Meet Chris

Connection is important in recovery from substance use disorders and mental health disorders for a number of reasons:

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1. Support: Having a support system of friends, family, and peers in recovery can provide emotional and practical support, which can be crucial to maintaining sobriety and managing symptoms.

2. Sense of belonging: People in recovery often feel isolated and alone. Joining a support group or therapy group can provide a sense of belonging and help individuals feel less alone in their struggles.

3. Role models: Seeing others who have successfully recovered can provide hope and inspiration, and can serve as role models for what is possible in recovery.

4. Socialization: Substance use disorders and mental health disorders can be isolating, and recovery can involve rebuilding social connections and learning to enjoy social activities again.

5. Emotional regulation: Connecting with others can help individuals regulate their emotions and develop better coping skills.

6. Stress reduction: Support from others can help reduce stress, which can be a major trigger for relapse.

7. Professional help: Connecting with a therapist or counselor can provide the professional help needed to work through underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of the disorder.

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Overall, connection plays a vital role in the recovery process, providing support, a sense of belonging, role models, socialization, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and professional help.

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5 W’s of Recovery For Teens/Young Adults

 

Before we dive in, I want to give my operational definition of holistic and the way it applies to individuals in recovery from substance use. I like to take into account all of the factors that play a role in impacting someone's mental health. Family, friends, work environments, social groups, spirituality, emotional triggers, relationships, ex relationships, any type of systemic impact that plays a role in our life must be investigated because of the simple fact that it all plays a role in recovery. For now let's cover the basics...

 

Why- In recovery from substance use or mental health disorders it is necessary to build back basic coping skills.  Many ways of coping and emotional regulation are depleted when we reach our mental health bottom. To reiterate the "why", skill development is an evidence based approach to relapse prevention. For example, when we are using substances or experiencing MH crisis, usually our first thought isn’t to reach out or call our safety network (others in recovery that we trust). There can be some shame and fear associated with the "reaching out" skill. That is why these skills require consistency in a dysregulated system. We practice coping skills like Micheal Jordan practiced free throws every day. He would spend around 5 hours of free throw practice every day so when the time comes, he makes the shot. I reiterate these skills for when my clients are triggered and recovery is vulnerable. This practice helps bring them back towards the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). 

 
Who- You and your community, your safety net, your circle of people in recovery can be your lifeline. This is why treatment centers and providers put an emphasis on finding your tribe in early recovery. Recent studies have found that having a supportive network, reducing isolation, decreasing social anxiety, and—especially—helping others can increase the chances of staying sober by up to 50 percent. Being a teenager/ young adult, you are naturally a social being before and after getting clean. We have an innate design to join a tribe and thrive. Creating this foundation creates a support network and lifelong friendships.

When- Recovery is a daily practice, when you enter this new life, it is time to explore your interests and discover your true self. Recovery gives the individual the opportunity to explore different realms of spirituality, hobbies and meaningful relationships. You will find the opportunity to use coping skills around the clock. Practicing these newfound coping skills can be helpful for when you experience triggers.

Where- Where exactly do we find a network of people that support us through our journey? There are starting to become more free resources for teenagers trying to get connected. YPAA (Young People in AA) is a 12 step based support group with meetings throughout the week nationally. In addition, many local private practices offer teen support groups. Some of these groups take a bit of research to find but thankfully there are becoming new and easier ways to find sober groups in your community.  A common obstacle my clients face is reintegration to their social groups and finding new ones. No matter the age there is still that need for belonging and social groups can have a great impact on acceptance when dealing with substance use disorder. I remind my clients "stay true to you" and build your circle to create a vast support system. The best part of recovery (in my opinion) is the freedom to branch out in every part of your life and grow while sticking with your truth. 

What- I will use the last W to emphasize, what is the point?! I have found that sticking to the basics and understanding the fundamentals of recovery create a great foundation for any young person. I have found that helping any young person "identify the why" creates purpose behind each decision.  Remember we are building coping skills, community, and new found freedom for years to come. 

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