Early recovery from addiction can be a frightening and uncertain time. While you may want to connect with others, you may feel this option is unavailable. However, you do have chances for fellowship and numerous resources are available to find community.
You may not know what a healthy connection can look like. This article looks at different community options both in and outside treatment, and how First Steps Recovery helps individuals find a community. A healthy life shouldn’t require guesswork.
Inpatient Community
Being treated for addiction takes an incredible amount of work. This work can often feel overwhelming without support. That is why during inpatient treatment, there is a community available. Residential treatment affords the opportunity not only to be on-site but also to bring you into a community of peers.
All those that are admitted for treatment have decided to fight addiction. While this decision is small, it is powerful. Amplified by people’s agreements, it can create a long-term commitment far more substantial than a personal promise to self.
Recovery is not experienced alone, and inpatient treatment doesn’t allow you to struggle alone. This environment also allows you to consult with your peers about specific experiences or thoughts about which you may have questions.
Sharing knowledge as a group is an aspect of addiction treatment that is often overlooked. The different perspectives can open up viewpoints that aid in initial treatment, therapy, and counseling. As you learn of other people’s experiences, you can better classify the problematic aspects of treatment to reach the best mental balance.
Alumni Community
After inpatient treatment, you are given the foundation for long-term sobriety, but it can be lonely and intimidating to step into independence. This is why alumni programs are available to those who have completed residential treatment.
The friendships and networks made in treatment don’t have to cease once you are discharged. You are given the resources to stay connected with these individuals to support each other as you move forward in the next chapter of life. In a study by Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, these relationships have been shown to encourage long-term sobriety and discourage substance use.
Additionally, being a part of a community can help with feelings of isolation that often led to the initial substance abuse. Since support groups are made up of platonic peers, it allows people to learn how to create genuine friendships with others. These relationship-making skills can help with any past traumas present before addiction.
This includes undoing destructive relationship patterns that are learned through childhood observation. It gives clients a new perspective on people and how support is only a positive. These are the tools that will keep destructive habits at bay.
Peer Communities
Aside from inpatient and alumni programs, post-treatment support groups are available. These include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Both communities are made up of like-minded peers, all looking to maintain sober lives. They are committed to supporting one another as they strengthen their mental health. This includes regular meetings, goal setting, and a variety of therapy programs to choose from.
Evaluation & the Health Professions reveals that AA and NA are both effective, especially when committing to the program early in recovery. This is similar to how you are surrounded by support in residential treatment.
Instead, you can now exercise independence with daily activities outside addiction treatment. You can have a balance of continued therapy and personal growth. If you feel you’re struggling in your personal life, you have a group to fall back on instead of a substance to go back to. The community wants to see your success, and likewise, you’ll be rooting for those you connect with. It is a positive cycle that feeds on the betterment of everyone within.
How First Steps Recovery Can Help
First Steps Recovery offers inpatient connections and an alumni program. Success in addiction treatment should be followed by making lasting connections. Group therapy is provided so that you can make these ties with your peers. The biggest lie of addiction is that you are alone and isolated. First Steps Recovery will help to open your eyes to those around you.
Throughout your journey through recovery, it is important to surround yourself with people who support your sobriety and continued recovery. You can begin to create this support group while in residential treatment and sober living. Your community of support can continue to grow through support group members and like-minded individuals.
The relationships you create will be the network of support you need in times of crisis. Everyone needs help when life gets complicated. This is especially true when you are fighting addiction. However, you can win. Just like with any sports team, the rewards of that success are all the sweeter together. First Steps Recovery wants that experience to be your reality.
Addiction is a destructive disease. While we may seek treatment, we must go above and beyond for long-term benefits. First Steps Recovery not only aims to get you free from the physical desire to use substances but aims to provide you with a community. We offer group therapy, alumni programs, and counseling in order to help you find yourself. With this web of support, you will have the peace of mind that you are cared for. Addiction hinders your happiness and growth. No addiction case is too small to treat. You have a community of peers and experts ready to set you free. To learn more about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
Addiction is a destructive disease. While we may seek treatment, we must go above and beyond for long-term benefits. First Steps Recovery not only aims to get you free from the physical desire to use substances but aims to provide you with a community. We offer group therapy, alumni programs, and counseling in order to help you find yourself. With this web of support, you will have the peace of mind that you are cared for. Addiction hinders your happiness and growth. No addiction case is too small to treat. You have a community of peers and experts ready to set you free. To learn more about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
