Written by SoberinfoDrug and alcohol treatment is a vital part of the recovery process. Treatment equips you with different tools and skills that help you stay away from old coping mechanisms. As helpful as it can be, though, treatment is only the first part of the recovery process.The true test of your recovery begins when you return to your everyday life. You might have turned to alcohol and drugs for many different reasons. Once you’re back to the simple stresses of daily life, staying alcohol- and drug-free can be a challenge.Trying to avoid substances on your own is a difficult game to play, especially early in the recovery process. You need to create a support system during recovery if you want to remain sober in the long run. Building your support network often starts in treatment but you have to maintain it once you leave.Do you have a support system in place yet or are you still trying to do it on your own? Keep reading to find out why you need to create a support system during recovery and how you can start building your foundation today.
Your recovery support system is a collection of people or groups that help you stay sober. Addiction and alcoholism are isolating conditions. You’re most likely used to spending a lot of time on your own or relying on yourself when it comes to getting what you need. If you want to stay sober for the long-term, though, you have to learn to ask for help.No matter how long you spent with an active use disorder, you might be surprised to realize how many people want to help you. Your recovery support system is made up of people and things you can turn to when you need that assistance. They’re ready and willing to provide support when you need it during recovery.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to building a recovery support system. Not everyone has the same groups of people available to them. For example, some will turn to their family members first when building their support system. Some people don’t have the option to ask family for help, though, so they can look to close friends or other people in their network.The most important thing is that you create a support system during recovery that works for you. Each person gets to decide who they want as part of their immediate recovery support group. You need to feel comfortable reaching out to the people or groups you choose to include. If you aren’t able to ask them for help, your support system isn’t going to do its job.
