Denser networks of positive sentiments, such as friendship, are considered to be more “cohesive” [21]. Reciprocity is related to density, but reciprocity could be high even if the density is not, indicating a strong tendency for mutual connection. There are over 17,500 recovery homes in the US providing critical housing to over 270,000 individuals with substance use disorders each year [1]. OHs create https://ecosoberhouse.com/ an environment where individuals can move at their own pace through recovery and can find solace in housemates who also aim to achieve and maintain sobriety. However, not everyone in these settings benefits, and it is still unclear what factors might enhance recovery for some but not others. We found that low recovery factor individuals generally increased their recovery factor scores over time.
Last but not least, just because you receive addiction treatment doesn’t mean you can never ask for help from a professional again. If you are struggling with triggers to abuse drugs, consider receiving professional addiction treatment from a specialist. This way you not only grow your sober support network, but you can also continue to work on yourself and your sobriety journey with a trained professional. Before discussing how you can build your own sober support network, it’s important to understand what a sober support network is. Essentially, your sober support network includes any trusted family members, friends, community groups, addiction specialists, and more who can support you along your sobriety journey. The current study helps us better understand the therapeutic nature of a recovery-supportive social environment.
It Helped Me Examine The Give And Take In Relationships.
Maybe it was the taste of good coffee or the sugar in the donut, but I found myself actually paying attention to the people in the meeting and listening to what they were saying. The next thing that really struck me was that all of these people, who looked very well put together and ready to go about their day, were all talking about feelings and experiences that I had. I didn’t know it yet, but this was my first experience with a sober network. Looking back on it, what I found in that meeting was that I was not alone in my feelings and my experiences.
For this reason, patients may be more inclined to shy away from investing effort into building a support network when they graduate from rehab and commit to remaining clean and sober. Nevertheless, it is necessary to invest time, effort, and energy into building a strong, positive, healthy social network even if it requires moving beyond your typical comfort zone. You can also consider joining sober activities or sober events in your community, such as support groups to build your sober support network. Attending support groups can be a great way to meet other recovering addicts who understand what you are going through. Likewise, during these support groups, you can gain motivation from others who may be further along their recovery journey.
Why a Sober Support System is Essential in Recovery
We classified residents as either having a high school education, GED or less, versus those with some college, technical school or college degree. Participants were part of a longitudinal study that collected information every four months over 2 years, for a total of 7 waves (only 6 waves were used in the present study to conform to findings from [9]). Participants were recruited and interviewed by field research staff in face-to-face meetings. Permission was obtained through the DePaul University Institutional Review Board.
For example, SMART Recovery is a group that appeals to people with whom the spiritual nature of the traditional 12-Step program does not resonate. Refuge Recovery incorporates the core practices and principles of Buddhism. Get you or your loved one help for addiction or mental health issues today. You can find local support group meetings by searching online or contacting organizations like AA and NA for meeting schedules in your area. The authors appreciate the social network help of Ed Stevens and Nate Doogan. We also acknowledge the help of several members of the Oxford House organization, and in particular Paul Molloy, Alex Snowden, Casey Longan, and Howard Wilkins.
Want to learn the What, When and Why of Sobercoin?
In general, sober living homes are privately owned homes for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Houses are usually located in quiet, peaceful neighborhoods, where members can destress and focus on their growth and recovery journeys. Sober living houses are alcohol and drug-free environments where residents can establish or maintain their sobriety. Through peer support, proven recovery principles, peer empowerment, and individual responsibility, residents can solidify their sobriety and prepare to return home or live independently. During my active addiction, I would remain in toxic relationships and friendships for extended periods of time. I was unable to leave the cycles of toxicity, and I was unable to see that the type of love I was bringing into my life was the kind I was willing to accept for myself.
Those who remained sober for a year or more relapsed less than half the time. And those who abstained for five years remained sober and avoided relapse 85% of the time. Sobriety has given me sober network properties so many amazing things, but I count the ability to exist in relationships as one of the top. I can honestly say today that I am a good friend, daughter, sister, aunt, partner, and cat mom.