An empowering support network is essential if you want to ensure a sustainable and solid addiction recovery. You, as someone who has been through a lot, will need all the help that you can get. People who want to recover from recovery often fail because they do not want to be helped. You have to be open to being helped. You have to be open to receiving support. You have to be open to belonging. This is something that you need to work on faithfully apart from changing your mindset in addiction recovery. To create an empowering support network, do the following:
1. Join Support Groups
You are not alone. You’d be amazed at the bounty of support groups available for you. Many people have successfully gone through what you’re going through and they want to give back and help. You could look for local support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Being part of a support group will give you a sense of community. Having a sense of community is important as it will make it easier for you to care for yourself and others.
2. Seek Professional Guidance
You should be in touch with a professional guide. Someone who is an authority in the field will make recovery significantly easier for you. Look for a professional guide like a counselor, therapist, or doctor.
3. Identify Sober Friends
Go out of your way to figure out friends who are sober. Reach out to them and be open for connection. You should endeavor to be surrounded by people who are committed to sobriety. Being surrounded by people who are also determined to recover will keep you motivated and inspired. Sober friends will also fully understand you on all your struggles. They will know why some things are difficult and challenging without the need for any explanation. They will be your tribe.
4. Involve Family and Loved Ones
You should have your family and loved ones involved in your journey. They love you and want the best for you so you could be sure that you could depend on them. You should always have an open communication line with them. You should also take time to educate them about addiction. You’d be surprised at how grateful they would be when they find out that you want to involve them in your recovery process. Your family and loved ones will give your recovery journey a strong foundation.
5. Connect with Sober Alumni
You should not miss a chance to interact and connect with successful individuals who have completed their recovery programs. They can serve as your mentor. They will give you practical advice that no other people could. You will also be inspired and motivated when in their presence.
6. Utilize Online Support Communities
The internet has revolutionized the modern world. Apart from the fact that all kind of knowledge is now easily searchable, it is now also very easy to look for support groups online. The good thing about online support groups is their low-maintenance nature. Online support groups don’t necessarily meet on a weekly or monthly basis. They simply get in touch and connected digitally. You will be amazed at the massive virtual support that you can get. You’d also get valuable insights from people from all walks of life and culture.
7. Peer Accountability
A recovery journey becomes successful if it is closely monitored. Close monitoring is effective in sustaining one’s recovery process because it promotes accountability. Accountability is a concept that is not fully understood by many. It is something that a lot of people don’t even practice. It is something that you need to fully integrate in your life if you want to fully recover. You need to be able to face your mistakes and own up to them. You need to see yourself from where you’re at so that you may be able to move where you want to go.
8. Connect with Community Resources
You should also reach out to local community organizations that can provide a bounty of resources for you. They will be able to boost your motivation and energy to recover. They will know where to point you if you need anything. They are also aware of all the latest studies and developments that can be beneficial on your unique journey to recovery.
9. Engage in Holistic Therapies
Different holistic therapies will allow you to be more present with yourself. You should consider meditation, yoga, or art therapy. Engaging in such activities will easily connect you with like-minded people. They will also significantly reduce your stress. A recovery that is grounded on presence should be your aim. A recovery that will allow you to live a full life by being fully authentic is what you should aim for. You do not need to make things complicated. Just follow your curiosity as it will lead to your bliss.
10. Look for Aftercare Support
Aftercare support is a necessity. You should look for an aftercare program that will allow you to ease into the demands of daily life. An aftercare program should be consistent and realistic. It should allow for regular check-ins where you’d get to see your progress and current struggles. An aftercare program will allow you to easily pinpoint things that make recovery harder for you. And all will be through the help of authorized experts and support groups.
Reference:
The importance of aftercare in addiction recovery: maintaining sobriety
https://delamere.com/blog/the-importance-of-aftercare-in-addiction-recovery-maintaining-sobriety