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A recovering individual usually has an uphill battle to leave their addiction behind. Sobriety is the start of their journey, and it’s the state they want to remain in, but the temptation to go back to using a substance can be overpowering at times. One of the strategies that many recovering people use to stay sober is isolating themselves from places and people with easy access to the substance they’re trying to stay away from.

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. Some group members are more experienced and have completed rehab many years ago while others are more recent graduates from a drug or alcohol treatment program. 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.

Opinions and Advice

Those types of thoughts can lead to the slip that starts the proverbial ball rolling toward a full-blown relapse. Friends are important for times when someone needs help with tasks like moving or doing heavy chores. Everyone needs someone they can call on for assistance when they have car trouble or need help in an emergency. BlueCrest has an on-staff psychiatrist, psychiatric APN and licensed clinical team to assist those with a dual diagnosis.

Mountainside is nationally recognized for the effectiveness of its drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs. Our Integrative Care Model provides a comprehensive set of treatment and care offerings coordinated by a multidisciplinary team of experienced addiction treatment professionals. The only requirement for membership at these fellowships is a desire to stop drinking or using drugs. By attending regular meetings, you can learn how to live and enjoy a sober lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with other recovering people. It’s not only a great way to establish a strong support system, it’s also a place to learn positive coping skills and engage in social activities.

Who Should be in your Support Network

There is no need to explain the journey or what recovery is like. People with whom you already have a relationship may be good candidates to be in your support network. Family members may be the most supportive allies in your recovery. Your family members have known you longer than anyone else and have likely witnessed your battle against substance abuse and addiction first-hand.

• If you are attempting to include people in your support group who have been hurt or damaged by your addiction, don’t get upset if they are slow to warm up to you.
• This trait is pretty self-explanatory; it’s called a support system for a reason.
• Most people are awkward and intimidated when making changes in behavior.
• Having people personally engaged in your recovery helps keep you accountable.

Anything you enjoy doing that decreases your stress levels will help put you in contact with other people who are also living a positive life. When looking for sober support in recovery, you should put an effort into finding the right type of truly supportive friends. Spending time with family can lead to meeting new friends, since family members can often provide introductions to their friends and neighbors.

Individuals You Feel Open & Honest Sharing Recovery With

If you find yourself struggling to build a support network, ask someone else how they did it! We also recognize the importance in choosing individuals as supports who are of the same sex. Filling sober networking your support network with people of the opposite sex can cause issues. You may be wondering where you meet these types of people, for some inspiration, we’ve provided some ideas below.

• These activities can generate positive connections that will boost your recovery.
• There are recovery groups for people of different religions, cultural backgrounds, and professions in addition to more general recovery groups.
• If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or substance abuse, we can help.
• It is important that your family and friends understand that there will be times when you will be triggered to use drugs or drink alcohol.
• For family and friends to understand what you’re going through, they need to learn more about substance abuse, about the types of treatment available, and about what you are doing and feeling!
• Chances are that when you were an addict, you behaved in a way that pushed some of your family and friends away.

This reinforces the idea that a substance use disorder is a biologically based brain disease, not the result of a lack of willpower. Family members and old friends can be sources of help, but may not always know exactly what to say to provide support. Look to a therapist, a social worker, a physician or a member of the clergy for assistance as well. Often, trained listeners can provide a different type of support than well-meaning friends or family members can, especially to someone who is in crisis.