Shared experiences tend to unite people, especially something as impactful as overcoming addiction. The continued pursuit of long-lasting recovery is a profound shared goal between people that can create life-long bonds. The friendships formed in recovery tend to differ from relationships with others, even between family and loved ones.
Building a recovery-aligned social network and maintaining this kinship with other individuals in recovery is vital for numerous reasons. Sometimes, everyone needs a little reminder about why these recovery-focused friendships are so special.
Healthy friendships in recovery are crucial to success and longevity. There is something unique about people who understand the clutches of addiction. They share the experience of sometimes feeling isolated from everyone else because of how their brain works. These differences unite those in recovery, creating substance-free friendships when needed most. Here are a few more reasons why building a recovery-aligned social network is a great idea.
1. Cultivating a Substance-free Community
Creating a healthy lifestyle after addiction is a rewarding challenge. One of the most significant trials is rebuilding a social life to align with a future without substance misuse. Although friends and family may always have the best intentions, they may not understand certain scenarios. Some social situations are not ideal for recovery, and avoiding them at all costs is best.
Because potential triggers are ultimately lurking everywhere, some individuals in recovery unintentionally isolate themselves. Many do this for fear of being put in circumstances where they may feel pressured or pushed to relapse. This is when substance-free friendships come in handy!
These things ring true especially around holidays or social gatherings when most people are overindulging in alcohol and other substances. Getting together with people who understand the need for safe, substance-free fun can be a life-changing relief.
2. Preventing Relapse Support and Lifeline
Addiction is a chronic disease that will affect some for the rest of their lives. Recovery is different for everyone, and while some may never feel tempted to use again, others may struggle with relapse. This makes the disease of addiction more complicated than simply attending treatment, and emotional support in addiction recovery that much more vital.
The importance of recovery-aligned relationships lies in having support just a phone call or message away. Friends who understand addiction are likely to offer wise words that can stop stages of relapse in their tracks. Reaching out to someone who can empathize lessens the fear of judgment and shame. These facets are potentially lifesaving for people who find themselves in a severe emotional battle with returning to substance misuse.
3. Cultivating Recovery Companionship
Some people must overhaul their entire lives in recovery. Doing this ensures the safety of their success long-term. Making new friends as an adult who has undergone a profound transformation can be an incredible feat. The idea of meeting new people can feel intimidating and scary.
Recovery connections forged throughout the treatment process, support groups, and counseling fortify experience, trust and deep understanding. This level of companionship is essential for people looking to rebuild their social network. Such friendships are likely to last a lifetime.
There are many more reasons why substance-free friendships are highly beneficial to recovery. Those are left to each individual to discover along their own journey. To experience these benefits, it is essential to begin the process of building a drug-free circle.
Meeting people is one of the biggest benefits of group therapy for recovery. Still, there are other ways to garner friendships, such as:
There are also a few important things to remember when meeting new people and forming friendships. The best way to begin a healthy, recovery-friendly connection is by:
Being open and honest: Talking about recovery can initially feel frightening, but it is liberating once the conversation begins and others join in empathetically.
Listening intently: Being a good listener is vital in cultivating friendships. Remembering details like names, ages and pieces of their stories will make people warm up quickly. Also, ask questions!
Taking initiative: Striking up a conversation with someone is intimidating, but a cool icebreaker usually sets the tone. Remember, everyone is at the event because they want to socialize.
Having patience: Life-long friendships take some time to build. Although connections happen quickly, creating the foundation of lasting companionship requires patience from all parties involved.
These proactive ways are guaranteed to help formulate the best recovery-aligned support team around. Not only will these friendships strengthen recovery, but they will also reinforce the most critical parts of the journey.
Middlesex Recovery offers outpatient addiction treatment in an office-based setting, making recovery convenient and accessible to everyone. Along with evidence-based mediation-assisted treatment, patients also have access to other recovery resources. These benefits help create a supportive network of potential friendships.
The specialized staff at Middlesex Recovery understands that overcoming substance use disorder requires a comprehensive approach. Our treatment programs allow patients to feel safe and comfortable in a professional medical setting. We provide numerous community referrals to help patients make the necessary changes to achieve long-lasting recovery.
Call the closest location today to learn more about Middlesex Recovery services.
If opioid addiction is impacting your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out to our treatment center. We are here to provide the support and care you need to take the first step toward recovery.
Call 781.303.9936