Why having a role model helps with recovery

A role model is someone you admire and try to imitate. The most common reason why people will copy someone else is that they believe that it will benefit them in some way.

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.

It is possible for role models to have a good or bad influence. This is why celebrities and athletes are heavily criticised when they engage in negative behaviours, such as taking drugs or cheating. The worry is that their fans might be encouraged to copy them.

Role models save time and effort

Humans tend to look to other people for clues about how best to navigate life. This means that people can learn without the need to experience everything for themselves. Imitating these role models can save time and effort. If other people make a mistake, it is possible to learn from this. There is no need to repeat the mistake. If people are successful at something, then it makes sense to try to copy their actions.

It is particularly important for people who are recovering from an addiction to have good role models. This will allow them to follow a path to success that has already been well-trodden.

Early recovery can be particularly difficult, so it makes sense to follow in the footsteps of those who have successful navigated this path previously. A good role model in recovery would be an individual who has built a successful life away from addiction.

Motivating

In AA, they advise members to stick with the winners. What they mean by this is that spending time with those individuals who have built a successful recovery is beneficial. It is not only possible to learn a great deal from these individuals, but it can also be highly motivating.

They are living proof of what it is possible to achieve in a life away from alcohol and drugs. This encourages the individual to think ‘If they can do it, then so can I’.

Who makes a good role model?

A role model can be:

A sponsor who has successfully graduated from a treatment programme
A family member, or friend, who forms part of a support network
Someone in the community who offers guidance and encouragement
An addiction counsellor who is trained to help people through treatment
A public figure who has shared their struggle with the world

How to choose a role model

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.

Try and choose someone who is actively engaged in a local recovery group.

How to benefit from a role model

Such people will be able to offer sound advice about how to make a successful life in recovery. These are people who are talking from experience
These individuals are positive and such positivity can be contagious
It is inspiring to see that people can build a great life away from alcohol and drugs
People who are doing well in their own recovery often want to give something back by helping other people who are finding things difficult
A role model will be able to set a good example in many areas of life

Dangers of poor role models

It is also important to avoid negative role models. There are people who no longer drink alcohol or take drugs, but have still failed to find happiness in recovery. Such individuals can be full of negative thinking and resentment.

They not only offer bad advice, but their negativity can be infectious. Those who are ready to relapse may want to take other people down with them.

Danger of putting people on pedestals

Putting too much faith in role models can lead to disappointment. All humans are fallible, but it can come as a shock when a role model falls from grace.

Those in early recovery can be traumatised if someone they admire relapses and they may even be tempted to follow their hero back into a life of alcohol and drugs. This is why it is so important to have realistic expectations of role models.

Be selective

Role models are supposed to uphold high morals and values, and exercise them regularly. When doing this, they gain respect from others and encourage others to do the same.

If you’re considering a role model in recovery, be selective in who you choose and always re-evaluate if their influence is having a positive effect on your motivations in recovery. Having a role model can be a wonderful thing and there are so many benefits – if you have the right person!

Tabor Group is a leading provider of residential addiction treatment services in Ireland. We provide support and care to hundreds of clients suffering from addictions to alcohol, substances, gambling and eating disorders. For more information on Tabor Group’s services click here.