How Can Support Groups Help One Maintain Sobriety After Rehab?
For some individuals, it can be challenging to maintain sobriety without additional support. This can be especially so for those experiencing challenges with substance use disorder (SUD) or co-occurring mental health conditions. Both the early and late addiction recovery stages can be a vulnerable time for some. It is highly common for those in recovery to relapse within the first year after completing treatment. Therefore, many individuals fear a relapse due to a major lack of support. Moving forward after rehab can feel nerve-wracking, but participating in different support groups at Restoration Recovery can significantly improve an individual’s ability to maintain sobriety after finishing their treatment program.
The Challenges of Early Recovery Without Support Groups
Early recovery typically requires an individual to make serious changes to their lifestyle. Doing so can ensure a more positive recovery outcome. For example, one may remove connections with those who continue to engage in substance abuse, resign from a job that does not provide a sober environment to their employees, and, in some cases, move far from home to live in an environment with limited exposure to substances. However, making different sacrifices can lead to an isolated lifestyle if one does not seek additional support. The stress involved in making change, in addition to intense loneliness, can lead to co-occurring depression or anxiety. Thus, intense cravings can trigger a substance relapse leaving one feeling alone and defeated.
The Importance of Social Support in Recovery
Research indicates that social support is a critical element in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Studies have noted that obtaining a strong support system can significantly reduce substance use rates after completing treatment. Social support can improve positive health outcomes for those in recovery. Many individuals experience a better quality of life and improved well-being after establishing a strong support network. Conversely, a major lack of social support is linked with increased severity of substance use. Therefore, those who do not develop a strong support system are at a higher risk of enduring greater psychological distress.
What Does SMART Recovery Stand For?
According to “SMART Recovery: Self Management and Recovery Training,” SMART Recovery stands for self-management and recovery training. SMART Recovery provides personal support services to those who face challenges with addiction. Support service programs focus on helping those in recovery find the confidence and tools needed to maintain motivation.
Social support can help one stay dedicated to following a sober-free lifestyle and recover from past addictive behaviors. A SMART Recovery program involves family, friends, mental health professionals, and like-minded individuals in their path to healing. It is a four-point program comprising different techniques, tools, and helpful strategies to aid in an individual’s recovery. The four points include:
- Building and maintaining motivation: Motivation is the primary key to recovery; without it, one may have difficulty meeting their goals.
- Coping with urges: Learn to recognize triggers to better cope with urges to engage in substance use.
- Managing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors: Gain a positive perspective to manage one’s thought process and actions better.
- Living a balanced lifestyle: Learn to identify which parts of recovery need to be addressed to gain balance toward healing.
Moving Forward With Different Support Groups at Restoration Recovery
As all stages of recovery can come with ups and downs, looking into aftercare support at Restoration Recovery can be a wise decision. Continuing care services at Restoration Recovery are designed to provide helpful tools to foster individuals in their healing process. The post-rehabilitation period is known to be a challenging stage because many individuals who complete treatment transition back into an environment that may have contributed to their SUD or co-occurring mental health condition in the first place.
Those who lack social support or a safe environment to return to after completing treatment may find Restoration Recovery’s aftercare program to be highly advantageous. Different support programs that can help other than our SMART Recovery program include:
- Outpatient counseling: Attending psychotherapy services outside of the hospital weekly for support
- Sober living homes: Residing in a safe environment free from drugs and alcohol with peers for support
- 12-Step programs: Participating in Alcohol Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups for support
The Benefits of Attending Aftercare Support Groups
With the understanding that social support is a critical element in recovery, staying dedicated to aftercare support groups is essential to gaining improved well-being. It can take some time to adjust to a new way of living. Balancing relationships with aftercare services can feel like a lot. Staying on track with continuing care services can be challenging, but doing so can provide several benefits to one’s recovery experience. The benefits of aftercare support groups in recovery include:
- Gained coping skills
- Increased sense of empowerment
- Improved sense of self-worth
- Additional access to resources
- Provided environment to safely cope
- Judgment-free zone
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness, but wholeness. Established in May 2017 in Auburn, California, Restoration Recovery Center is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help in the recovery of persons with substance use disorder. We provide addiction aftercare near Sacramento to help individuals transition into a healthier, substance-free life once treatment is over. The primary goal of our programs is to provide ongoing support and guidance to help individuals build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety. This is achieved through a combination of therapy, counseling, education, and participation in support groups. Call us at (888) 290-0925.
