http://retreataddictioncenters.com/ | Role models can put us on the path to success, or they can lead us down dangerous paths of self-destruction. That’s as true for those undergoing substance abuse treatment as it is in every other area of life. Sponsors offer support. They inspire and encourage. They act as mentors and guides. They impart lessons earned the hard way—through experience. When it comes to recovery, the importance of positive role models can’t be overstated.

2. • As humans, we learn from each other. It’s called social learning. By watching
others, we observe what to do and what not to do. That means we don’t always
have to make our own mistakes.
• Instead, we can sometimes benefit from the lessons
of others.

3. 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.

4. Role models offer hope for the future. Through their actions:
• They show that it’s 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. • 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.

8. • 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.

9. • DO choose someone with whom
you feel a personal connection.
• DON’T choose someone merely
because they are popular.
• DO choose someone who is
available to offer help and
support when you need it.
• DON’T 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.

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

11. • 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.

12. • https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/social-learning-theory-and-addiction/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18844242
• http://sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2014/12/01/social-learning-theory-and-addiction/
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871606004091
• https://news.northeastern.edu/2011/07/winehouse/