I would like to finish this segment on relationships and developing a great social support network with a discussion of one more topic. We have established the enormous value of a support network in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. The types of support received are essential to the prevention of substance abuse in the future. The size of the social support network must match your needs as well as the stage of treatment you are at for your addiction. The speed at which you approach people and the degree that you open up must be appropriate for your level regardless of how long in has been since you have left drug rehab.
Then what we are left with is the actual work of building a social network for support. Here is the ironic and difficult part. Like attracts like. To attract and build a quality group that can actually be all that we discussed above will most likely require some changes on your part. To receive quality, attentive and truthful support, we must nuture and grow those characteristics in ourselves. If we want great listeners in our life, we most likely need to improve our own listening skills. If we want positive encouragement from our friends and family, we must stop complaining and look at life in a more positive light. If you wish to have a great group to help you move past you drug addiction, you have to earn it. The good news is that by focusing on yourself you stay in contol and busy. Addiction is a bad negative spiral. Self improvement is a good positive spiral. To stay free from drugs and alocohol for the long term, and to avoid going to multiple drug rehabs and relapse, we choose to place more positive spirals in our life. Great friends are a wonderful gift, go out and earn some today.

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