Individuals in recovery inevitably face triggers, which are circumstances that may create a temptation to use again. Everyone in recovery, from those who are fresh out of a treatment program to those who have been sober for many years, must cope with triggers.
Avoiding known triggers such as certain people and places helps an individual remain sober, but negative emotions such as anger or stress can also become triggers.
Since a person is not always able to control how he feels or how he reacts to a situation, having a network of support to turn to during difficult times is an important aspect of the sober lifestyle. This network should be filled with positive people who actively support the individual’s effort to remain clean and sober.
What Kind of Support Is Available to Individuals in Recovery?
Many drug rehab centers offer various types of support programs to individuals who are adjusting to sober living. Types of support available to individuals in recovery often include the following:
- Sober living homes – Transitioning from full-time, residential treatment to normal daily life can be a jarring experience if it occurs too quickly. Sober living homes provide a way to slowly ease back into normal life. In a sober living home, individuals still have around the clock support available, but they are also able to gradually take on more and more responsibility until they are ready to fully reenter in the outside world.
- Vocational counseling – Many recovering individuals need to find work but fear that their history of addiction might prevent them from getting a decent job. Vocational counseling equips recovering individuals with the tools they need to secure adequate employment. In vocational counseling, individuals learn how to conduct themselves in an interview, how to discuss gaps in their employment history, and how to build their resume.
- Support groups – Discussing personal experiences with other recovering drug users is invaluable to the treatment process.By connecting on an emotional level with other people who are experiencing similar struggles, individuals can develop a sense of community while gaining hope for the future. Support groups provide advice, encouragement, and positive relationships. Individuals often continue to attend support groups long after completing a treatment program.
These resources can help an individual build a network of support that she can turn to during a time of need or a moment of vulnerability. These relationships can also help recovering addicts to create a long, happy life in recovery.