and resources and to easily develop a support system that might not be available in certain areas- especially very small cities and towns. Many rehab centers and drug treatment programs use 12 Step programs as a basis for the continued recovery program of their patients upon graduation. While these groups are not for everyone, they are convenient in that they can be found in virtually every area of the country. Look, stepping outside the bubble of alcohol addiction is not always easy.

Finding Treatment for Alcoholism

These steps, when done with commitment, can result in sustained sobriety and the potential for you to live a healthy, productive, and substance-free life. Detox occurs when the body goes through the process of eliminating substances from itself. Individuals who experience withdrawal symptoms have become dependant on the substance.

But perhaps even more importantly, the interactions between other volunteers and organizers can blossom into significant meaningful relationships that can one day become a key part of a healthy support system. Research has shown for quite some time that a support network is important for helping people in recovery avoid relapse. Building a social support network – even if you must do so with other people – https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can help you regain the necessary skills to help rebuild these relationships. This can help you close the distance from family members and friends who would normally be willing to support you. If they do, they should not be a part of your network as they could be a source of temptations and triggers that could derail your progress. You will likely have friends or family who drink during social occasions.

Ways to Get Sober from Alcohol

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) offers global support meetings for recovery from addiction through self-empowerment. The goal of the program is to promote abstinence from alcohol and other substances through positive lifestyle changes. It’s designed to empower individuals and transform lives from self-destructive to positive, constructive, and enjoyable. Lastly, whether enrolled in a formal treatment program or you’re still contemplating sobriety, you may benefit from mutual support groups as a part of your lifelong recovery process.

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. As you establish your support network, it is important sober networking 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.

Friends Who Have Been There: Joining a Recovery Support Group

Mending damaged relationships is typically not an easy process as addicts often destroy the trust in the relationship. These people should generally avoid inviting you to settings that may trigger your tendency to abuse drugs or alcohol. They should avoid exposing you to known stressors that may trigger a relapse. They should also avoid engaging in behavior that may make it easier for you to relapse or may increase the likelihood of relapse. Addiction counselors report that substance abuse often begins when people use drugs or alcohol to enable them to socialize more easily. Most drugs have one or more characteristics that temporarily diminish anxiety or drown out negative criticism that might otherwise make socializing more difficult.

• Many communities have outreach programs for the disadvantaged, and this can include drug addicts in some cases.
• Addiction tends to negatively impact family relationships, friendships, and even romantic relationships.
• When building your support network, consider attending 12 Step meetings and introducing yourself to everyone and seeing who you click with.
• Unless you are prone to introspection and contemplation, it can be extremely helpful or even necessary to have people to talk to you about your feelings.

People in the general public often find it difficult or impossible to understand the true nature of the disease of addiction and fail to recognize how powerful it really is. The hope is that you will be ready to resume daily life after treatment, manage stressors and triggers, and stay sober for the long term. The reality is that many situations can make it hard to reintegrate into normal life without some hiccups and potential for relapse. Aftercare programs make it easier to remain in recovery and avoid returning to substance use.

Your Support Network Is Your Lifeline

This means that the brain and body have become so accustomed to having the substance present that without it, they can’t function properly. The brain and body need time to return to functioning without the substance. Medical support can help keep you safe and as comfortable as possible during the detox process. You can learn more about treatment through some of our sobriety stories.

• This article will delve into the importance of a sober support network, provide actionable steps to build and maintain one and explore its transformative impact on recovery.
• Perhaps your school performance has declined and you’re in danger of failing or you’ve been missing so many classes because you’ve been hungover that you can’t catch up.
• In many cases relationships with family members are cited as the cause of substance abuse, so it’s important to choose the family and friends that are permitted into a support network carefully and honestly.
• Reputable, research-based treatment programs select therapies and interventions to match your personal needs.
• It’s important to practice the skills of discernment, especially when you are working with friends and family.
• There are lots of reasons that it’s important to have a social support network.