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Others may incorporate recovery support systems into their lives for many years. Community can make all the difference in recovery and sober living. Draws on different techniques to help individuals recognize thinking and relational patterns, develop problem-solving skills, set goals, and discuss topics and concerns important to the group. A desirable person would be someone who may be able to offer trustworthy advice or has relatable experiences. Social support can be a group or person an individual feels they can openly communicate about personal experiences. The people you invite into your sphere will also be committed to sobriety, and you motivate and inspire each other.

Although developing a sober support network is a priority during the early stages of recovery, this does not apply to dating. In fact, if you’re not currently married or in a long-term relationship, it’s best to avoid starting any new romantic relationship for at least one year. Getting sober is a major life change and you need to focus on learning what type of person you want to become before you commit to an intimate relationship. Humans crave social connections, and sober support networks provide just that. Because many individuals want to belong, being a part of a sober group can increase your confidence and self-esteem in your interpersonal relationships – it bestows a feeling of acceptance. You can also become more confident in your recovery because you know you have the support needed.

The Only Web You’ll Want to Spin: Having a Support System in Early Recovery

Everyone’s sober networking is a lot different, and to be successful with your own, you need to be clear about your own goals. Positive peer pressure comes in the form of people encouraging you to make healthy decisions. This might mean reminding you to attend your meetings, encouraging you to eat healthy food, or joining you on a regular exercise routine. It often occurs when groups or individuals pressure other people to engage in unhealthy activities, like using drugs. Regardless of how well you got along with the friends that you used with, they cannot be completely considered a good influence.

  • Mental Health for Young Adults Learn about our evidence-based approach to depression and behavioral health conditions.
  • Research shows that people with a strong support system in place maintain their sobriety longer than those who do not.
  • If you like something that someone does and you want them to keep doing it, give them some positive feedback!
  • One of the most interesting things that is noted by many addiction counselors is that many substance abusers initially begin using substances because they help to encourage social behavior.
  • As you establish your support network, it is important to do your part to maintain healthy relationships with those who support and encourage you.

Granite Recovery Centers has been transforming the lives of alcohol and drug dependent adults from New England and well beyond. There are recovery groups for people of different religions, cultural backgrounds, and professions in addition to more general recovery groups. For example, SMART Recovery is a group that appeals to people with whom the spiritual nature of the traditional 12-Step program does not resonate. In contrast, Celebrate Recovery is a Bible-focused recovery group. Refuge Recovery incorporates the core practices and principles of Buddhism.

You will reduce the chance of relapse

Enrolling in a rehab program is perhaps the most pivotal, actionable step an addict can take toward recovery. However, the journey does not end once a program participant graduates from a rehab program. In fact, building a support network is one of the most important things to do after completing drug or alcohol rehab. Building a solid support network will provide you with a firm foundation for your continued recovery post-treatment. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Sober support erects barriers at every stage of the relapse process, making it more difficult for the recovering person to accept using the substance again. Accountability and community support help deal with emotional relapse by giving the recovering person an outlet for their thoughts.

For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional. Repairing broken relationships requires honest, sincere apologies, remaining open, and listening to the other party. Knowing that you are sincere about your recovery may allow the other person to be receptive to communicating with you and eventually trusting you again. Addiction counselors report that substance abuse often begins when people use drugs or alcohol to enable them to socialize more easily.