What Does a Recovery Mentorship Mean?
Recovery can be a challenging process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many valuable resources available if you struggle with substance abuse and are trying to get sober. One of those resources is recovery mentorship programs. A recovery mentor is someone who can provide you with support and guidance as you pursue recovery. Those who have recovered from addiction can make a good mentor and can provide you with some additional support as you go through the recovery process.
The Purpose of a Mentor
Having a mentor can reinforce your journey down the path to sober living. One of the hardships that many people face when trying to get sober is accountability. A mentor can provide you with an additional level of accountability and give you someone you can talk to when times are tough. It can be helpful to hear from someone who understands what you are going through.
Often, a mentor can provide you with helpful tips that worked for them and keep you on the right track. The positive influence of a mentor bridges the gap between professional therapy and independent sobriety.1
What Happens When You Have a Mentor?
Recovery mentorship programs can provide you with many resources on your path to sober living. A recovery mentor helps you plan your recovery, set goals, and guides you towards resources that will improve your life. The recovery process isn’t easy, but a mentor can be there with you along the way.
When you are facing complex issues, your mentor can figure out creative solutions so that you keep going, solve your problems, and follow through on your goals. Recovery mentors aim to help empower those they work with, show them their strengths, and guide them towards making self-directed choices that will lead to a better future. A mentor can be a positive influence in someone’s life that could make all the difference.2
What Qualities Make a Good Mentor?
Oftentimes, a good mentor is someone who has gone through the recovery process themselves. This aspect can make them more relatable and give them a better idea of what this experience is like for someone else. A mentor must also have good interpersonal skills and thrive when helping others. A mentor needs to be willing to pursue education and training in the addiction field. If someone possesses all these qualities, they will be a valuable asset to help someone throughout their recovery process.3
The Benefits of a Mentorship in Recovery
Recovery mentorship programs have many benefits that can help someone while they are trying to get clean and sober. Studies have shown that peer support in the recovery process leads to higher success rates.4
Meaningful Connection
Those who struggle with substance abuse can feel disconnected from others. It can be tough to find people to relate to when you are going through a difficult time. A recovery mentor can become a meaningful connection and an integral part of someone’s life when they are going through the recovery process. Having that sense of connectedness with the recovery program leads to higher success rates.
Accountability
Mentorship programs provide accountability throughout the recovery process. Checking in with a mentor at designated times throughout the week can be a good idea to keep someone engaged with the recovery process and accountable for their actions. A mentorship can guide you to make the right choices and keep going when times are tough.
Support
There will be bumps along the path to sober living. A mentor can help you through those times and be there to provide the necessary support. You don’t have to go through this process alone. At times, everyone needs a positive influence or someone to lean on. A recovery mentor can do just that.
Finding a Mentorship for Recovery
The most common method to finding a mentor is attending recovery meetings. Most recovery meetings will encourage peer support and mentorship programs. As you attend meetings you will likely identify someone who you think would be a positive mentor for you.
It’s important to look for someone with who you get along and who you think will be a positive influence on your recovery. For a mentorship to work effectively, both the mentor and mentee must be actively engaged with the process and be accountable to the other person.5
What if the Mentorship Isn’t Working?
If you ask someone to be your mentor and later feel like that person isn’t someone you can rely on or come to with your problems, it’s okay to acknowledge that it might not be the right fit. You can have a conversation with your current mentor and seek a new one. Finding the right mentor may take time, but the benefits of a mentorship make it something worth pursuing.
Other Methods to Stay Sober
Mentorship programs aren’t the only option that can help you stay sober. There are other resources you can utilize in addition to a mentorship.
Recovery Groups
Recovery groups can be another excellent form of peer support as an alternative to mentorship. Recovery groups often have regular meetings where people can discuss topics surrounding recovery and help support one another throughout the process.
Healthy Hobbies and Distractions
Healthy hobbies can be beneficial for overall mind and body health, especially during the recovery process. This method can be a dependable way to form more positive habits alongside outlets to engage the mind and cope with the everyday stresses of life.
Focus on Fitness and Health
Health and fitness can be an exceptional outlet for someone in recovery. Focusing on your health will build positive habits that keep you feeling good and on the right track.
Building Positive Relationships
Building positive relationships with people who will be good influences and support your recovery is essential. Seek out supportive friends and family members to create a secure system around you. Good relationships can help you feel more connected and keep you on the right track as you pursue long-term sobriety.