Heal From Within: Establishing a Healthy Support System for Addiction Recovery

Recovery can mean different things to different people. When it comes to addiction, it can be really difficult to break free of it. Since individuals find a sense of temporary pleasure and calm, these behaviours can act as a source of instant gratification for them which they don’t find in their day-to-day lives. 

In such cases, seeking professional support can help but finding the courage and motivation to transition to a sober lifestyle can be difficult. Support systems or support groups can help you reach a state of sobriety that lasts long. A study shows that individuals who attend recovery support meetings often in the first 3 months of recovery are more likely to achieve 1 year of sobriety. 

What is an addiction support system?

Think of a space where people share all their experiences faced on the path to recovery. They encourage each other to stick to their treatment plan. They motivate each other to use healthy ways of coping. These are your support systems—spaces where you won’t be judged for sharing your honest thoughts and struggles. This could be any kind, from seeking a safe space with your family members to self-help or support groups. 

Addiction support systems are such spaces that be there for you when you feel like giving up. Since people with addictive behaviours are prone to relapse, such spaces can help you with decisions that aid your recovery and decrease relapse. Support groups also help with long-term sobriety. 

Also read: Spotting the Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction in Yourself or a Loved One. 

What are the different kinds of support systems?

The different types of support systems that you could be a part of are:

• Addiction support groups: These support systems are groups of people who come together to overcome addiction. It is generally led by a person who has recovered from addiction and attained sobriety. 

• A community with spiritual values: Such groups can guide you towards a healthier life by building a connection between you and God/nature/any other spiritual aspects that you believe or feel connected to.

• Your family members: Family members can also play an important role in guiding you through your recovery journey by being there when you need them providing ongoing care and support.

• Your friends: These could be friends who are sober or are trying to recover from addiction. Having another person alongside can make your journey less lonely and also help you be there for one another in times of weakness or difficulty. 

How to find the right type of support system?

A few ways to find the right type of support systems:

• Understand your needs. The first step is to know what kind of support you are seeking and what would you gain from it. Do you want a support system that focuses on abstaining only? Do you need an element of spirituality? Do you have severe withdrawal symptoms? Are you looking for a specific group for alcohol and drugs only? Once you identify such or other factors, it can become easy for you to narrow down the best support system for you. 

• Ask for recommendations from your mental health expert, friends, or family members. Let them know what exactly you need.

• Do thorough research about your addictive behaviours. The more you learn about it the better it can help you find a suitable support system that provides help for your specific type of addiction. 

• The best way to know how a support system works is to try it out yourself. Don’t hesitate to talk to members of different support groups and learn more about their struggles and recovery. 

Join the Amaha Community. Our Addiction Support Group aims to unite people with common experiences and create a community of support, belonging and healing. 

It is also important to remember that the most effective and crucial part of your recovery will be patience and trust in the process. There might be days when you feel overwhelmed and demotivated. But remember, your addiction didn’t happen overnight and your recovery won’t, either. It takes time and a strong will to get better and attain complete sobriety. Stick with it, and if you need, reach out to a professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist for help.