Benefits of Seeking Help From Others in Recovery
Sometimes, the most robust support networks are made of people who are also in recovery. Some may think these relationships are like the blind leading the blind, but building relationships with others in recovery is conducive to all individuals involved. It is a relationship of mutual benefits. As you strengthen your path to recovery, someone else is accountable for theirs. Accountability is essential for sobriety.
The Lakehouse Recovery Center is an outpatient addiction recovery center comprised of staff who are all in recovery themselves. These individuals know the courage and strength it takes to seek help and enter into treatment. We emphasize to clients that the journey of treatment and recovery is not one you have to go through alone. Knowing individuals are going through the same thing can bring you peace, and cast your support network so wide that you will never have to fear traveling this path alone.
Finding Understanding Among Peers
As a human being, you will gravitate toward people who have similar interests, backgrounds, or beliefs. You learned at a very early age that making connections with people of similar interests helps you to bond with them. Friendships and relationships thrive when there is a common denominator between people, whether it be a shared love of sports, fitness, music, or other interests.
It only makes sense that you gravitate toward making connections with others in recovery. To outsiders, a relationship of peers in recovery may seem counterproductive. This could not be further from the truth. Connecting with your peers while in treatment, during a support group meeting, or even online is a phenomenal way to grow your support network.
By opening up about your struggles with addiction, you will have a conducive way to cope with any complex feelings you may be having, and even help to validate things your peers may be feeling. By listening to others’ stories, you provide them the same emotional outlet, and may even recognize new perspectives or methods for maintaining recovery. Support networks are often filled with friends and family, and having friends and family be there for you in your time of need is invaluable. They may never understand what you are going through, at least not the way the peers you meet in treatment and support groups will.
No one’s addiction or recovery journey is the same, but anyone struggling knows the hardships that come with the battle. Being able to connect with professionals, sponsors, and other individuals in recovery allows you to bond so that your relationship can flourish into one of mutual benefit, where you help each other on your paths to recovery.
Learning From Your Peers
Another mutual benefit of seeking help and bonding with others in recovery is the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Recovery is comprised of trying to figure things out one day at a time. There is no one proven formula for a successful recovery or a cure for addiction, but that does not mean you cannot figure it out together. Talking to friends, family, and loved ones is great, but can they offer you the kind of understanding and insight that helps you maintain your sobriety? Not always.
In talking with your peers, sober community, or support group, you will hear many stories about other people’s struggles with addiction. You will learn about their experiences with substance use, what their rock bottom was, what motivated them to seek treatment, and what motivates them to stay in recovery. In their narrative, you may resonate with much of what they are saying, and even learn new tips and tricks to maintaining your recovery.
Support groups or group treatment are extremely beneficial in general, whether it is for addiction, substance use disorder (SUD), or any other mental disorder. Not only will you learn from others, but as you progress in your recovery, you will begin to speak on your narrative, which may inspire and help others to sustain sobriety as well.
Making Long-Lasting Connections at the Lakehouse
The success stories you will hear at the Lakehouse Recovery Center are proof that there is no case too hopeless or too complicated to achieve a happy, sober, fulfilling life. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to meet incredible people who are embarking on a path of recovery just like you. Whether you connect during group therapy, other programs, or by simply passing each other in a hall, by being open to the idea of recovery and new relationships, you will create connections that last a lifetime.
In addition to your peers, you have living examples of what it means to be in recovery through the staff that will work with you during your time here. Connection is vital to recovery, especially in our family-like atmosphere. If you or someone you love needs support with addiction recovery, the Lakehouse can help today.
Seeking help or support from other individuals in recovery is more beneficial than many originally realize. To others, it may seem like the blind leading the blind, but people in recovery can offer those seeking treatment a level of understanding and compassion others cannot offer. Through shared experiences, you build a mutually beneficial relationship where you learn about how one another copes with triggers, stay motivated to maintain sobriety, and keep each other accountable. This is why support groups or group therapy is exceptionally helpful. Talking to friends, family, and trusted loved ones is great, but they may not be able to fully understand what you’re going through – at least not in the way someone in recovery can. To learn more and seek help yourself from people in addiction recovery, call the Lakehouse Recovery Center at (877) 762-3707 today.