A famous saying around the world is, "It takes a village." While we often hear it about raising kids, it's true for being human, too.
Throughout history, people have lived in tribes or communities. Being part of something bigger than yourself, a community, gives you purpose, a sense of belonging, and feeling included. In recovery, having a community is like having a lifeline.
For those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, relying solely on willpower isn't enough. People dealing with substance abuse need the support of a community to stay clean. Connecting with others who understand your struggles is crucial.
Without this support, individuals might isolate themselves, leading to feelings of sadness and a higher risk of going back to old habits.
How Having Friends Can Help You Stay Healthy After Treatment
Research tells us that being part of social groups can make it easier to avoid going back to bad habits after getting help. Many experts who understand behavior and addiction have found a link between feeling alone and having problems with addiction.
A British journalist named Johann Hari says that beating addiction isn't just about stopping the bad habits; it's about making connections with others. Here's why:
- Friends Support You Between Sessions
Recovering from addiction has its good and bad days. After a helpful counseling session, you might feel great, but the next day, you could feel stressed and uncertain. If you have friends who support you, they can lift your spirits when you're not in counseling.
Being part of a group can also motivate you when you're feeling lazy. Knowing that people are counting on you to be there makes a big difference.
- Friends Help You Learn Social Skills
Rebuilding your life also means relearning how to have good, meaningful interactions and relationships. Being in a group of friends can teach you important skills like listening well, showing empathy, resolving conflicts, and understanding social cues. These skills are handy in everyday life at work, home, or school.
- Friends Make You Feel Less Alone
Feeling lonely can make you want to go back to using substances to deal with the pain. But having friends can help you fight loneliness. Spending time with people who are going through similar struggles can make you feel like you belong, making recovery easier. Being in a group can also help you make new, like-minded friends, boosting your confidence.
- Friends Make Socializing Fun and Healthy
Being around friends who don't use substances lets you have fun in healthy ways, like hiking or sharing meals. Meaningful conversations and strong connections with a group of friends create a solid foundation for ongoing recovery. This kind of community shows you that you can have a good time without using substances.
- Friends Inspire Healthy Living
Being part of a supportive group can inspire you to live a healthier life. Seeing a friend start a balanced diet might encourage you to eat better, too. Exercising with people in your group can also improve your well-being. Building healthier relationships in recovery can make you feel better from the inside out.
A Supportive Place for Your Healing Journey
At Numa Recovery Center, we genuinely care about your recovery. We don't want you to feel lonely or by yourself. Our way of helping can offer you a special healing experience designed just for you, considering what you need socially, emotionally, and physically.
When you join us, you become part of a lively group of people at different stages of their recovery journey. We help you develop good habits related to your emotions, body, and spirit. This creates a strong base for finding your interests again, enjoying a happy life without substances, and having a structured routine.
We offer various groups for our alumni, like a weekly recovery support group, a monthly meeting, and an online community that you can use whenever you want. Your link to Numa Recovery Center doesn't stop when your time with us ends. We support you as you continue on your recovery journey.
Get in touch with us today if you're searching for a rehab and detox center in Los Angeles that's concerned about your overall well-being – your body, your feelings, and your connections with others.
Adam Zagha
