In 2014, one in five Americans experienced a mental health disorder. In that same year, more than 20 million adults suffered from substance use disorder. With how many people are struggling with mental health and addiction, remember that you are not alone in your recovery journey. Remembering that you are not alone can seem difficult following treatment, yet there are many ways to maintain support in recovery. You may need to ask for help from your family, practice honesty with your friends, create allies with doctors, find your place within your community, and avoid spending time with triggering people. Ultimately, you want to be your own best support person.
Asking Family for Support
Your family will most likely be your primary source of support in the beginning stages of recovery. Allow them to support you and be willing to ask for help. Your family cannot know your needs if you do not let them know. Letting your family know when you need support will help you recover, grow, and heal. Also, asking for help allows your family to recognize your triggers and learn how to help you avoid relapsing into old behaviors that may be harmful to your well-being.
Practice Honesty With Your Friends and Peers
Your friends are an essential source of support as you proceed in the recovery process. Being honest with your friends can help them understand your needs and develop ways to help you cope. Friends are commonly a source of respect and a way of processing information you cannot always share with your family. Your friends can also tell you when you need to speak to your family and doctor. Your friends should be supportive and respectful of you, your disorder, and the recovery process.
Peers in recovery can also help you identify triggers and know your limits. Peers can also become friends during recovery. At The Guest House, part of recovery includes our Alumni Program, which provides peer support after you finish treatment.
Let Your Doctor Be an Ally for Your Recovery
Your doctor can be your greatest ally. They will educate you about your disorder, any medications you need to take, and methods of helping you overcome your issues. Your doctor is there to help you, not hinder your recovery. Listening to your doctor and asking questions when you do not understand will help you better manage your diagnosis and build the support you need.
Find Your Place in Your Community
Your community can provide you with a new opportunity for growth and making new friends. Volunteering or working is essential to your well-being. Building a space for yourself in the community will ensure your recovery. Part of finding your place in the community may include participating in 12-Step programs, a church, or even a group for your particular interests. No matter your disorder, finding a safe space in your community can help ensure your recovery.
Avoid Triggering People
There is a saying in 12-Step groups to avoid people, places, and things that could trigger you to abuse drugs or alcohol again. Nothing can be more true that, when you are developing your support system, you need to avoid people that enable you to return to old behaviors. You may also want to avoid the people that belittle or disrespect you. It’s essential to recognize that some people in your life are not helpful in your recovery and need to be avoided if possible. Recognizing triggering people may be difficult at first. However, as you proceed in recovery, you will be able to identify triggering people and other triggers with the help of your support system.
Be Your Own Best Friend
You are your best source of support. Recognizing yourself as your own best friend in recovery can help you get through times of isolation and limited contact with other sources of support. Taking the time to learn coping skills and self-care can ensure a successful recovery when other sources of support are unavailable.
While in treatment, you learned various skills to help you through difficult times. As you pursue recovery, you need to learn to rely on yourself and your skills to get you through difficult situations. Be kind to yourself as you learn how to manage life outside of treatment. You will have support, but always remember to be your own best support system.
Remember You Are Not Alone
You are not alone in coping with a mental health issue or substance use disorder. Throughout life, we all face problems and difficulties. Do not believe you are alone. You can cope with your diagnosis, and plenty of people in your life will support you. Ask for help and be willing to help yourself.
Learning to accept support can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery from any disorder. Support, however, is necessary as you pursue recovery. There are multiple sources of support in your life, but you must be willing to ask for help and accept the help offered. At The Guest House, we recognize the need for continued support after treatment and want you to be capable of asking for help while still being able to help yourself. We offer support for your recovery process, starting with beginning treatment via a variety of options and providing aftercare through our Alumni Program. We know you will need continued support as you navigate recovery in the real world. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, we are here to help. We know you are struggling. Contact The Guest House at (855) 483-7800 and learn how we can help.