After detoxing, there is still a world of work that needs to be done for a successful recovery. Like any other journey, the journey to recovery should not be done alone. It is essential to build a community during addiction recovery. At the end of the day, your community will be the backbone of your recovery. Read more to learn more about how a strong support system will aid in recovery.
Why Is Community Important?
Addiction is a difficult journey. It requires hard work, consistency, and a world of support. As with any other chronic illness, addiction should be treated with the same delicacy and care. However, this is not always as easy as it sounds.
Addiction can destroy some of the most important relationships in a person’s life. On the other hand, others never had quality relationships in the first place. The good news is there are a lot of resources available to help rebuild relationships and develop new ones.
Before diving into the different resources available, here are a few reasons why community is important in addiction recovery.
Sense of Belonging
Many people who struggle with addiction find it difficult to feel like they belong. However, a sense of belonging helps people feel less like an outsider and more like they are valued. A strong community that is filled with people who relate and may have also felt like an outsider can help individuals feel less isolated. In the long run, this will be helpful in staying on the path of recovery and protecting against relapse.
Accountability
A strong community can be everything a person needs to remain accountable on their recovery journey. The real work towards a path of recovery begins after detox. Not because a person has detoxed means they are cured of their addiction. They will still be tempted to use their substance. However, having a community to correct those thoughts and hold them accountable will support their addiction recovery.
Emotional Support
Addiction recovery is an emotional journey. While a person may experience really good days when they are motivated and inspired, they will also have tough days that throw them for a loop. Having a community to fall back on no matter what type of day it is is important to recovery.
Addiction recovery can feel isolating. There is a massive change in daily routines and priorities. A steady support system will be there to provide the emotional support a person needs to stay on the right path.
What Types of Recovery Communities Are Available to You?
Now that we have explored how a steady support system can be beneficial, we can discuss the types of support available. Believe it or not, family and friends are not the only types of community support available for those in addiction recovery. Here are a few.
Recovery Housing
A recovery house is not the same as a halfway house or sober living home. A recovery house allows tenants to stay as long as they need as long as they comply with the housing rules. In recovery housing, the lifestyle is structured around the 12-step method popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Recovery housing is fully furnished and accessible to bus lines, making it accessible for those with jobs but no reliable transportation. This housing is beneficial for people who need help getting back on their feet and staying accountable during their addiction recovery.
Recovery Cafe
Although it may sound like it, recovery cafes are not coffee shops for people in recovery. A recovery cafe is more like a community center. It is a community that provides a variety of services and programs for those in recovery. Recovery cafes offer activities like community meals, yoga classes, and support group meetings. These activities are often encouraged by healthcare professionals as a way to cope with recovery.
This type of environment is highly beneficial as participants are offered group therapy sessions and healthy coping alternatives. They are also given the opportunity to meet new people and build their community.
Recovery Coaches
A recovery coach is not a therapist. Instead, they are peer mentors who are trained to provide assistance to those in recovery. Recovery coaches are helpful in creating recovery plans for individuals who have just left rehabilitation centers.
Recovery coaching offers hands-on guidance for those seeking recovery. They help support long-term recovery and serve as a trustworthy source for those in addiction recovery.
Family and Friends
For those who have the support of family and friends in recovery, it can be a great resource. Supportive family and friends can be a large asset in recovery. Not only do they encourage recovery and keep individuals accountable, but they are already known and trusted.
Here are some ways family and friends can help support addiction recovery.
- Family and friends can engage in family therapy. This will help in mending relationships and teach them how to better support the individual in treatment.
- Family and friends can intervene in a crisis situation. In many cases, they are the closest people to a person in recovery.
- Family and friends can help keep their loved ones accountable. They can help them stick to their treatment and aftercare plans. They can also keep an eye on any changes that can suggest relapse.
Overall, having a supportive community in addiction recovery ensures that the person in recovery has the support they need to get through. Everyone deserves a fighting chance. Whether they have family support or not, there are still a number of resources available to help.
Learn More About Community Support With Genesis Medical Detox
Having community support in addiction recovery is vital in both the treatment and recovery stages. No one deserves to go through it alone. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help.
At Genesis, we are committed to providing compassionate, supportive, and appropriate medical care to all those in need. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We are here to support you every step of the way.
