Friendships, Recovery, and All Aspects (National Recovery Month 2025)
| Courtesy Social Media Graphic from The National Council |
This
year's theme for National Recovery Month is " Restoring Every Aspect of
Life" and " Recovery is Real. It is possible to recover from
substance abuse, addictions, and alcohol. It is necessary to get treatment, but it
is important to get support from family and friends. Without the support from
family and friends it can be difficult to recover fully from the addiction and
for the sobriety process. Having support from family and friends can make you
practice abstinence from alcohol and other substances.
Also, support can
make you have no regrets about wanting to change for the better and to give up
alcohol, drugs, and substances. The first stages of withdrawing from alcohol
and substances can be challenging and the most difficult phases of the
addiction. Take one week at a time to focus on your health, your home, your
social networks, and your purpose for healing from substance use and alcohol.
Also, if you know someone that is going through the recovery process, give them
enough support without telling them what they should or not do. Bring awareness
to others about recovering from addictions with medical and informative
information using the hashtag, “Recovery Month” and “Recovery is real.”
Additionally,
understanding and knowing what addictions are can help someone with their
recovery. As well as telling someone about your addiction and how you are
recovering from it. Connecting with someone without judgement and listening to
them can be helpful for their recovery. Do not give them advice unless they ask
for advice or suggestions. Simply being there for them can help them for their
healing and recovery.
Be a friend for
someone who is recovering by avoiding the personal triggers that can make them
relapse. Do not make jokes about alcohol, drugs, and substances especially if
you know they are recovering from it. Be mindful of what you say and listen
without judgement. Showing empathy and showing that you care for their
emotional and physical wellness. Join them in their support group and be there
for them when they are afraid of a relapse.
Motivate them and
help them learn relaxation techniques with Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation,
Mindfulness, and creative hobbies. Practice mindful eating together and do
exercises with mindfulness with them. Know the signs and triggers before they
have a relapse. Listen to music and do breathing techniques together. Avoid
going to places or visiting toxic friends that trigger addiction.
Have
healthy friendships and maintaining them healthy by not blaming or shaming. Do
not make bad comments or provoke someone to relapse. Recovering from an
addiction is difficult but it can be done gradually and carefully. It might be
confusing at times because of the withdrawal symptoms. Yet, understanding why
and how to listen to them calmly can make you adapt to their changes in mood or
changes in behavior.
Practice reading
positive affirmations, inspirational quotes, and motivational books to help
someone with their healing process and recovery. Do not laugh or make them feel
bad for having an addiction. Make sure they are in a comfortable area to have
conversations with you. Provide time and make sure they feel safe. Observe how
you feel and how they feel.
Recognize their
personal triggers and focus on their health. Understand the purpose of
recovering from an addiction, alcohol, or substance abuse. Recovering from an
addiction is a learning process for them and the entire family. Although you cannot
select their friendships in a social aspect, you can be a friend to them with
positivity. Make sure they are safe in their home and reduce their stress with
hobbies and conversations.
Find friendships
that you can trust and care for you unconditionally without making you feel bad
about yourself. Seek professional and medical treatment for your substance use
disorder, alcohol, and other addictions. Reduce your stress and get professional
help from any traumas, emotional pain, or hidden emotions. If you are a friend
of someone that is recovering from an addiction, make a commitment to be there
and to follow their treatment plan. Wear purple for National Recovery Month to
bring awareness.
Other colors that
are used during National Recovery Month are turquoise, teal, silver, black, and
orange. Each color has a unique symbolism and brings awareness during National
Recovery Month. Orange and black symbolize strength, courage, and mental
strength. While turquoise and teal symbolize hope for National Recovery Month.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that recovery is possible and that recovery is for
everyone.
Do check in with
a friend that you know is recovering from alcohol, substance abuse, and other
addictions. Get resources for substance use disorder, addictions, and alcohol
abuse to understand what your friend is going through. Here are resources about
recovering from alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
10 Self-Care Tips for Recovery Success:
10 Self-Care Tips for Recovery Success - IKON Recovery
Rethinking Return to Use: New Sud Resources-The National Council:
Rethinking Return to Use: New SUD Resources
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