Although you may not be chronologically old enough to be officially and legally called an adult, you’re obviously mature enough and intelligent enough to know you have a substance abuse problem, and you’re not afraid to seek help and resources to get over it. So you’re here and researching the different options available to help you with recovery. Well, the most important and effective resources in your arsenal are the ones you already have, and have had for your entire life. Those are the love, guidance and support of your family and your community. These are the people and social groups who know and love you the best, and they’ll be your companions and mentors on the sometimes difficult road through treatment and onto lifelong recovery.
The Value and Importance of Family and Community
Research and studies have shown time and again that the involvement of family and community members in the treatment and recovery of their loved ones greatly increases the success and ease of transition into a healthy lifestyle. That’s because the family, as well as other influential individuals such as teachers, coaches, ministers, scout leaders, and neighbors, are the closest persons to the patient and have a greater interest in their well-being. These are the folks who will care the most about your welfare. They’re also the ones who have the most influence in your life. You’re much more likely to listen to and follow the advice of people you know well and respect.
Opening Up to Family Members
Also, it might be that friction and disagreements with family members was part of the reason you began to abuse a substance to begin with. Learning to open up with family and express your true feelings, and listening to them do the same, can release built up pressures and resentments that work against the recovery process. And remember, they need to heal too, and your family needs to be a part of the treatment process to help them as well as yourself. Community members can also help by introducing you to new friends and peer groups, and new activities, like church youth groups, sports, outdoor activities, and more. One of the most important parts of the recovery process is to stay away from friends and situations that make you feel like partying again. That’s a short road to relapse. Community resources can be a great help.
It’s All About Support
What it comes down to is support and encouragement, and you’re going to need a lot of it on your journey to recovery and a sober lifestyle. No one can go this road alone. Having people around you that you trust, that you know you can turn to when you’re feeling tempted, depressed, discouraged and frustrated, is essential to your success. At the same time, you’re building up relationships that will be with you for a lifetime, and they can keep being a valuable resource for you, both psychologically and spiritually, for the rest of your life. If you have questions, all you have to do is give us a call here at Destinations to Recovery. Anything we discuss is always 100% private and confidential, guaranteed. To learn more about support in addiction and to receive our support in your addiction recovery, give us a call at 877-466-0620.
References:
- No Specific Author Cited, Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1/2014, http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment
- Jessica Samuolis and Howard A. Liddle, Treatment Techniques and Outcomes in Multidimensional Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 3/22/2010, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2843091