The Power of a Positive Role Model in Addiction Recovery

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• As humans, we learn from each other. Its called
  social learning. By watching others, we observe
  what to do and what not to do. That means we
  dont always have to make our own mistakes.

• Instead, we can sometimes benefit from the
  lessons of others.

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• A role model can be
• A sponsor who has successfully graduated from
  rehab.
• A family member or friend who forms part of a
  support network.
• Someone in the community who offers guidance and
  encouragement.
• A substance abuse counselor who is trained to
  help people through alcohol and drug rehab.
• A public figure who has shared their struggle
  with the world.

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• Role models offer hope for the future. Through
  their actions
• They show that its possible to conquer drug
  addiction and alcohol abuse.
• They point the way to a sober lifestyle.
• They stay positive about the road ahead.
• They share their own story and help recovering
  addicts understand that they are not alone.

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• Sponsors have already crossed the rough terrain
  of drug and alcohol rehab. That means they can
• Help newly recovering addicts navigate the
  treacherous landscape of recovery.
• Offer personalized advice based on their own
  hard-earned experience.
• Spot an excuse when they see one.
• Keep those in recovery accountable at each stage
  of rehab.

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• Role models also
• Comfort those who are suffering through drug and
  alcohol withdrawal.
• Drive recovering addicts to try harder and cross
  the finish line.
• Encourage their recovery partners when success
  seems tough or even impossible.
• Help recovering addicts get over the
  disappointment of a setback.

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• Negative role models for drug abuse (parents,
  partners, friends, celebrities) often lead people
  into substance abuse in the first place.
• Addicts frequently surround themselves with
  fellow users, which further feeds their
  addiction.
• During the recovery process, negative role models
  can trigger cravings and even cause a relapse.
• Positive role models balance the scales and
  counter the negative effects of harmful role
  models.

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• Those who have a support group see a significant
  reduction in the risk of relapse.
• Replacing unhealthy social groups with healthy
  social groups can create positive results.
• Just as people learn negative coping mechanisms,
  so too can they learn positive coping mechanisms.
• Evidence suggests positive social learning
  reduces rates of substance abuse.

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• DO choose someone with whom you feel a personal
  connection.
• DONT choose someone merely because they are
  popular.
• DO choose someone who is available to offer help
  and support when you need it.
• DONT choose someone because they might help you
  get ahead in business, make money, or expand your
  network.
• DO choose someone who is actively engaged in a
  local recovery group.

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• Remember no human is perfect. Even role models
  suffer from flaws and weaknesses. Even role
  models relapse from time to time.
• Its important to have realistic expectations.
  That can save you from a disappointment that
  capsizes your recovery.

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• Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers
  exists for one reason to help those struggling
  with addiction achieve sobriety.Recovering users
  can find a safe, comfortable, supportive
  environment at our drug rehab centers in
  Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and Palm Beach
  County, Florida.
• Through a combination of inpatient rehabilitation
  and outpatient rehab, we tackle the physical,
  emotional, mental, and social aspects of
  addiction. Contact us to learn more about how you
  or your loved one can find the inspiration,
  motivation, and support they need to make a full
  recovery.

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• https//www.mentalhelp.net/articles/social-learnin
  g-theory-and-addiction/
• https//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18844242
• http//sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2014/12/01/social-learn
  ing-theory-and-addiction/
• http//www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S
  0376871606004091
• https//news.northeastern.edu/2011/07/winehouse/