Random Resource ThuRsday ~ Support Systems

Last post, we talked about the upcoming features being added into recoveryBox.  The Twitter and Facebook integration.  The premise being it's an extension of your support system if you so desire.

Today is Random Resource ThuRsday and I'd like to continue with the concept of Support Systems.

I ran across a post just about this idea and how it's more than an accountability partner by David Sack MD. Here is the blog post link for the entire article or read below for bits and pieces.

Dr. Sack refers to a piece of addiction treatment that is tried and true - the Support System.
This is where one tried and true component of addiction treatment – a strong social support system – can bolster long-term recovery. A social network can keep recovering addicts invested in their recovery program even if they lose motivation, get discouraged, or become complacent or over-confident.

Research suggests that social relationships provide emotional support, a sense of belonging and stress relief. While higher levels of social connection improve quality of life, lower levels have been linked to relapse.

Here are five steps that will lead the recovering addict to the support they need:

1. Ask for Help - it's NOT a sign of weakness he writes.  And I can attest to that.  Talk to a good friend, find a counselor, pray with a spiritual leader, involve the family (but make sure they are not CoDependent)

2. Choose wisely - this should go without saying BUT when we are in a state of despair, it's hard to figure out just who you can trust, or who really is stable enough to ask into our support system. There are always clues but if you are not sure ask for help in making that determination.

3.  Attend some sort of meeting - this is critical. It can be a traditional 12 Step meeting, it could be a group therapy meeting, Celebrate Recovery or combine them.  He suggests finding one with like addictions because of being able to relate to each other.  Having been through that I agree completely.

4. Remain focused - it's so easy to start feeling good and want to return to "normal life", but the reality is, recovery takes time and so be selective about the types of activities you return to.

5. Be patient - and goodness knows this one takes practice.  It's hard to open up because of leaving yourself vulnerable. You have to process everything you say and do on a daily basis.  Becoming engaged in social settings is not easy so don't be too hard on yourself.  Remember, there may have been bridges burned as well and repair work will take time.  I believe the more patient you are about recovery the better chance of you becoming recovered!

recoveryBox, the mobile iPhone app for addiction recovery can be a huge part of your support system. Use it with your sponsor/accountability partner, counselor, and soon social friends.  Keep yourself accountable to others and yourself.

If you haven't downloaded it yet, get it at the Apple Store today.

recoveryBox Addiction Recovery iPhone app SUPPORT

Wondering how to get support from someone at recoveryBox?

• Have an idea you want to see incorporated into recoveryBox?
• Found a bug that you want fixed?
• Want to share a recoveryStory (and I'd love to share these if you allow it)
• Not sure how to use a feature in recoveryBox?
• Just want a word of encouragement?

Well, here are 5 ways.

1.  Email us at support@recoveryboxapp.com and we will try and get back to you the same day.

2.  Visit the recoveryBox website on the support/contact page

3.  Directly from the recoveryBox support in the APP.

Choose Moore Tools ->Support

Then Choose Email Support

4.  From Facebook 

5.  From Twitter

What?  You don't have recoveryBox?  

It's such an inexpensive tool to use during your recovery from an addiction.  Check it out!

Support Beyond an Accountability Partner - Twitter and Facebook Integration IS HERE

UPDATE:: It's HERE!!

 Facebook and Twitter integration with recoveryBox. We all know support and encouragement are a huge part of addiction recovery. Infact, I believe it goes well beyond the notion of an accountability partner.

Recovery is not going to be achieved by having "will power".  Good grief if that's all it took life would be so much easier wouldn't it?  No, recovery is going to be achieved by making life adjustments in how you think, what you do, who you interact with, what you think is important and more.  Being sober is not a quick and easy thing to achieve.  It takes work.

Part of your recovery system is going to include peers, allies, friends, family, therapy members, meeting members, counselors, sponsors, and in today's day even social networks.  We need to be encouraged and supported in order to maintain sobriety.  Interacting with such individuals will eventually bring us back into the community as a healthy individual who will be ready to give back.

The more I interact with Twitter and Facebook the more I realize there are others who want to support by offering information, words of encouragement and more.  The stigma of having an addiction is slowly being chipped away and I TRULY believe social media is part of that.  

I want to make something very clear.  If you are in recovery for an addiction, you are an "individual who has an addiction".  You are not an "addict".  Dealing with an addiction does NOT define who you are.  As a person you have so much more to offer and focusing on those talents and skills and purposes will be part of you.  Allowing others to love you is part of who you are.  Offering love back is part of who you are. 

With social media outlets, it's easy to connect with others who have the same battles.  And I also believe those who are reaching sobriety milestones want to celebrate.  

And so, coming very soon (the updates are in the app store awaiting approval) is the ability to tweet on Twitter or post on Facebook the accomplishments earned in recoveryBox for being Sober as well as sticking with a treatment plan (entering lights, texting a sponsor, creating goals, working the steps).  

Not everyone is at the stage in their recovery that they want to blast to the world about their addiction, but when you are ready to share, recoveryBox will be there to help.

Choose from Twitter or Facebook if running iOS6.

 iOS 5 users can Twitter to tweet their successes.

The badge you earned will appear in the Twitter screen as well as the accomplishment that defines the badge you earned.  

And below you see Twitter.  Pops up for all your followers to see and congratulate you.  The additional feature for Facebook is the ability to post to certain groups or individuals to give you more control as to who sees it.

I really want to see badges flying all around Twitter.  

Post away on Facebook.  

Make sure to find recoveryBoxApp on Twitter so I can follow and be part of your support system. 

"Like" the Facebook" page so you can join the system of support there.

~ Be Engaged In Your Recovery  ~ Be Accountable To Yourself & Others  ~ Be Rewarded For Your Hard Work  ~ Be Supported By Many Others