Building and maintaining a Support System

Building and maintaining a support system while dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD) is crucial to recovery, but can be a challenge- especially if a person feels isolated, has strained relationships, or lacks close connections with family or friends. Below is a practical guide in how to build and grow a support system:

How to build a Support System

1. Be Honest with Yourself and Others:
   • Acknowledge the need for support; it’s not weakness- it’s a strength.
   • Practice being open about what you’re struggling with, even if it’s with one person you trust or a group.
2. Professional help might be needed:
   • Therapist or Counselor: Especially one specializing in addiction or trauma.
   • Primary Care Provider: Can provide referrals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and also can connect you to various programs.
   • Case Manager or Social Worker (if available): Helps coordinate housing, treatment, employment, etc.
3. Join Peer Support Groups
   • These are structured, anonymous, and full of people who will understand what you’re going through:
     • 12 Step Programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous).
     • SMART recovery (science-based, non-religious).
     • Celebrate Recovery (faith-based, Christian).
     • Refuge Recovery (Buddhist-based).
     • Online options (More Below).

How to seek out a support system (without family or friends)

If you’re lacking a personal circle, these alternatives can be an option:

1. Community Resources
   • Local Recovery Centers: Most cities have outpatient/inpatient or residential programs that offer peer support.
   • Drop-in recovery centers: You don’t need to be enrolled in treatment to attend.
   • Churches or spiritual communities: Some offer support regardless of faith affiliation.
2. Online Communities
   • In the Rooms: Online meetings and recovery chats 24/7.
   • Sober Grid: A social network for sober people.
   • SmartRecovery.org: Online meetings and forums.
   • Loosid: A sober social network with support features.
3. Volunteering and Classes
   • Join a group activity or volunteer- Recovery-friendly environments often promote accountability and connection.

How to maintain a Support System

1. Stay in Regular Contact with your Support Network
   • Maintain regular calls, texts, meetings.
   • Set up recurring reminders to check in with people.
2. Set Boundaries
   • Avoid relationships with people who abuse or enable substance use.
   • Protect your energy- support systems should be mutual, not draining.
3. Keep a Recovery Routine
   • Daily self check-ins (journal, gratitude, self-inventory, etc)
   • Schedule Meetings or therapy.
   • Hobbies that replace the role that substances use to play (art, fitness, music, etc).