Recovery from addiction can be a lonely road. Resisting cravings, building a new life, attending meetings — all of it can feel overwhelming. Socially isolating yourself during your recovery can bring on additional negative symptoms such as anxiety and depression and even lead you to relapse.
Although your story and journey are unique, plenty of people understand what you are feeling. Finding sober peers can provide you with the support you need to continue to maintain your abstinence from drugs and alcohol. As you continue your journey in recovery, giving back is just one more positive step you can take for your community.
What Is Peer Support?
Throughout your recovery, you are likely to receive support from professionals such as doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals. Their role is important as they help you through the detoxification phase and help you create healthy coping skills.
However, when you find a supportive peer group, they can help you with things on a more emotional level. These peers understand what you are going through because they have overcome addiction themselves. When you’re able to meet with them, they can share their experiences and what has and has not worked for them to overcome their addiction. Beyond that, this is a safe place that you need right now. There is no shame, pity, or judgment here, only support. Peer support will provide you with:
- Encouragement to stay sober
- Decreased negative emotions
- Isolation prevention
- Restored self-worth
- Shared coping skills that you can practice in your daily life
- Reduced chance of relapse
When You’re Ready to Provide Peer Support
Throughout your recovery, you are going to learn a great deal of information and strategies that have worked for you and others in your peer support groups. Peer support is one of the foundational blocks of a successful recovery.
Recovery does not have to be a lonely experience. You can learn from one another: from emotional support to advice on sober housing and employment — having sober peers throughout your recovery provides you with the tools you need.
Recovery comes with its trials and tribulations. Sometimes we feel like we’re all alone and that nobody truly understands what we are going through. As you walk the path of sobriety, you do not have to do it alone. Having like-minded peers there to support you along the way can help you continue to maintain your sobriety. Reach out to Valiant Living today to learn how we can help you find the continued support you need during your recovery. If you’re struggling with a substance use disorder or looking for recovery housing, call Valiant Living at (303) 952-5035.
