How to Find Sober Support
Getting sober is an honorable accomplishment. It is also an accomplishment that takes hard work, dedication, and effort to achieve. If you have pulled yourself out of the depths of active addiction, you know how difficult this process can be. Once you are sober, it is critical that you maintain your sobriety to prevent relapse. Relapsing, while a natural part of recovery, can be very dangerous. Not only does relapsing increase your risk of overdose, but it can cause further physical and mental damage. That is why it is important to continue working on your recovery even after you get sober.
Addiction is a disease that has no cure, but it can be treated. It is usually treated with a combination of medication and treatment as well as a support system. If you have the disease of addiction, it is up to you to find ways to develop a support system. Doing so can help you continue to stay sober and avoid relapse.
How Can I Find Sober Support?
Going from actively abusing drugs or alcohol to complete sobriety is often jarring. In the early days and weeks of your recovery, you will likely feel out of place. This is completely normal. But because of the vulnerability you may experience, having sober support is vital to your success in recovery.
You are probably asking yourself, “how do I find sober support?” The good news is, sober support is all around you. It is just a matter of taking action. There are countless opportunities for you to start building your own support system. These include going to 12-Step meetings, getting a sponsor, and seeing a therapist regularly.
Locate 12-Step meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are the most widely available forms of sober support. These meetings are at your fingertips, as there are usually happening right in your community. You can go online and locate AA or NA meetings in your area. You will benefit most if you attend at least six 12-Step meetings before deciding if they are right for you. This is because all meetings are unique in their own ways. Therefore, you may prefer one specific meeting over the other. Do not get discouraged if you go to one meeting and you did not like it. Sometimes it takes shuffling around to different meetings to find the perfect fit.
Get a sponsor
Through AA or NA, you can find a sponsor. A sponsor is a person who is already experienced in the 12-Steps and who is also sober. In many meetings, people who are sponsors or who are offering to be sponsors will identify themselves. Reach out to one of those individuals after the meeting and ask for their sponsorship. You are not obligated to keep your sponsor. If you feel like there is a better match for you, you can change sponsors. No matter what, though, getting a sponsor is critical in recovery. They are able to help you work the steps to your advantage, thus improving your recovery.
See a therapist
Early recovery is challenging for many reasons. Not only are you learning how to function without drugs or alcohol, but you are extremely vulnerable. A mental health professional like a therapist can help strengthen your reserve at this time. Depending on your needs, you can see a therapist weekly, bi-weekly, or however much you’d like. When in therapy, you can work on enhancing the skills you already have. You can continue to do emotional and spiritual work that you may have started in treatment. You can get the help you need to navigate the early stages of recovery to prevent relapse. Maintaining a relationship with your therapist will improve your overall wellbeing and offer continued support.
Going to meetings, getting a sponsor, and seeing a therapist is crucial in building sober support. They are not the only things you can do to maintain your recovery, though. Strive to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. You can make new friends at your meetings, for example. You can also keep in touch with friends you made in treatment. The internet is also an excellent resource that can help connect you to others in recovery. Work to improve your relationships with your family members. The more effort you put into your connections, the more support you can obtain from them.
Why is Having Support in Sobriety Important?
Getting sober after abusing drugs or alcohol is not easy. It requires lots of emotional and psychological work. For many, the physical aspects of getting sober can be extremely overwhelming. The entire process is often both trying and celebratory. But, no one can do it alone. That is why having support in sobriety is critical. When you have sober support, you will:
- Have other people to talk to about your emotions
- Keep building coping skills to prevent relapse
- Remain connected with the recovery community
- Have professional guidance
Most importantly, when you have sober support, you will never be alone. Addiction, even when dormant, is a lonely disease. Having other people around you who can offer support can make all the difference.
Get Professional Addiction Treatment by Calling Us Right Now
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, call us right now. We understand how difficult living with active addiction is and we can help. You do not need to go through the trials and tribulations of this disease on your own. Professional addiction therapy in Los Angeles can help.
Do not waste one more minute abusing drugs or alcohol. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel, reaching out for help is the best thing you can do.
We can help you stop your active abuse, find your footing in recovery, and offer you continued support. All you need to do is put forth dedication and effort. Recovery is right at your fingertips if you want it. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
So, call us right now. We can help you get sober once and for all.
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