I planned to get sober a month in advance. When I was putting supports in place, one of the first things I did was reach out to people in my life. I knew that healthy relationships contribute to overall well-being; I knew I needed people in my corner in order to stay sober.
Accountability
On a practical level, support systems hold you accountable. The people in your life who uplift your sobriety will notice if you’re isolating or acting differently. They can check on you and make sure you’re staying sober. If you have other sober people in your life, you can hold each other accountable.
Talking About Your Struggles and Gaining Perspective
Support groups and fellowships are often recommended for people in recovery because it’s important to talk about your addiction without fear of judgment. If formal groups are not your thing, you can find this with friends, family, or partners. It will become clear who in your life actively cheers on your sobriety, and you can cultivate those connections.
Talking to people who care about you but are outside your head is really helpful. You can’t separate yourself from your own feelings and experiences. Someone who is not you, but wants the best for you, can offer great perspective.
Mutual Support
Support systems are a place to turn if you’re struggling during recovery. They not only provide perspective; they offer care and make getting through challenges a little easier, or at least less lonely. This is true too of offering care to someone in your life; reciprocal support often strengthens connections.
Retreating into isolation and secrecy is not good for recovery. A support network is a place for connection, honesty, and mutual sharing of ourselves.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will set you up with supports so that you can stay sober no matter what life brings. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.