As humans, we all have a natural need to connect and bond with others. When that bond breaks or is under-developed, there’s a greater tendency to develop unhealthy and destructive behaviors. In our hyper-individualistic and hyper-competitive society, many people feel isolated and don’t know how to best cope with life’s stressors.
When difficult situations occur, stressors make it that much easier to escape problems by isolating. While many people may think isolation is relief, it doesn’t stop the ruminating negative thoughts, erratic emotions, and unhealthy behaviors that often lead to addiction. For recovering addicts, isolation often spells disaster, but community can change their outlook.
Science and Social Recovery
You may recall the infamous rat studies of the 70s and 80s. Rat Park was a study conducted by psychologist, Robert Alexander. He placed rats in a cage by themselves with two water bottles. One was filled with a drug, usually heroin or cocaine, the other was just water. The rat would frequently drink the drugged water until his death.
Desiring to go further with the study, Alexander created Rat Park. He placed rats in an ideal environment where they could socialize and have access to everything a rat would want and need. Two water bottles were placed in the cage like before; one drugged, the other with just water.
The study found that the rats that lived in the happy environment were more likely to drink water and reject the drugged water. In the next phase, Alexander placed rats that had been isolated for 57 days into Rat Park. While the isolated rats suffered withdrawal symptoms, they were eventually able to stop their drug abuse.
Sharing Positive Experiences
While it may be unsettling to compare rat experiments to humans, we aren’t too unalike when it comes to social recovery. Humans need social support from trusted sources to survive and thrive in society.
According to a study by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, sharing positive life events with others who are receptive has a greater impact on positive emotions such as happiness and life satisfaction.
Addicts often isolate themselves out of shame, guilt, fear, anger, and resentment. However, once they get into a structured routine at a reputable drug rehabilitation center, they have a fighting chance of restoring their health and building stronger social connections.
Building a Strong Support Network
The benefits of intensive outpatient programs are not only the group sessions that provide an open environment where clients can freely share their stories and accomplishments, but they can engage in fun activities that keep their mind off distractions.
When we are more productive, we don’t have time to ruminate about problems, we’re more so in the moment. The more we engage in groups, activities, work, and volunteer work, our sense of social welfare improves and we get a sense of fulfillment from being a contributing member of society.
When life throws curveballs, the ability to cope with stressors and triggers is important to thrive in recovery. When recovering addicts have a strong support network, whether it’s with sponsors, therapists, other alumni, bosses, family and/or friends, they are less likely to fall back on destructive behaviors and reach out for help when triggers occur.
Here, Community Matters
Disconnection drives addiction. For so many of our clients, loneliness, chronic isolation, and divisiveness lead the way. At Transformations Treatment Center, our outpatient services is founded on the principles that community matters. We help our clients overcome their addiction by challenging their unhealthy thoughts and emotions that often lead to undesired behaviors and get them engaged in activities that build a healthy network.
Our clients aren’t just patients. We allow them to step into the community and get involved in a fun and productive way. We also keep the family involved as the family’s role in addiction recovery is crucial to our clients’ progress. Here, community matters and we all thrive when our clients thrive.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call Transformations today. Our compassionate and experienced team of staff members is dedicated to helping you heal and recover from the disease of addiction. For more information on our outpatient services, call our confidential helpline now at 800-270-4315.
Our Accreditations
