Some rules of addiction recovery are Golden, they should be taken into account forever instead of forgotten. These are useful and important trail markers to guide us and help us stay always on the right track.
As you define your goals, begin looking for the Golden Rules that connect with it. Chart your course by these Golden Rules and permit them to steer you to achievement and success.
Golden Rules, the 5 best ones for building a social support network.
Golden Rule # 1, you cannot do it on your own. The key reason why you might like to do that is gathering a large and varied support network is crucial. Remember, every time you tried to quit and stay sober alone, it failed. Addiction is a disease of isolation; recovery is about connection with others.
Golden Rule # 2, find and utilize people who are successfully in long term recovery. Follow those are actually doing it not just talking the talk. This might affect you down the road because without friends, isolation can take over. Isolation and boredom are breeding grounds for addiction. Be sure and remember that there are millions in recovery and you could be one of them if you do what they do.
Golden Rule # 3, try out a few different support groups. 12 step meetings have been found to be very effective. Just about every treatment center recommends them as a foundation of social support. Why? They work. There are various reasons you should do this carefully. It is important because if the first meeting you go to doesn’t suit, you may give up on the entire idea of support groups instead of simply finding one more to your liking
Golden Rule # 4, Make sure that the professional support people on your life such as counselors and doctors know the whole story. Addiction causes changes in our body and mind; do not keep addiction history from them.
Golden Rule # 5, Enlist the support of your family but realize they cannot be your only support. Addiction is a family disease and they may have their own issues to work on such as anger, enabling or codependency. You may accomplish this by opening communication with them and setting some limits and boundaries. You need to work on your issues. They need to work on theirs. They may help but cannot take them on and solve them. This may make a difference to you as it empowers your own recovery and is a method to keep you accountable.
Follow these golden rules to develop a large and varied social support network and you will probably find your life easier, your progress rapid as well as your successes more frequent. Addiction recovery can certainly be done with the aid and support of people around you. Alone, it is next to impossible.
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