Using social media during treatment can be an opportunity to keep friends and family updated, inspire others to make major changes in their life, and record your progress. Social media can also be a distraction or lead you down a path headed for trouble.
Do take a break from social media to allow yourself to become present in your treatment program
Research into the psychological effects of social media have shown that scrolling through a news feed or anticipating ‘likes’ on a post can trigger the brain the same way drugs do. Many people admit to turning to social media as a way to numb out and escape. Going to treatment for an addiction can be a difficult experience to adjust to in the beginning. Wanting to numb out and escape is normal for a brain that is used to being in an altered state.
Don’t use social media as a way to avoid building new friendships
Wanting to be home with old friends and in a different life than being in treatment is also normal. Being present in your treatment program is essential for absorbing as much information as possible. Your peers have a lot to teach you and show you about yourself and about life.
Do limit the amount of time you spend on social media if you have access
Limiting your time on social media is important for a few reasons. First, you help your brain stay focused on being present instead of checking in or numbing out with social media. Second, you engage more fully in your treatment program. Third, you can focus on the work being asked of you in treatment.
Don’t avoid doing your treatment ‘homework’ by engaging in social media
Treatment comes with work. Different group therapy sessions and personal therapists might ask you to do certain ‘assignments’ which help with your personal growth and development. At Tree House Recovery, for example, we believe in the power of literary therapy and therapeutic writing.
Do keep important friends and family up to date on your progress, if you want to
You aren’t required to tell people about how you’re doing or what you’re up to in treatment. If people are supporting you and your journey in a positive way, there is no reason not to update them. However, if you are receiving any negative feedback or encouragement to leave treatment and go back to using, it is better to take some space.
Don’t talk to friends you used with, old dealers, or other people who might encourage a relapse
Social media engagement during treatment runs you the risk of interacting with people who aren’t supportive of your recovery. For whatever reason, people who are suffering like others to suffer with them. You don’t need to be misery’s company. If people are encouraging you to relapse or question your recovery, remove them as friends or take a break from social media.
Our treatment programs at Tree House Recovery are showing men how to find freedom from addiction by creating sustainable changes for a sustainable recovery. Make the choice to go to treatment today by giving us a call: (855) 202-2138
