After being in the midst of addiction for some time, it can become challenging to feel positive connections to those in the community. If there are connections with people or organizations, they may feel either negative, or there is guilt or resentment still lingering.
Once in recovery, it is essential to reestablish healthy connections. Being able to reach out to resources in a positive way helps to support lasting recovery. Maybe it is within a religious organization, or perhaps it is within a community outreach program that one decides to volunteer with. It may just be feeling comfortable walking through the grocery store again.
This is part of the recovery process. Building a healthy foundation and solid connections within the area in which an individual lives is crucial to success.
Recovery in the Community
There are many options that help support being active in recovery within the community if someone knows where to reach out. Some cities have events such as Recovery in the Park. At events like these, various organizations within the community that support recovery gather along with those in recovery and celebrate.
They bring awareness to the benefits that recovery offers and the resources available to those in recovery. This may include additional aftercare options and additional events. Often there is a free meal provided, merch, and sometimes live music. These are family-friendly events and help promote the cause of “reducing the stigma.”
These types of events not only support the recovery of the people attending, but they are a great way to witness the gift of recovery. People that are attending as points of contact to other resources can see the impact they are having on those who once struggled. While other community members may still be in their own personal battle, observing an event like this could be the spark that invites them to reach out.
Outings With Destiny Recovery Center
Destiny Recovery Center (DRC) models making connections within the community for our residents. We schedule outings as a part of our therapy, including nature hikes, surfing, and outdoor yoga. Participating in activities such as these will support clients in feeling more comfortable in small groups and exploring new things.
For someone who has never been to the ocean, beginning a path on recovery and participating in a whale-watching outing with DRC could be a life-changing moment for them. From incredible experiences such as nature hikes in the mountains of Big Bear to everyday errands such as going to the grocery store, experiencing these activities sober with support allows those in recovery to gain confidence within the community again.
Community Outreach With Destiny Recovery Center
Being actively involved in the community allows other organizations to become more aware of DRC and what they have to offer. As a result, other organizations become more comfortable with the resources DRC offers. They will be prepared to direct those in need of treatment services in the right direction for recovery.
Attending meetings in the area is also a large part of establishing these connections for both the organizations and the clients attending DRC. When clients are ready, staff begins taking them to different meetings to see what they feel most connected to. They attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), book studies, speaker meetings, and SMART Recovery meetings. This supports clients in having background knowledge and experience before choosing the program that works for them.
This also allows those attending those meetings to gain some insight into DRC. If they were to come upon someone in need of treatment services, they have another point of contact for them. Those looking for assistance with a substance use disorder (SUD) will be more likely and feel more comfortable reaching out to a place that a friend has recommended. All of these connections are crucial and serve a great purpose in expanding awareness for recovery.
Benefits of Being Visible in the Community
The more connections that are formed and strengthened within a community, the more those in need of resources will feel comfortable reaching out and knowing who to seek for assistance. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes the shift recovery has had and the welcoming support that is beginning to show for those who reach out for assistance.
SAMHSA states, “A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values.” They go on to share additional resources, the importance of resiliency, and relationships in recovery. Throughout their literature, there is an emphasis on the positive changes being made and the growth that has occurred within substance abuse programs due to the support of the communities.
This is a dramatic change for the recovery community. Health professionals are welcoming those who want to start their journey in recovery. They are more aware of the resources and the paths needed to take to assist clients in obtaining those resources. No one recovers alone.
Sometimes when someone is in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), they need additional support in finding ways to make healthy connections with their community. Finding support within the community assists those in recovery with relapse prevention, the ability to locate quality local resources, and building strong personal connections to reinforce positive transitions in their life. Community outreach also helps reduce the stigma of SUDs among those in the local area. Destiny Recovery Center is a solid model for community outreach within recovery. If you or someone you know is living with SUD, Destiny Recovery Center is here to help. Reach out to us today at (909) 413-4304 for more information on our programs.