Support systems are essential in all areas of our lives. As many of us feel that we can succeed on our own, the truth is that, in nearly all cases, we need help, especially for those recovering from drug addiction. That is because so much good comes from having a solid support system to help you create a positive post-recovery life.
Support Systems Explained
In general, a support system helps you accomplish one or more goals. For example, tutors can be part of a support system that helps you earn a diploma. Physical trainers can be inspirations in helping you achieve fitness goals. Family and friends can serve as a support system for various aspects of your life.
Features of Positive Support Systems
Do you remember being told to be wary of peer pressure and not to let others pressure you to do things you wouldn’t normally do if that pressure did not exist? Perhaps that played a role in your addiction. Imagine the opposite of that.
Having reverse peer pressure in your life will most likely have the opposite effect and push you toward success in your recovery process. For example, hearing about the positive effects of sobriety and receiving a belief in you that you can, in fact, recover from this addiction will have a tremendous effect on your ability to make that a reality.
A couple of common examples of support systems in recovery are Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. You do not necessarily need to join one of those groups to achieve these benefits, but you should ensure that you are surrounded by people who will help, not hinder, your recovery.
One of the best ways to do this is by removing many or all of those who were intimately involved with the drug aspect of your past life. Remove any who are still actively using. Consider keeping those who are recovering like you are, but be careful with those types of situations. Otherwise, keep people in your life who accept your past, see a positive future for you, and are helping you get there.
Also make sure that everyone in your support system wants to be there. Someone who feels pressured to be part of it will not provide the type of support that you need. If they do not want to be in your life in this way, that is fine. Find those who do.
Support in Recovery: Why Is It Important?
Recovery support is important for several reasons.
One of the most important is simply having someone there supporting you through these times. Just listening can matter so much. Even if little is said in response, listening and caring can often help the person talking – you – make connections that had not been thought of before and that help you help yourself.
Of course, supporting an addict is often at its most important when things are at their most challenging. Even if recovery is going better than expected and better than others are experiencing, most recovering from an addiction will still go through incredibly challenging times, often craving a relapse. During those times, when you are feeling particularly vulnerable, emotional and sensitive, when receiving addiction recovery support can be so important.
Support Systems in Recovery: How to Become Part of One
It is also essential to know what someone on the other side can do to become part of a sound support system while supporting an addict.
One way to do so is to inform yourself as best as possible about what the person you are supporting has gone through, is going through, and will go through. Research the physical elements of this experience as well as the mental ones.
Accept this version of them. This is a crucialstep if you were in this person’s life before the addiction developed. Accept this new version of them and the newer version that is to come.
Be available as best as you can. Of course, you do not need to be on call 24-7, but you should be willing to provide support time-wise to the best of your ability, particularly when they are going through difficulties, such as struggling with cravings for that drug.
Support Systems in Recovery: First Step
One of the most important support systems you can have in your life is a place like Cypress Lake Recovery, as we help you through what are most likely your recovery’s most difficult times. We are here to help you turn your life around. Reach out at 409-331-6996, and we will discuss our treatment options with you.
