When referencing a personal support network, I am not referring to just your counselors and support groups. I am talking about a personal support network that will help you connect with the world outside of treatment. Having a strong personal support network is imperative part of your transition to your new drug free life.
While attending an addiction treatment program you will need support during and after the treatment process. By doing so only increase your chances of a successful recovery. Having people who care about you and your recovery give you the outlet needed to be able to go out and enjoy what the world has to offer without the worry of being put into situations that are not conducive to your goal of staying clean. This helps lowers the risks of relapse as well. .
When entering a treatment program you will have many emotions to deal with - emotions that you have kept hidden by your drug/alcohol use. As these emotions begin to arise, you will begin to think about various things you did to friends and family members that you regret – lying, stealing, and hurting those close to you in various other ways. Because of your past actions while you were using, you may feel you have alienated yourself from any outside support. You may feel like you have burnt all your bridges and do not deserve the support from these individuals anyhow. And more than likely you are uncomfortable in asking for support for fear of being rejected
With all these negatives thoughts, you have to stay positive about your recovery goal. During your time in the treatment program is the perfect time to speak to your counselors about these feelings and to work through them. The relationships that have been strained due to your drug or alcohol addiction are going to take time to heal, and in some situations, they may not ever heal. However, there are still other avenues to pursue to find a strong support network.
Leaders of your religious community such as ministers, rabbi’s, priest, deacons, etc.
- Family members still open to communication
- Good friends that have your best interest in mind.
- People at work in which you have connected with that have your best interest in mind.
- People from organizations you belong to such as your local gym that you can connect with doing fun things yet with your recovery in mind.
Approach people you would like to support you by being direct and honest and simple ask for what type of support you are seeking. Maybe it is just a companion to attend events with such as movies or other enjoyable activities. Maybe it is someone to go to church with you. Or maybe what you may seek in a support person is someone to just take a walk or drive with to talk over things tat are going on with you at the moment. By having others around you also gives you the opportunity to support back or learn how to be supportive. Often during the vicious cycle of addiction, many lose the basic qualities it takes to be a friend and by having a large support network, those qualities that you are lacking in can be learned or refined by a strong support network as well.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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Yes, I do have that network of friends, family, coworkers and church family. Everywhere I go, I have cultivated the types of relationships that would keep me on task. Without all of them, I may never have stayed clean. I love them all, I couldn't do it alone.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't quick or easy to start repairing my lifelines, but I knew if I was going to make it, I would need my family and friends in my corner.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't, you won't get very far in 'life after addiction'. No man is an island and that is never truer than it is in this circumstance. Everywhere you turn, you will need support and if it's not there, you will feel the effects quickly.
ReplyDeleteI didn't, but I quickly found out that it was something I needed. I'm doing much better with the support I have and I'm adding more to the framework of my life as needed.
ReplyDeleteNo one can fight addiction alone. It just doesn't work like that. You have to have someone who understands where you've been, and the road to where you want to go, to help you get there.
ReplyDeleteA strong system of support is a must if the recovery is going to work. The chances of success grow with the number of people willing to be on board to help the addict.
ReplyDelete