Every successful recovery from an addiction requires the individual to build a support network.
The problem: Very few people struggling with a substance use disorder end up creating and engaging with the right people.
Instead they encounter a number of barriers they believe are insurmountable and decide to recover alone.
This is a critical mistake.
Available data and evidence shows about 75% of people who develop an addiction, do eventually recover. However, and most importantly, success rates increase significantly when the person builds the right type of support system.
In this post, we’ll share all you need to know.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Support Networks Matter in Recovery
- Biggest Obstacles to Building Your Network
- Proven Strategies to Overcome Each Challenge
- How to Find the Right Support for Your Journey
Why Recovery Support Networks Actually Work
Let me let you in on something…
An estimated 29.3 million U.S. adults (11.1% of the population) report that they have successfully resolved a significant substance use problem and are currently living in recovery.
The common denominator?
Out of all the many different factors that contributed to their success, the common denominator was a support network of some kind.
This works because a network of recovery supports offers accountability, understanding, and practical assistance when needed most.
Think about it: Recovery is hard enough on its own, with and without support. Why make it harder on yourself and attempt to do it alone?
Professional treatment centers like Rolling Hills Recovery Center understand this and they build their treatment programs around this basic principal. The staff at Rolling Hills Recovery Center understand that building a support network for addiction recovery isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for long term success.
Biggest Challenges You’ll Face
It’s one thing to understand the concept of a recovery support network. It’s a completely different ball game when you actually have to put one together for yourself.
Let’s be real…
Building a support network is much easier said than done. There are real obstacles in your way.
Finding the Right People
Let’s face it, not everyone is going to “get it” when it comes to addiction and recovery.
You need people who understand and don’t judge. The problem? These people aren’t always easy to find in your current social circles.
Addiction changes the people around you and your relationships with them. In early recovery you will find out who is still on your team and who isn’t. Sometimes these people need to change, or relationships need to end completely for recovery to work.
Trust Issues
Here’s something many people don’t talk about: Addiction damages your ability to trust others and even yourself.
You may have burned bridges, lied to your loved ones, and lost their trust, or been burned and taken advantage of by people who were supposed to be helping you. Now you’re supposed to open up and trust people again? Sounds impossible.
However, isolation is one of the biggest relapse triggers on the planet.
Shame and Stigma
Despite all the evidence and research out there, society still treats addiction differently than other health conditions. There is shame attached to it which causes us to hide rather than reach out and get support.
You might worry about:
- what people will think if they find out
- losing your job or relationships
- being labeled as weak or broken
This stigma keeps too many people suffering in silence and alone.
Time Conflicts and Scheduling
Support groups, therapy sessions, and other recovery activities take time. Real time that you might not feel like you have.
You have work, family obligations, and a million other responsibilities that don’t just disappear because you are trying to recover.
Ways to Overcome These Challenges
Now for the good news…
Each and every one of these challenges can be overcome.
Start Where You Are
Building a perfect support network on day one of your recovery journey isn’t possible. Start small and build from there.
One connection is all it takes to start.
Begin with just one support person or group – whether that is a therapist, a sponsor, or someone you meet at your first support group meeting. Let that one relationship help you find the next one, and the next one, and so on.
Multiple Support Channels
Don’t rely on just one type of support for your network. The most resilient support networks include different types of connections:
- Professional support (therapists, counselors, treatment programs)
- Peer support (12-step groups, SMART Recovery, other mutual aid groups)
- Family and friends who support your recovery
- Online communities and resources
Diversity of support means you always have somewhere to turn.
Be Honest About Your Needs
You want a game-changer? People can’t support you if they don’t know what you need.
Get comfortable communicating things like, “I’m struggling today and need someone to talk to” or “I don’t feel safe right now, can you check in on me this week?” Be clear about what you need, and others can help you find it.
Set Boundaries with Toxic Relationships
Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is create distance from people who aren’t supporting your recovery.
This might look like limiting contact with people still using, saying no to events or people that risk your sobriety, or ending relationships that are abusive or don’t have your best interests at heart.
It’s not easy…
But sometimes having the space and energy you need to recover requires tough love and self-care.
Make Support a Priority
Schedule support activities the same way you would any other important appointment.
If time is tight, look for flexible options like online support groups or phone check-ins with your sponsor. You have to make support a non-negotiable priority.
Finding the Right Types of Support
Support is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
You have to find the specific types of support that work for your needs and preferences.
Peer Support Groups
Research indicates that participation in peer support dramatically reduces risk of relapse. One study found that individuals who participated in AA had a 35% lower relapse rate than those who received other forms of treatment alone.
Groups work because they include members who share lived experience with addiction.
Professional Treatment Programs
Getting help from addiction professionals provides you with evidence-based strategies and medical support that peer groups alone can’t provide. This includes therapy, medication assisted treatment, and highly structured programming.
Professional programs also connect you to other people in recovery.
Family and Friend Support
Don’t underestimate the power of family and friends in your corner. Family therapy or engaging trusted friends in your recovery plan can strengthen these relationships and turn them into a pillar of your support network.
Online Communities
Can’t get to in-person meetings? Online recovery communities can provide 24/7 support from people who understand what you’re going through. Digital connections can supplement in-person support or serve as your primary source of connection.
Maintaining Your Support Network Long-Term
It’s one thing to build your support network. It’s another to maintain it over time.
Stay engaged even when things are going well. Don’t just reach out when you are struggling – be there for others too. Support is a two way street.
Be willing to update and change your support system as your needs change. What works in early recovery won’t look the same as what you need after a year, or five years.
Remember, Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s one of the strongest things you can do for your recovery.
The Bottom Line
Building a recovery support network is a process.
You will face barriers including trust issues, scheduling conflicts, stigma, and more. But each single one of these challenges has a solution if you are willing to work through it.
Statistics do not lie: recovery is possible, and far more likely with the right support system in place. Don’t try to do this alone. Reach out, build connections, and give yourself the best possible chance at long term success.
Your recovery is worth fighting for.