Living with an active drug and alcohol addiction can be isolating and lonely. Working through recovery often means giving up unhealthy relationships. Your past relationships may be strained, and you may struggle to find social connection when you need it most.
Finding sober support in recovery is one of the most essential parts of healing from addiction. People in recovery must build a strong support system. Sober peers can help you navigate challenges and celebrate your wins as you work toward lifelong sobriety.
This article will explore the importance of building a support network in recovery. You will learn:
- Why social support is vital to long-term recovery
- How to build a sober support network
- Where to find treatment and support in recovery
Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic treatment programs. Our intake staff can help you find the care you need to stay sober and schedule an intake.
Why is Social Support Important in Recovery?
People sometimes experiment with drugs or alcohol to boost their social confidence or fit in with a group of friends. However, substance abuse often leads people to become isolated or lonely.
Addiction chips away at your physical and mental health. As drugs and alcohol become the center of your life, everything else takes a back seat. You may abandon your work, hobbies, and relationships as the addiction grows.
Giving up unhealthy relationships is essential during your recovery journey. This can leave people feeling alone or isolated. Developing a sober support group can help combat these feelings and support long-term recovery.
Here are some of the most significant reasons social support can help you stay sober for life.
A healthy community
Addiction changes how people think, feel, and act. It’s almost impossible to have healthy relationships when you are living with active addiction.
Recovery support groups and sober peers allow you to have real, meaningful relationships with others. You can develop health relationships based on shared interests and support rather than substance use.
Learning how to repair relationships
Sometimes, it can seem as though the damage that occurs to a relationship affected by addiction is too difficult to repair. Creating new, healthy relationships with new people can help you build better communication skills and more. This may help you to rebuild relationships with family members or friends from the past.
Process feelings
Many people in recovery struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. A sober support network can provide a safe place to share and process your feelings about addiction or the past.
Listening to others’ stories and experiences can help you navigate recovery. You will also discover that you are not alone with your feelings as other group members share theirs.
Accountability
Many people leave rehab feeling on top of the world. They may have a sense of positivity and optimism that propels them toward a healthier, sober future.
However, that enthusiasm may fade over time. Life is full of challenges, and some people lose steam after a while.
A sober network can hold you accountable in the recovery process. Having people who will notice if you stop showing up to meetings can be very motivating.
More opportunities
Isolation can be miserable and keep you “stuck” where you are. Building a sober support network can open doors to new opportunities. You may discover new job opportunities, fun events, volunteer work, and more.
Having supportive people around you can increase your chances of long-term addiction recovery. If you are in recovery, reach out to the Archstone Behavioral Health team to learn more about our support programs.
How to Build a Sober Support Network
While you might understand the benefits of having a sober support group, finding one may seem overwhelming. Here are steps you can take to find a sober network.
1. Think about what you want
Consider what type of support you want. Do you want to learn about addiction and recovery? Are you looking for fun, social activities in a sober environment?
Once you know what type of support would benefit you the most, you can begin your search.
2. Go to meetings
Some addiction treatment centers offer recovery support groups. These groups focus on gathering people in recovery and providing a safe place to share support and experiences.
You can also attend alcoholics anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings or your rehab center’s alumni meetings.
If you do not respond to the 12-step approach, you may consider other options, including SMART Recovery groups. SMART Recovery groups use behavioral therapy techniques without a religious or spiritual focus.
3. Join a class
Sign up to join a fitness, recreation, art, or language class. Join a gym or running group. Take music lessons or join a community choir. Find a new hobby and join a group of people who enjoy the same thing.
4. Repair relationships
Repairing damaged relationships can be complicated. Sometimes, you may need to wait a long time before working to fix past relationships. If the other person is willing, family or relationship counseling can be beneficial.
Find The Support You Need
Building a sober support network can be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake assessment.