You’ve made an empowering decision to stop drinking and stay sober. Unfortunately, your choices affect your loved ones, and there’s nothing you want more than to regain your life.
Bravo on your commitment to pursuing sobriety. You may decide to attend 12-step meetings or surround yourself with supportive people. Either way, it’s vital to have the right people backing you as you make this critical change.
There are a few different ways you can establish a positive support system. To continue your journey, you can form relationships with the people outlined in this article.
1. Attend 12-Step Meetings or Go to a Treatment Center
First thing’s first, attending 12-step meetings is vital. Going to these meetings will encourage you not to sway from staying sober. Plus, you’ll get connected with other recovering alcoholics who are there for you!
Besides 12-step meetings, there are also inpatient centers available. If you decide to go to a recovery center, this is an excellent way to overcome alcoholism. Most cities offer them.
If you live in Los Angeles, there are rehab centers available. One rehab center in LA offers several different activities. You can head to the beach and enjoy home entertainment, to name a few options during your stay.
While participating in activities, you’ll meet other people recovering from their addiction. You may even make lifelong friendships with these people. Later, you can encourage one another after leaving the center.
2. Choose a Sponsor
As you attend 12-step meetings, you should consider getting a sponsor. You don’t have to have a sponsor to attend meetings, but getting one can increase your chances of success.
To find a sponsor, you should seek out someone with experience. They should also be an uplifting person and someone you trust. Avoid any romantic interests (it’s distracting), and make sure they have enough time to sponsor you. Having someone who sponsors many people means they may not be able to help you when you need them.
With the right sponsor, you know you’re in good hands. If ever you reach a point where you feel like drinking, they can talk you down from the ledge. They can remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles as well.
3. Go to Therapy
You may not feel comfortable telling your sponsor and friends everything. In that case, confiding in a mental health professional can aid you in your recovery.
Finding a therapist you can trust is essential to your recovery process. It would help if you were willing to tell them everything that goes on in your life. And, so they can help you, telling them your thought patterns is essential.
They can teach you how to use cognitive therapy to your advantage. Reframing your thoughts and patterns will make it easier for you to manage your addiction.
4. Connect With People on Social Media
There are a plethora of groups you can join on social media. In groups, you can connect with other people struggling with addiction.
Scour Facebook for sober groups that may appeal to you. Conversing with people who struggle with the same things you do can be therapeutic. You know you’re not alone.
Besides Facebook, there are other online groups you can join. LifeRing and the Loosid app are two ways to connect with other former alcoholics.
You can also make friends with people on social media. There are many vocal people on Instagram, for example, that you can follow. Find out who they follow and who follows them. In addition, you can follow encouraging and inspiring people on Instagram to encourage you on your new path.
5. Trust in People You Can Count On
If you’re newly recovering, you need people you can count on. Having a friend who’s hot and cold isn’t a good relationship for you to have right now. You’re going through enough already with trying to conquer your cravings.
No one is perfect, but the more consistent your friendships can be, the better. You need to invest in friends who you can trust. Of course, a friend doesn’t have to know all your dirty laundry. But if you want support throughout your recovery, it wouldn’t hurt to let them know you’re a recovering addict.
Friends who understand you’re staying abstinent from alcohol is helpful. When you’re in a tempting situation like being near a bar, your friend can keep that in mind. They can also keep you accountable if you wish them to do so.
Conclusion
The road to sobriety won’t be easy. So, having the right people keep you accountable will allow you to stay on the right path.
Even having a support system doesn’t mean you still may not falter. You must believe in yourself and not allow yourself to fall back into the same negative patterns.
If you feel the urge to drink, head to a AAA meeting and call your sponsor. Never should you try to conquer drinking on your own when you know you’re not alone!
