The Power of Support in Addiction Recovery

An estimated 20 million people throughout the United States are currently in addiction recovery. These individuals continuously learn how to adapt and navigate their new lifestyle while faced with many challenges along the way.

While each will have a different and unique set of needs and obstacles, there is one thing everyone in addiction recovery requires—a solid support system.

Matina’s Story

I felt like I was once again part of the fellowship, part of something way bigger than me. I was home, with family as I like to say.”

– Matina, recovering addict

After years of abusing both drugs and alcohol and many failed attempts at recovery, Matina ultimately grew sick and tired of what her life had become. It was time to try drug rehab again.

While she continued to work at it each and every day, more than three years later, Matina has maintained a life of recovery this time around.

What changed?

Matina credits actively following the suggestions of others who are in recovery, relying on her sponsor for guidance, and attending regular support meetings, as core factors that helped her on her journey to addiction recovery.

These factors enabled Matina to feel a sense of family and that she was not alone in her struggle; feelings which empowered her not to give up. She explained that anytime she felt like relapsing, she would call two of her friends instead; friends that would come over, talk her through it, and take her out for some coffee and a bite to eat.

People in the rooms would drop everything and do anything to help me stay sober and assist me in my addiction recovery and that is truly what real family should be like.”

– Matina

Support in Recovery

Additional support throughout one’s recovery has been proven to increase health happiness and longevity, help prevent relapse, and foster greater self-efficiency toward ongoing sobriety. Additionally, it makes it easier for an individual struggling with addiction to take responsibility for their problem and open up to treatment when they are not alone in the process.

There are many ways to go about reaching out for support during your recovery, such as:

• Leaning on close friends and family: The support of friends and family throughout addiction recovery is an invaluable asset. Going to couples counseling or family therapy can also be extremely beneficial if you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before.
• Building a sober social network: In recovery you may need to cut ties with friends that aided your addiction in the past. Things such as taking a new class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community can help to develop a new network of friends that will support your recovery.
• Considering moving into a sober living home: If a stable home or a drug-free living environment is not available, many individuals in recovery make the decision to stay at a sober living home. These facilities provide a safe and supportive place to live while in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.
• Making meetings a priority: It is extremely beneficial to attend support group meetings regularly. Meetings give you the opportunity to spend time with others that understand what you are going through, as well as to learn from shared experiences and what others have done to stay sober.

Whichever approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential in recovery. You can never have too much support, and the more positive influences in your life, the better your chances for long-term recovery.

Addiction recovery isn’t always going to be easy, but having people you can turn to for encouragement and guidance can make the road a little less bumpy. Don’t hesitate to call us for more information in finding the right treatment program for you or your loved one to give recovery another chance.

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