If you’re recovering from substance abuse, you’ll find that you’re likely more aware of your feelings and thoughts during this period. This is an essential part of the sobriety process since it can help you figure out when you abused harmful substances in the past. Even though you may be mentally strong and determined to tackle sobriety on your own, it’s important to remember that you need a solid support system. The people you have in your corner will help inspire you to remain healthy and motivate you to go after things in life that boost your confidence and give you more reasons for maintaining sobriety.
Here are five reasons support is essential for getting sober:
There Is Strength in Numbers
Whether you’ve entered a rehab center for drug abuse or started an online course to quit drinking, you should be prepared to face obstacles. Even if you feel like you can get clean on your own, it’s best to have a support system so that you can better manage your sobriety.
Your support system can include your relatives, close friends, or peers that you’ve met in rehab. You can also count on doctors and therapists to be part of your support system. These people should be in full support of your recovery and will push you to continue making decisions on days when you don’t feel like you have the strength. People in your support system can also make you less nervous in social situations and encourage you not to slip back into old habits.
You’ll Be Surrounded by Healthy Individuals
When you have a network of sober people, you’re surrounded by people who are rooting for you. These people also lead healthy lives themselves. Your network can include other recovering addicts who are proof that you can live a healthy lifestyle as well. Your close friends and family can also teach you how to handle challenging situations without making dangerous choices and will celebrate all your victories with you so you’ll have the incentive to keep achieving your sobriety milestones.
Your Support Network is a Sounding Board
Your road to sobriety will not always be easy. As you continue to focus on your health, you’ll encounter several challenges such as withdrawal symptoms, stressful situations that may make you want to use harmful substances, and changes in your body and mind. When you have a group of people supporting you, you can talk through these obstacles and get advice that will help you stick to your goals. A support group also keeps you from feeling isolated and makes it easier to avoid the feelings of abandonment that may have led to your substance abuse.
Positive Peer Pressure
When you hear the term “peer pressure” you may think of someone pressuring an individual to do something dangerous or unwise. However, peer pressure can be positive. When the people who are closest to you are making healthy choices, you’ll be more likely to do the same. Attending meetings, having family dinners, working out with friends, and maintain regular therapy appontments can provide the peer pressure you need to remain sober and continue achieving your goals in all aspects of your life.
A Safe Place to Land
When you have a sober support system, especially during the first few weeks of your recovery, you’ll discover that you have a safe place to land when you’re feeling weak or vulnerable. There will be times when you’ll be tempted to go back to using drugs and alcohol. When you know you have people to talk to who won’t judge you, you can avoid many of the triggers that could lead you to relaspse.
Gettting sober is one of the best decisions you can make in your life. However, this decision will not always be easy. You’ll have to work through certain thought patterns and emotions to understand the reasons behind your addiction. You’ll also need to be clear on the steps you need to take to become sober. While sobriety is your decision, you can’t make all the necessary moves to accomplish recovery on your own. You need people in your corner who want the best for you and are committed to helping you become your healthiest and happiest self once you decide to become sober.
