Young adults in recovery from addiction face many challenges. One of the most important things for them is to find a support system and community that can help them stay on track. Many different types of support groups and communities are available, but not all of them will be a good fit for every young adult. Finding one that provides the right kind of support and environment for your individual needs is essential.
Some young adults may benefit from joining a recovery community like a sober living home that can help provide a structured environment during recovery. Others may prefer a more traditional support group that meets regularly to discuss their progress and challenge each other to stay sober, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also online recovery communities that can provide support and advice 24/7.
No matter what type of community you choose, the important thing is to find one that your child can connect with and that will support your loved one’s sobriety goals. Below are some of the many benefits of choosing a recovery community to help your son or daughter through their sobriety journey.
Provide support and advice 24/7
While young adults might complete addiction treatment successfully, completing treatment is not an indicator of long-term sobriety or success. Studies show that more than two-thirds of people relapse within weeks to months of starting addiction treatment. If your loved one is new to their recovery journey or has relapsed before, it’s crucial to find a support network that can help them by providing advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If your loved one has an urge to use or a craving late at night, sponsors will be there to help in their addiction recovery. A strong support system is critical if your loved ones are not using medication to help ease their cravings or are new to the recovery process. Find a community that offers 24/7 care for loved ones struggling with addiction, such as:
Sober living homes that have in-house personnel and counselors that can help your loved one
NA or AA meetings that are available in different areas at all hours of the day or night
A phone line such as the suicide hotline can help if your loved one is struggling with addiction and suicidal thoughts
A personal recovery coach or sponsor that is available 24/7 and is available for your loved one through their cell phone
Help young adults stay motivated and on track with their sobriety goals
When young adults enter recovery, they are likely encouraged by their families to attend treatment. Unfortunately, having a family urge someone to follow addiction treatment is not enough for a sustainable recovery. Most successful people obtain a sober lifestyle because they have the inner motivation to continue with a healthy recovery.
It’s best to find a support group to help your loved one in their long-term recovery by assisting them to find their own motivation. Some motivating factors that can help young adults stay in treatment include:
Having a better future and career goals
Building successful relationships on their own
Peer accountability
Making healthy lifestyle changes for improved health
Experiencing events while sober and enjoying the world around them
Community support can help your loved one discover new goals and incentives to continue their recovery program. Don’t force your loved one to attend treatment, or guilt them into attending a rehab center they detest. Instead, guide them with the help of a supportive community so they find their motivations to succeed.
Provide a sense of belonging and connection for young adults in recovery
While support and motivation are significant, young adults in recovery also need to feel a sense of connection and belonging. Unfortunately, addiction often causes people to lose important relationships or never develop close relationships. Loss of relationships can leave young adults feeling isolated and alone, two feelings that can lead to relapse.
In addition, studies show that feelings of loneliness and isolation are more significant in people with substance abuse disorder than in those without addiction problems. These findings show how important it is to help young adults feel like they belong and give them the tools they need to create meaningful relationships.
A supportive community and social support will help your loved one feel connected and provide a sense of belonging. This support is vital for those who have recently completed treatment and are trying to rebuild their life. In addition, many support groups introduce members to new activities and hobbies that can help them stay sober while having fun. These community activities can include:
Hiking
Volunteering
Going to the movies
Joining a sports team
Group outings
Yoga
Meditation
Holistic therapies
There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding an activity that your loved one enjoys. It is crucial to help them find a community of people they can connect with and have fun with while staying sober.
If you are looking for a supportive community for your young adult child in recovery, consider reaching out to sober living homes in your area. These sober living homes can provide the support, motivation, and sense of belonging that your son or daughter needs to stay sober and succeed in their recovery journey. Sober living homes are also great environments that help provide support groups, structure, outings, and fun events for your young adult to thrive. One of the best sober living programs that have been successful for over 35 years is New Life House.
Offer guidance and wisdom from those who have been through the same challenges
Another way that support groups can help young adults in recovery is by offering guidance and wisdom from those who have been through the same challenges. Young adults need to know that they are not alone in their journey and that others understand what they are going through.
In fact, in 2020, the highest rate of people with alcohol use disorder belonged to 18 to 25-year-olds, where 5.2 million people suffered from AUD. Although high rates of substance abuse and alcohol use disorder among young adults, many teens and adolescents might feel alone in their recovery journey.
Therefore, it’s essential to find a support group with members who have been sober for a long time and can offer guidance and support. These individuals have likely gone through similar challenges as your loved one and can provide valuable advice on staying sober. In addition, many support groups also have sponsors or mentors who can provide one-on-one support and guidance—having someone to talk to who understands the challenges of addiction recovery can be invaluable for young adults who are trying to stay sober. Sober Living programs, such as New Life House, have long-standing communities of others who have seen success in recover, and who actively participate in helping others achieve the same.
A recovery community can be a fun and supportive environment for young adults in sobriety
Recovery is never easy, since it involves bringing up past traumas and treating mental health disorders to help people achieve sobriety. While treating the underlying mental illness or issue leading to addiction is necessary, loved ones need to remember that the recovery process can be excruciating. It’s also important to consider the toll recovery takes on young adults.
In addition, addiction is considered a chronic disease, and maintenance is crucial for long-term recovery. Continued addiction treatment can include activities such as:
Outpatient treatment
Family therapy
Group therapy
Individual therapy
Medication-assisted treatment
Vocational rehabilitation
For young adults, continued treatment can be incredibly stressful, and support is essential to maintain sobriety. This is where a supportive recovery community can be so important. A recovery community can provide young adults with the support they need to stay sober while also having fun.
Recovery communities also provide activities that can help your loved one improve their career outcomes and rebuild their lives as well. Such activities include:
12-step meetings
Social activities
Outings
Support groups
Volunteer events
Educational or vocational programs
A support community can provide young adults with an environment that is conducive to sobriety while also offering support and fun events. These communities can help young adults feel like they belong somewhere and give them the support they need to succeed in their recovery journey. If you are looking for a fun, supportive community for your young adult child in recovery, consider reaching out to a recovery community in your area.
Help Your Young Adult Achieve Long-Term Success With Community Support
You can help your loved one enjoy their newfound sobriety and encourage their recovery with the help of a support network. Consider finding support communities such as sober living homes, support groups, and organizations that can help your loved one achieve sobriety. These groups can help by offering shared experiences, helping guide your loved ones through their sobriety struggles, and helping them to achieve their lifelong goals. If you have questions about Sober Living Programs and how to best help your loved one, reach out to New Life House today and they can help you on your path to recovery.
Last Updated on February 22, 2024
