Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Regardless of where you may be in your recovery journey from addiction, having a network of support is always a crucial aspect to maintaining your sobriety.
Whether you are just out of rehab and treatment for your addiction or have had many years of sobriety under your belt, having a strong support system is foundational to maintaining recovery for the long term. This is especially true during periods of time or seasons of life that may be more challenging or triggering than others.
For example, the holiday season can often be a difficult time for many individuals who are working to maintain their sobriety, and it is important to voice these struggles and having regular support during this time.
Support Group
Joining a support group for addiction can be a practical way towards maintain your recovery efforts and to have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who are striving for similar goals.
Support groups are often free in the community, and some may be run by professionals while others are run by group members who may have been well established in their recovery. This is also an opportunity to connect with a mentor, who can provide much needed accountability during a holiday season that can be challenging.
Having someone to talk to or contact when you are feeling triggered, isolated, or alone can be the encouragement you need to keep going in your recovery.
Staying focused on your sobriety is not something that needs to happen alone, and the more you work together with others, the greater success you will find in your recovery.
If you are not sure where to go to find a support group for addiction recovery, begin by searching the directory on the Addiction Hope website.
You can also work with your treatment team or health care professional who specializes in addiction to get connected to a community support group.
Lastly, you can search locally through addiction treatment centers, as many of these organizations also lead outpatient support groups. Know that there is help and support available to you through any season of your life.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have been in recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, how have support groups helped you in your journey? What encouragement might you share with another individual in recovery who is searching for ways to get connected?
Crystal Karges
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 24, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com