Building a Network of Support While in Recovery

Every person’s path through recovery is as unique as the individual themselves. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, experts know that having a strong social support network helps increase the chances of a person reaching their recovery goals. When people are in the midst of their addiction, they often pull away from the people who care about them most and surround themselves with people who are living a similar harmful lifestyle. As the person begins recovering, they must take steps to build healthy relationships with people who can help keep them on the right path. Many paths exist for creating a healthy network of support. If you are struggling with your recovery, here are a few ways you can build a support network to help you in your journey.

 Let Some Old Friendships Go

All people should not be let back into your life. There comes a time when you must let old friendships go and build new ones. Being around old friends who were with you while you were in your addiction can trigger a relapse. Their lifestyles do not coincide with your new way of living. You need people in your life who will give support and love during your recovery journey. Surround yourself with the people you know have a positive influence and dump anyone who gets in your way to recovery.

Mend Relationships

Odds are while you were in your addiction, you made some bad decisions and hurt people who were close to you. If you still consider these people to be a large part of your life and think they could help in your recovery, now is the time to take them aside and apologize for your previous behavior. Rebuilding relationships will take time. You must regain their trust. Apologizing is the first part, but you must also show that you are changing your ways and working on improving your life to truly regain trust.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Although it may be tough, asking for help will go a long way in helping you during recovery. Early recovery is a vulnerable time, and you should not go through it alone. It is always okay to ask for help from friends and loved ones when you are going through a tough time. They want to help you as long as you are working on helping yourself. When asking for help, be specific about your needs to receive the best result.

Join a Group

An easy way to find support while in recovery is to join a group. When you cut out old friends and are working on mending relationships, creating new ones can have a positive impact. Joining a group doesn’t necessarily mean AA or NA meetings either. For example, you can sign up for a class at the local YMCA or join a pickup basketball league. The important part about joining a group is that you are surrounding yourself with positive people who have similar interests.

Have Patience

Maybe the hardest part of all is having patience while in recovery. Rebuilding trust and creating new friendships doesn’t happen overnight. Building a solid support system may take time. Be patient with friends, family and yourself during this time as you all adjust to the new reality of sobriety.

Building a healthy network of support is key while you are in recovery. Surround yourself with people who have positive influences on you and support what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, because those who truly care will be there in your time of need. FBN

By Roy DuPrez

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed. is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.