The reinforcing effects of group behaviors may encourage behavioral conformity, which can compromise the ability of an addiction patient to overcome persistent habitual patterns. Thus, addiction patients are often cut off from previous social groups that may have had to help them break the cycle. However, this itself poses its own challenge. Feelings of isolation are a common trigger in addiction relapses and is one of the potential risks patients and their care providers could face during the initial stages of recovery.
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Because the tumult of the early stage of recovery can vary in length, minimizing the trigger risks for relapses. Ensuring that loneliness doesn’t become a trigger is a key task in the early part of the recovery process. One of the ways to prevent this relapse is through community. Socialization with other members with similar life experiences has been a staple in addiction recovery and continues to play an important role in recovery.
Fostering a sense of community alongside other recovering individuals can not only provide the much-needed social interaction and rapport to prevent the onset of loneliness but also empower patients through mutual support. Pets can also be used to help reduce feelings of anxiety, particularly for those who face initial difficulties talking to other people.
The kind of contact matters. Friendships, a common source of solidarity and camaraderie, are the key relationships that should be fostered during the first stages of recovery. Many authorities encourage addiction patients to put off more romantic socialization well into a year in the recovery process.
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Constant interaction can lay the foundation for a new social network, allowing the patient to connect with peers more supportive of the new lifestyle choices they make post-addiction.
A pet-friendly facility, Morningside Recovery utilizes both conventional and complementary treatment and therapy in its recovery programs. For more on its programs, visit this website.
