Hurtful stigma, unhealthy stereotypes, and pure judgment can make it very difficult for many people to cope. Although managing addiction can feel isolating, recovery does not have to be a lonely process. Community support is crucial, especially in early recovery. Aftercare services can provide additional support to help you move forward with confidence. Participating in sober activities with fellow alumni can open new doors to life-changing opportunities. You just may find that seeking ongoing support can significantly improve your quality of life.
Relapse Rates Without Aftercare Services or Community Support
Both early and late recovery can come with its own set of obstacles. A study from Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment indicates that about 40-60% of Americans with addiction who are having problems in recovery are at an increased risk of relapse. In other words, it is highly common for those facing issues in recovery to relapse at any time within the first year after treatment. For example, approximately 85% of individuals with SUD in the United States relapse within the first year without seeking support.
Problems Related to Early Recovery
Early recovery may be a busy phase in a person’s life. At this stage of recovery, a person facing problems with substance use disorder (SUD) is typically required to make major sacrifices to ward off unwanted triggers. Attempting positive change is the first step to discontinuing bad habits. Although this can be a lonely process, doing so can safely ensure consistent improvement for a more successful recovery. Not everyone successfully manages the transition into early recovery. Different sacrifices that may benefit your path to long-term recovery might include:
- Removing toxic friends and family who are a bad influence
- Moving to a new environment
- Finding a new job that serves a more meaningful purpose
- Taking time for yourself to focus on personal goals
- Quitting bad habits to stay on track while in recovery
- Continuing to pursue therapy and community opportunities for growth and support
Problems Related to Late Recovery
Not staying involved with your community at any stage in your recovery can have severe consequences for your mental and physical health. As the days pass, you may feel well-adjusted to your life. This can be due to the added structure built into your daily routine. In late recovery, you may have fewer goals to work toward as your major priorities have already been established.
Depending on the severity of your condition and level of support, boredom may send you back into your old ways. Although substance cravings may not be as intense as they once were, at this point, they may have resurfaced. Late recovery without community support may derail your progress. Problems in late recovery might include:
- Demotivation
- Broken structure in your daily routine
- Emotional relapse
- Mental relapse
- Physical relapse
Healthy Changes With Community Support
Although recovery can come with many challenges, community support can make a world of difference to those experiencing problems maintaining sobriety. According to the Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, there are several different recovery support services you can explore. Accepting ongoing support can help you develop better thought patterns and improved behavior. Taking time to research different types of community support can potentially open new opportunities and decrease your risk for a substance relapse. Community support services might include:
- Recovery Coaching
- Sober living homes
- Alumni programs
- Community events
- Outpatient care
- Support groups
- 12-Step programs
Fun Sober Activities to Engage With Peers
Although meeting new people may be out of your comfort zone, making healthy connections in early recovery can, in turn, be a fun process. Spending time with like-minded individuals at Renaissance Ranch’s Band of Brothers Program can bring new opportunities for a smoother path forward. Their support for their patients does not end after completing treatment.
Based on a Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation study published by the Dove Press, social support can bring nonprofessional yet nonclinical care from peers with similar goals while in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Engaging in support groups can provide the social support needed to learn new coping strategies. Interacting with peers can help you face unwanted triggers in recovery. As shown in the past, peer support has played a vital role in many addiction treatment modalities and recovery approaches. These might include therapeutic communities, community reinforcement approaches, and 12-Step programs.
Everyone deserves to heal. Although structured support can be helpful, taking time to decompress is essential to a person’s health. Therefore, participating in fun sober activities with peers with Renaissance Ranch’s alumni program can bring relief from social isolation and be a great way to spend your free time. Various sober activities might include:
- Kayaking a local river
- Hiking scenic trails
- Starting a bible club
- Biking the city
- Bowling
- Hosting a potluck dinner
- Meditation
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we offer a unique, clinically driven approach to addiction recovery. Continuing Care involves advanced group therapy that addresses long-term sobriety maintenance and related issues. We offer treatment services for life. Our team understands that our support for our patients doesn’t end when they complete their stay at our program. Sobriety is a lifelong journey, not just a simple destination that can be reached after inpatient rehab. The Band of Brothers is our alumni network. Connection is everything, so we spare no time or expense to keep guys connected, day in and day out with other men who know what it’s like to struggle with addiction. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 for ongoing support.