Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 09:11 am
Choosing to live a sober lifestyle may be one of the most important choices you ever make. If you have struggled with addiction, choosing sobriety means that you are choosing better health, better relationships, and a better life. However, the road to recovery from alcoholism can be a rough one. While some people choose to go it alone, experts agree that people with a strong support system are more likely to experience success in their journey to sobriety. If you’ve chosen to get sober, here are some ideas for establishing a support system that will help you to stay sober.
Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes, or halfway houses, are often recommended for people who have completed an in-patient rehab program. Experts recommend halfway houses for men and women because they offer immediate support systems for addicts that are first experiencing life without alcohol.
In sober living homes, you are surrounded by like-minded folks who are struggling with the same issues and battling the same wars on their paths to sobriety. You also have easy access to counselors and other professionals who can help you to make and keep a plan for staying sober once you leave the home.
Peer Support Groups
You may not feel that you need to commit to inpatient rehab or a halfway house to maintain your sobriety. If you don’t feel that you need this constant support, you can still find a reliable support system in a local peer group. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are available in most areas. In most cases, meetings are scheduled at various times on multiple days per week.
This allows you to engage as much or as little as you need. These groups may offer to pair you with a sponsor, or a dedicated person who can be your main point of contact along your journey to long-term sobriety. These are people who know what you’re going through, and they can help you with tips for success as well as cautionary advice.
Family and Friends
Depending on your situation, you may not be able to rely on your family and friends during your rehabilitation period. Perhaps these folks are not the best role models for sobriety, or the stress they cause may be the reason you drank. If this is the case, then it makes much more sense to lean on newly-created support systems that will help and not hinder your goals.
However, if you do have current family members or friends that you feel may lift you up as you choose this new lifestyle, by all means, bring them into the loop. Be honest about your goals and what you will require of them should they choose to remain an integral part of your life going forward. You may be surprised at how many allies you find in your current circle.
Very few battles are fought alone. Beating addiction is a battle best fought and most likely won with the support of a community. Who you choose to join your community is completely up to you. But you will be glad to have them by your side along the way.
