1. The Importance of Sober Supports in a
Substance Abuse Treatment Program
April 2, 2013
| Last Updated on Thursday, 02 May, 2013 13:08
The journey of a recovering addict can be one the most challenging experiences in a person’s life who
has been dependent on substances and alcohol. Facing one’s own weakness and realizing one’s own
strengths are all part of the process. When an addict leaves a 12 step program, it is essential to develop
a healthy sober support system. A healthy support system includes knowing the right people who are
living a truly genuine positive lifestyle, knowing when to ask for help, continuing meetings, and
exercising mental strengths such as patience and compassion.
People need each other. Humans are naturally inclined to yearn for connection and understanding. It is
hard for a addict to realize that they cannot be friends with whom they were once friends with, because
they are still living a life that the addict is trying to move on from. They might feel overwhelmed by
loneliness, for fearing they are disconnected from everything they once knew. But it is important to
remember that while entering a clean lifestyle, that there are other people who are understanding and
supportive such as family, clean friends, and recovering addicts.
Therefore it is imperative to start developing the right relationships with the right people and practicing
healthy habits that will lead to a lifelong recovery. Choosing the right people involves truly
understanding how that person lives and how the recovering addict feels around them. People who
surround themselves around others who are healthy both psychically and mentally will give a constant
example of staying positive and moving forward.
It is important to have support from friends and family, but psychological research shows that having a
connection with other recovering addicts helps tremendously. To aid in the sense of well being, humans
tend to be at ease with one another when people can be relative to one another and having a deep
connection of understanding.
Recovering addicts understand each other’s pains and can help each other with coping
techniques, critical thinking, as well as exchange insights of strength and hope.
It’s a good idea for a recovering addict to look for a “home group.” Finding a home group that is
cohesive encourages recovering addicts to attend regularly, offering a helping hand, and engaging in
communication therapy and opening doors to make social connections for friendships and support.
In order to develop a healthy sober support system, an addict should practice strengthening personal
aspects of his or her’s life. Having an exercise routine and eating healthy sets the fundamentals of
promoting positive self motivation. When they “talk the talk, and walk the walk” it gives them a boost
in self esteem ,and following thereafter, an increase of their own self awareness of being able to be
strong and support themselves.
Another factor while building a sober support system is to let go of pleasures that may hinder one’s
ability to let go of additive tendencies towards sex. Sex is an instant gratification and can hold back the
addict from truly strengthening their will. Also, it allows room for self reflection and keeping the focus
on themselves without jeopardizing their hard earned recovery.

2. Lastly, having a sober support system means being a good friend. Recovering addicts can take what
they have learned from the meetings they have attended and offer honesty, assertiveness and empathy.
Being patient is virtuous and they should remember all those who have been patient with them in the
past and pass on the support and connection to those who are beginning their recovery process. The
outcome is rewarding all around. The feeling of being weak and alone will be replaced with a new
found strength within themselves having a sober support system with friends and family.