It can be a lonely time, first entering recovery. You’re not quite sure who to turn to, or who can help you. Maybe your family and friends have turned away—they don’t know how to help you out with your addiction. They might not be entirely to blame. It’s difficult to understand the irrational behavior that accompanies addiction, and family and friends might not always stick around.

Family
If they are supportive, your family might include some of the first people you turn to when you first start recovery, and throughout the process. A supportive family can be the difference between relapse and continuous recovery from substance use disorder. If possible, tell your family members what they’re going through. Explain the support you need and how they can provide it. Often, someone to listen is what you really need. However, if this isn’t a possibility for you, there’s plenty of ways to receive support.

Friends
You don’t have to broadcast your recovery on social media. You don’t even have to tell more than a couple of people—some find that letting others know about their recovery means they’ll receive all kinds of questions. Not everyone quits drinking or using drugs for the same reason, yet there are dozens of assumptions that people make when they hear the words “I don’t drink.” But a couple of friends with whom you can confide your experience can be a great backbone of support. They can also provide distraction—it’s best to choose those friends who don’t have to drink alcohol to have a good time.

Accountability
One of the most common ways of finding accountability in sobriety is a sponsor. And when all else fails—when your family and friends don’t seem to cut it—there’s always the potential for obtaining a sponsor. Your first (and maybe only) sponsor should be someone who has continuous sobriety, and can therefore provide some sage advice.