Volunteering may seem far fetched from addiction recovery, but it’s actually a wonderful way to make lifelong connections, develop skills, and boost your mental health while you work towards your recovery goals. A 2016 study conducted by researchers from the UK found that those who engage regularly in volunteer work generally experience higher levels of mental well-being than those who never volunteer; the best part about volunteering is that you can dedicate your time and energy whenever you’re available, and they’re quite flexible with your schedule. If you’re looking for an activity that is low-risk and well worth the effort, consider volunteering today.
The Corporation for National and Community Service conducted several studies and found the following benefits of volunteering:
- Personal sense of accomplishment
- Feel needed and valued as a person
- Better physical health
- Lower levels of depression
- Higher levels of happiness
- Higher sense of self-esteem and control over life
- Lower mortality rate
- Declines in pain intensity for those with chronic pain
- And more
There are many places and ways you can volunteer. Some treatment centers will even have volunteer opportunities available by way of mentoring other program attendees or spending time working in the program. With the opioid crisis becoming more of a concern than ever before, many places are opening up community support groups and treatment programs where volunteers are heavily needed; organizations like the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) also list opportunities on their website for people to get involved.
For many in recovery, giving back is a key principle and way to share the knowledge and support they’ve been given during their time in treatment. It’s a way to pass forward some valuable lessons that have been learned, with an opportunity to build more connections through a common ground. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about volunteering and ways that you can incorporate this into your life.
Transform your life, inside and out as you find freedom from addiction. At Tree House Recovery in Orange County, California, we’re helping men create the sustainable changes necessary to build a sustainable recovery. Call us today for information: (855) 202-2138
