Addiction Recovery Tools

Recovery Support Network & Tools

Support System

Support System Network

In the journey to recovery, developing a robust support system is key. You may feel isolated or lack social skills, but you can find solace and help in a support system. These systems may include positive support from trusted family, friends, groups, studies, spirituality, educational resources, and healthcare professionals. You are unique, and your support system should cater to your individual needs. Remember, seeking support is a great step towards recovery in itself.

Understanding the Dynamics of Your Support System

People in your support system should be aware of your struggles, your goals, and the basic recovery process. They should be positive, non-judgmental, and supportive of your progress. As you move through the recovery process, you may gain better insights into the type of support you need and from whom. Different people in your support system will offer varied forms of support. For instance, support from a healthcare professional or an AA/NA home group will differ from the support received from a family member or a friend.

Why Support Networks Work

Support networks offer assistance during stressful times, provide company, and even add fun to the recovery journey. They can offer accountability, share knowledge, resources, insights, and quick support in case of a relapse. Just knowing that there are trusted people to turn to provides comfort and confidence.

Types of Support Networks

Support networks can take various forms, including personal, professional, educational, spiritual, and outreach community programs. It’s crucial to explore and design a network that suits your unique needs. Here are some examples of support network components:

  • NA or AA type groups:
    • These are incredible resources that provide meetings, fellowships, and 12-step programs. These have been instrumental in saving and transforming countless lives.
  • Connections made in treatment:
    • Peers from your treatment program can offer unique support as you share common experiences and recovery levels.
  • Family and Friends:
    • With time and through working the 12 steps, you can regain their support.
  • Local Volunteer Outreach programs:
    • Helping others can be tremendously rewarding and strengthening.
  • Professional Health Care:
    • Regular visits to your healthcare provider are vital in maintaining both physical and mental health.
  • Rehab Alumni Associations:
    • They offer continued support and opportunities for social interaction with others on the same journey.
  • Educational Resources:
    • Schools often offer therapy, counseling, and groups. Utilize these free resources to your benefit.
  • Recovery Websites and Social Media Groups:
    • These platforms provide a space to share experiences, resources, and support.
  • Religious Groups:
    • Many offer principles that align closely with recovery programs, providing spiritual support.
  • Spiritual Growth:
    • Belief in a higher power (as you perceive it) is vital. Meditation, prayer, and pursuit of knowledge about the universe can enhance your spiritual journey and fortify your recovery.
  • Our Network Should:
    • Hold us accountable yet give us positive motivation.
    • Share their knowledge, resources and insight. Sharing is import in that while we may be narrowly focused on a problem of ours, sharing with another person can broaden our perspective on the issue.
    • Provide quick support in the event of a pending or current relapse – which can be fatal to us!
    • Provide us with comfort and confidence just knowing there are trusted people in our network to turn to.

Create your visual Network

Example of a Recovery Support Netwrok
Example of a Support Network

Consider this when formulating your network and selecting personal acquaintances to be a part of it: – TIME stands for Trust I Must Earn. It’s going to take time to get relationships back on track. This can be very frustrating, you may know and feel your progress, but other simply don’t. How could they? It took time to lose their trust, and it can only be restored by your actions. The progress and you feel inside can only be demonstrated by your actions. Understand this and done let them make you feel less than you are now! Keep in mind that the large majority of people relapse and make certain that the relationship is a healthy one, based on friendship, support and recovery. Be very careful and selective. Two sick people don’t make one healthy person.

New friends are a true blessing to; they are a clean start at friendship. Don’t ruin it, be faithful to them, be loyal, and be unselfish, thoughtful and kind. Ask for advice, and listen, they have a fresh set of eyes on your situation and may have fresh insight. Most of all don’t forget to be there for them. You have an opportunity to build amazing healthy friendships.

Our Wellness Wheel

Our lives sometimes seem so complicated; we have many aspects of our personal lifestyle to consider. This requires balance of body, spirit and mind. Without balance we become lopsided or “flat” in certain areas. The result of lacking in certain areas, can be an over exertion in others. For example, if we suffer from PTSD (mind) we may turn to our addiction (body) to soften or numb the painful memories or experiences.

  • We should explore ways to balance our Wellness Wheel to make life easier.
  • Consider the story of the man on a steep incline trying to push a boulder uphill, sitting with his back pressed hard against a boulder, straining to get uphill, fingers trembling with his palms pushed into the gravel, his thighs burning with effort pushing the large, jagged boulder uphill.
  • Now consider, a well-balanced round wheel he is pushing, it still requires effort, but moves much easier.
  • It even gains momentum.
  • He moves easier, he can even focus on things that are not painful or a struggle.

Wellness Wheel Example

The example is my Wellness Wheel. It can be seen that our wheels are all unique, mine is a tough one to push uphill. I have good strengths and stability in mind and spirit, however I’m lacking in physical health due to upcoming back surgery I need and as a result I’ve missed career advancement. The wheel illustrates areas I need to focus on. Resolving my “flat” wheel areas will allow me to better myself and make it far easier to push my wheel forward and gain momentum.

Wellness Wheel Example