The Importance of Good Support Systems in Recovery

By Michele Valenzi Sober living 0 Comments

Then it became a social activity — “a way to fit in and to feel good about myself,” she says. This gives you a quick and easy explanation for why you aren’t drinking. It also gives you a sense of purpose that can help you stay focused.

The symptoms involved in PAWS can be a barrier to recovery if you’re not careful.
You might discover that some people in your life may not be able to support you in the ways you need.
Not only because not drinking is hard, but also because we live in a society where most everyone around us drinks.
People will assume you drink and will be very curious about why you don’t have a drink in your hand when they do.
I didn’t even stop when my husband and I started fertility treatment in 2020.

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Being sober will not only monumentally improve your life — it will save your life. Each day brings a new opportunity to heal from drug and alcohol addiction and get sober. There are countless reasons to find help for substance abuse and many resources and services available to help you heal safely on the road to recovery. Using drugs does not help society, it actually hurts society. So, now that you are sober—stay sober so that you can continue to be a productive member of society.

With help from a healthcare professional, you can start looking for a treatment program that meets all of your unique needs.
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.
A support group is any group of people that meets, either in person or online, to discuss a particular aspect of mental health or emotional well-being.

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I met my husband at a bar over a Northern Standard cocktail and then wrote about it for Food & Wine magazine.
When I finally walked away from booze at 34, my life opened up.
The brain and body need time to return to functioning without the substance.
Talk to your therapist, other healthcare provider, or sponsor about how to deal with your anger in ways that won’t cause you to harm yourself or others or turn to alcohol or drugs.

Getting support doesn’t have to mean going to rehab, although that is an option. Support can also look like joining in-person and online support groups. One 2020 study found potential benefits of combining in-person and online support methods. Depending on the severity of the addiction or substance being used, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to safely help you. Some studies find that this structure, along with a start date for sobriety and milestones, is important to some people in recovery.

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These benefits not only ease the discomfort of the detox process, but also help to prevent relapse during this stage of treatment.
If so, think about it the next time you consider using drugs or alcohol.
When I stopped drinking, not only did my recovery dictate that I needed lots of time to myself, lots of self-care, and lots of nights in, I discovered that I was, in fact, someone who relishes in alone time.
As explained and elaborated on by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, relapse prevention is the main goal of all addiction treatment.
It’s seen as normal to drink, and quitting that drug can feel like breaking a social pact.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Though sobriety usually feels impossible for people before they try, seeking treatment and ending substance use is life-changing for those who set themselves up to succeed. The first step is to commit to a reputable addiction treatment program. Contact us today to learn about the admissions process and explore how The Recovery Village can help you or a loved one begin the path to recovery and lifelong sobriety.

What Is Sobriety, Anyway?

Those confronted by uncertainties like this should consider doubling down on some key reasons to get sober and stay sober. Programs like sober living homes, motivational phone calls, alumni programs, and mutual-help groups provide a level of support that reasons to stay sober can continue in the short-term or as needed for the rest of your life. As explained in a study from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, even something as simple as a motivational texting program can better your chances of avoiding relapse.

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Not everyone comes from an encouraging and supportive home environment. If your family and or friends aren’t motivating you to seek help for your substance misuse, make an appointment with a medical or addiction treatment professional. These individuals can direct you toward the resources you need for recovery, including the needed services and diagnosis of substance use and any co-occurring mental health disorders. The impacts of substance abuse on your mental and emotional health can be severe and debilitating.