Once again, it is a blessing for us to share with you about God in recovery.  One aspect of recovery that people often overlook is the importance of developing a solid support network.  While in treatment, patients begin to realize that they are not alone in their addiction. When they lay aside their guilt and shame, they can begin to develop healthy relationships. While in active addiction, people tend to isolate themselves from healthy influences. It’s easier for them to surround themselves with toxic peers who enable them or encourage use than to be held accountable for their actions. In recovery, one of the first tools you learn about is the importance of developing positive support systems.  By surrounding yourself with people who support sobriety and personal growth, you can begin to take the steps you need to maintain lifelong recovery. Strong supports systems usually have these qualities:

1. Accountability – By being held accountable, they are able to deal with the addictive behaviors of denial, manipulation and justification. It offer consequences for their actions and an open door to allow others to call out behaviors they view as hindering to their recovery (James 5:16).
2. Encouragement – Positive words, pats on the back and tokens of appreciation help those on the path to recovery to continue looking forward to maintaining sobriety (John 16:33).
3. A sense of purpose – When patients surround themselves with peers who have similar goals and values, a community forms. This allows patients to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and gives direction to a healthy lifestyle (Jeremiah 29:11).

Many times people can surround themselves with toxic peers  – those who belittle their efforts in recovery, compromise or disregard their value systems, and encourage them to disconnect or isolate from a positive support group. Healthy support systems are the foundation of a lifelong recovery process.  Yes, you need God, but through God, He uses people around you to encourage you and uplift you.  You do this by staying connected with people who support you and hold you accountable for the changes needed long after addiction treatment is completed.