Staying connected helps with recovery

While it can sometimes take medications to ultimately curb cravings and heal the brain, many other psychological and social supports can help a person work towards recovery. 

In short, people can benefit from receiving support, but also by providing it to others. In fact, Brad -- who has struggled with addiction his entire life – says that helping others recover is the single most important thing that helps him stay on track.  

He currently works as a manager at a recovery house where he has lived off and on as a client over the years. When he was first approached with the offer to help manage the house, he didn’t want to return. “I said ‘Hell, no. I’m not going back.’ But then I realized I needed to set myself up for success and that meant staying involved and helping these new guys that are sick.” 

Research backs him up, noting that altruism can help with recovery by boosting mental health and creating a sense of connection to others. “I’ve read that the opposite of addiction is connection,” agrees Brad. “It was an honour that someone felt I had something to offer.” 

Through AA and programs such as those offered at recovery houses, Brad has had periods of sobriety, but various life situations have meant that he reverted to drinking. He appreciates that recovery houses tend not to have set dates when people need to move out. 

This means that he can maintain his connections, and plan to stick with a situation that works for as long as is needed. “I don’t intend to stay living here for the rest of my life, but I do plan on staying involved with places like this for the rest of my life,” he says. “The work I do with these guys – lots who are addicts or criminals – is hard, but I think I’m just supposed to help people. That idea brings me some peace.”