The Social Media Revolution in Recovery
Technology is amazing, given the advances of the last 50 years. The internet has opened new frontiers and avenues of communication, education and employment. Advances show no signs of slowing down and will most likely only speed up. Social media is one such new invention that is revolutionizing the way people interact online, for better or worse. Find out how to harness the power of the social media revolution in recovery.
Social Media and Recovery
A person in recovery used to hide the fact he or she was attending a 12 step or recovery program. The internet can be a tricky place to share such deep thoughts and experiences which are open for the world to see. It does not replace face-to-face interaction and engagement but can be a powerful tool when sharing experiences with addiction and recovery. Social media, in this way, has many positive benefits to connect people who share similar experiences and combat stigma surrounding addiction.
Recovery Groups Online
When a person is in recovery, many platforms exist to share experiences and information. Facebook is one such place where closed, private groups can share in a supportive environment for people with addiction and in recovery. Often individuals in recovery can provide a person with suggestions based on personal experience and even connect offline when opportunity permits. YouTube provides video content from people who share the experience of addiction and recovery with others, including informal to formal talks and sharing wisdom about the realities and hardships of recovery. A person will benefit from groups like this in the following ways:
- Become less isolated
- Connect to others with shared experience
- Find mentors or other people further down the recovery path
- Meet people online then take relationships offline for more face-to-face time
- Find a platform to share experiences on a blog, social media page or other medium
Recovery-Friendly Channels
Social media platforms change everyday, it seems. Some channels encourage more interaction among the recovery community than others. This includes:
- Facebook for private groups and events
- YouTube for connecting to video content
- Instagram for sharing visual photos and artistic content
- WordPress or other blogsites which support blog writing and content that helps a person become focused on sharing the journey of addiction and recovery
Finding Balance Online
While social media is a useful tool in recovery, there can be detrimental effects. It is not a substitute for in-person engagement. Too easy to do, it is possible to limit interactions with people by spending more time online than creating real life relationships. People in recovery may become isolated and not realize it has happened. Social media is not a substitute for in person engagement or activity.
The stigma has been decreasing with the advent of social media. It is more possible to share one’s story and find acceptance which builds rapport and a sense of connectedness to others. Harnessing the power of social media is all about taking back one’s own power to know personal stories matter and finding ways to share about them in a positive way online to encourage others on the recovery journey.
Social media can be a positive tool in recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, finding people who share the experience is crucial to staying clean and sober. Let Hired Power help you find a way to sobriety.