Recovery isn’t a straight path. It bends, dips, and sometimes circles back before moving forward again. Whether you’re recovering from alcohol use disorder, substance use, or co-occurring mental health challenges, the journey is deeply personal. And while independence is empowering, it’s also completely normal—and often necessary—to need extra support along the way.
At Pacific Sky Recovery Center in Spokane, Washington, we believe recovery thrives on connection, honesty, and acknowledging when you need additional help. Reaching out isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of strength, self-awareness, and commitment to long-term healing.
Recognizing When You May Need Extra Help in Recovery
Every person in recovery experiences challenges. Some struggles are small and manageable, while others are signs you may need more support. Paying attention to these moments can help you intervene early and prevent setbacks or relapse.
Here are signs you may benefit from additional help:
1. You’re Experiencing Cravings More Frequently or Intensely
Cravings can occur long after substances leave your body. They may appear during stressful situations, emotional discomfort, or even randomly. Increased or overwhelming cravings may signal that you need:
- Medication-assisted support
- Additional counseling
- Enhanced coping strategies
- More structure or accountability
2. Your Mental Health Symptoms Are Increasing
Recovery and mental health are closely linked. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, or other conditions can flare during recovery—especially in times of transition.
Signs you need extra help include:
- Feeling hopeless or emotionally overwhelmed
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- A loss of motivation or joy
- Persistent anxiety or panic
- Cycling moods or emotional instability
3. You’re Starting to Isolate or Withdraw
Connection is a core pillar of recovery. If you notice yourself pulling away from support groups, check-ins, family, or friends, it may be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Withdrawal from others may show up as:
- Avoiding meetings or therapy
- Ignoring messages or calls
- Feeling like a burden
- Losing interest in social activities
4. Daily Life Feels Overwhelming Again
If tasks like getting out of bed, going to work, maintaining hygiene, or keeping up with responsibilities begin to feel unmanageable, this may indicate emotional or psychological exhaustion. Feeling overwhelmed is a cue—not to push harder—but to seek support to rebalance.
5. You’re Experiencing Triggers You Don’t Know How to Cope With
Life changes, anniversaries, conflict, or unexpected situations can bring up triggers you may not be prepared for. If you find yourself unsure how to handle them or notice old thought patterns returning, reaching out for help can prevent relapse and reinforce your coping skills.
6. You’re Considering Using Again or Have Already Relapsed
Whether you’re having thoughts about using or have experienced a minor slip, extra support can help you get back on track. A slip does not erase your progress. It’s a signal that you need more support, structure, or treatment, not a reason to give up.
Where Extra Help Can Come From
Needing additional help is incredibly common, and the recovery community is built around offering resources at every stage. Support may come from multiple places, and combining them can create a strong safety net.
Here are some options available to you:
1. Your Treatment Team at Pacific Sky Recovery Center
Your treatment team can help assess what you’re experiencing and guide you toward the next level of care. Support may include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Case management
- Medication management
- Step-up care (such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs)
- Sober living recommendations
2. Support Groups and Peer Communities
Peer support is invaluable. Groups offer understanding, connection, and shared experience. Examples include:
- 12-Step programs (AA or NA)
- SMART Recovery
- Local sober communities or meetups
3. Therapy or Counseling
Therapy can help you process underlying emotions, trauma, and stressors. Types of therapy that may be helpful include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention counseling
Therapy gives you tools, strategies, and a safe space to express your feelings.
4. Medical or Psychiatric Support
Mental health symptoms may require additional medical attention. A psychiatrist or physician can:
- Adjust medications
- Diagnose co-occurring disorders
- Treat withdrawal symptoms
- Provide medical guidance during difficult periods
This type of support helps stabilize emotional and physical symptoms.
5. Sober Living or Structured Environments
If home life feels unstable or stressful, sober living can provide structure, accountability, and community. This environment offers routine, peer support, and a safe place to rebuild independence.
6. Family and Loved Ones
Sometimes reaching out to one trusted person can make all the difference. Loved ones can help by:
- Listening without judgment
- Offering encouragement
- Helping with responsibilities
- Providing companionship
We Are Here to Help
At Pacific Sky Recovery Center, we believe asking for help is one of the most powerful decisions you can make. If you’re noticing signs that you could use additional help, now is the time to reach out. Support is available, and you deserve the guidance, care, and community needed to sustain long-term recovery.
