The Important Role that a Support System Plays in Recovery

The Importance of Support Systems in Recovery

Addiction therapy and rehabilitation have their own unique lexicon. Although it is commonly used, the term “support system” may not be fully grasped by those seeking help and for the many families with a loved one suffering from addiction. In this article, we discuss just how important a support system is for addicts going through the recovery process. South Africa is home to a burgeoning population of recovering addicts, counsellors, and specialists, making it an excellent setting for drug rehabilitation centres. Get in touch with us for more information on our South Africa treatment centre.

Defining a support system

The term “support system” is commonly used to refer to a person’s network of positive influences. There are several ways to do this, from verbal praise to providing material support for a goal’s completion.
No matter the specifics, though, the point is that having someone there to lean on in times of need is invaluable. In other words, by boosting a person’s morale, they make the goal that person is pursuing seem more within reach.

The Importance of Support Systems in Recovery

Cheerleaders for a sports team could be seen as the most direct parallel to a support system. Cheerleaders’ primary functions are to energise the crowd and boost the spirits of the athletes. Therefore, they sing encouraging words to the athletes throughout each game, boosting their sense of competence and self-assurance. A better illustration, though, is when a person’s loved ones step forward to help them during their rehabilitation. Here, the emphasis of the safety net is on reducing the likelihood of failure rather than increasing the likelihood of success. They help people who are recovering manage with stress, triggers, and other challenges to their sobriety.

The important role that a support system plays in recovery

It’s understandable that when we consider rehab for substance misuse, we tend to view rehabilitation as an individual endeavour. After all, loved ones don’t go through therapy at the same time as the patients themselves.
Community-based approaches to recovery are highly effective, however, and recovery fellowships and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are prime examples.
The fact that so many people have found great success in support groups despite the widespread belief that drug rehabs and holistic treatment programmes are more effective is a strong indicator that the support group model is quite helpful for recovery.

What makes having a support system so important when trying to overcome an addiction?

Providing positive pressure

One of the leading causes of addiction is peer pressure. You are much more likely to start taking substances yourself if many people in your social circle are doing so. Substance abuse leads to dependence and eventually addiction if it is not stopped. But what if the opposite were true? What if a person’s social circle actively supported their efforts to remain substance-free? That’s exactly what a system of support is. Simply put, a support group consists of people who can exert a good influence on you. They support good choices and forward movement rather than encouraging poor ones. In a nutshell, the members of a support group can serve as a source of encouragement and hope during the healing process.

A lifeline through the hardest parts of recovery

People are built for community. While the degree to which we seek out social interaction differs from person to person, it is generally agreed that this is the most effective way to meet the emotional and psychological requirements of the great majority of us.
This is especially true when confronted with considerable obstacles. A person who has a strong support system—whether it be family or friends—is less likely to fall apart under stress.
They can be of great assistance without doing or saying anything special in the vast majority of circumstances. When it comes to overcoming an addiction, having someone there to lean on when recovery gets tough can make all the difference.

Someone to talk to

If you’ve ever gone to a therapist or counsellor, you know the satisfaction of leaving a session after you’ve aired your issues and gotten them out of your system.
It’s cathartic to share your innermost thoughts, feelings, and difficulties with another person; it’s as if the act of sharing releases the negative emotions that have been tied to difficult events.
Speaking our thoughts aloud to another human being is also a great way to build connections and have epiphanies.
Simply said, a support system is a network of people who are there for you emotionally whenever you need them. The simple act of listening can be just as therapeutic as talking to a therapist, even if they are unable to offer any advice. An individual in recovery can use their support group as a sounding board.

Final Thoughts

You undoubtedly already know that addiction has a social stigma. Add to it the fact that people in recovery typically feel judged and inferior by most other people, and it’s easy to see why they might be cautious about sharing their stories.
Putting aside your own preconceptions and prejudices is essential if you want to be an effective support system for someone going through rehabilitation. Maintaining sobriety is challenging for a recovering addict because of the overwhelming guilt they feel.
By embracing him or her as is, you can help protect his or her sobriety instead of jeopardising it.

We also take a look at triggers and treatment for alcohol abuse in elderly.

The Importance of Support Systems in Recovery

Defining a support system