You can use the app to connect with people near you who are also in recovery, find rides to support meetings, or meet others who share similar hobbies or special interests. Although online interactions shouldn’t replace in-person communication, online support can prove to be helpful in many circumstances. For example, social media can help you stay in touch with friends and family who live far away and can’t meet face to face on a regular basis. You can also join online accountability groups to provide additional support in between your regular support group meetings. According to Eric, recovery for individuals struggling with addiction is greatly enhanced by social connectedness. Yet, many people with substance use disorders are not fully engaged in their communities as many individuals often remain socially isolated and excluded.
Staying sober often requires changing almost every aspect of your life.
- They should be trustworthy, approachable, and willing to help you through your recovery journey.
- Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your road to recovery.
- They can provide advice on time management, building new skills, and/or employment opportunities that might better fit your recovery goals.
- Your family and close friends can be a significant part of your sober support network.
- A relapse prevention plan is a crucial tool for maintaining long-term sobriety.
- Much of the success in recovery has to do with having a strong sober network.
While having a strong internal composition is vital to successful recovery, having a strong support network can be equally as important in the prevention of harmful relapse. This not only reconnects you to people you may have gone to treatment with but introduces you to other people who have graduated from the same treatment program in your area. This can spark connections and friendships that quickly become the base of your sober support network and help you enjoy your sobriety just a little bit more. But they also typically have dozens of clients who are all on the same path to addiction recovery. For many people, finding support from family members can be the fastest way to build a robust sober support network. If your family supports you on your path to sobriety, you can turn to them when you’re struggling with cravings, need companionship, or simply want to get out and about for a sober activity.
Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan
The challenge now is to explore and develop some new routines together that you can enjoy and that do not include drinking. For some couples this may mean meeting at the gym, finding a scenic place to talk and walk together, or preparing dinner together. It may take a while to establish new routines, but in the end, you will find them more pleasurable than drinking.
The Importance of Building a Sober Support Network: Where to Start
- They understand what you are going through, and what you hope to do moving forward.
- The long-lasting relationships formed in recovery are one of the greatest gifts of sobriety.
- Recovery from addiction is a journey that requires determination, commitment, and support.
- Sponsors are volunteering their time, but typically view this relationship as a chance to give back to those in need.
Building a sober support network can be a difficult task that often feels impossible to ever achieve. Still, it is vital to achieving long-lasting sobriety and living a healthier life. A strong sober support group can help keep you accountable and focused on what matters most to you and your sobriety goals by reinforcing positive behaviors and keeping negative ones at a minimum. Without a doubt, addiction can fracture relationships with loved ones; however, that doesn’t mean these relationships are broken forever. During your recovery journey, you can rebuild these relationships with trusted friends and family members.
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing cravings, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being in recovery. You’ll learn practical ways to manage triggers, handle stress, and deal with emotions. If you need to expand your professional network, consider joining a professional association for your industry, a college alumni group, or a community-based networking group. Volunteering your skills at a nonprofit organization can also help you expand your network as you add to your resume. We partner with business owners, corporations, and even local and state government for sensitivity training, FMLA coaching, and to ensure that our communities have access to life-saving rehabilitative resources. Think critically–and honestly about what type of people you tend to respond best to.
Change Your Life Today.
- These meetings can be an alternative or a supplement to AA or NA groups, depending upon your specific recovery needs.
- Of course, the first change to make if you are serious about a sober lifestyle is to eliminate all wine, spirits, beer, from your home.
- In contrast, those who surround themselves with people who frequently use substances are at much higher risk of relapse themselves.
- The-Recover helps individuals locate meetings and support groups in California.
Whether it’s “casual” drinks at the office, wine at a company dinner, or beer while trying to close a deal, alcohol is a socially acceptable element of business in some places. That clarity helps you hit every “selling” point and be an effective listener. You’re less likely to walk away thinking “I can’t believe I forgot to say…” or “I just wasn’t my best” if you’re conversating sober. Holistic therapies like yoga and meditation can help improve physical fitness and regulate stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This reduction in stress levels can decrease the likelihood of self-medication. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided sessions specifically for recovery.
How to Build a Sober Support Network in Your Community
They understand what you are going through, and what you hope to do moving forward. By supporting your values and your goals, these friends are the ones that will help you confidently transition into the world once again. While 12-step sober network meetings are the most common type of self-help group for people struggling with addiction, they don’t always fit the needs of everyone. Thankfully, recent years have shown substantial growth in alternative groups that can be just as effective at helping people build sober support networks and achieve lasting recovery. A sober support network can provide valuable assistance in helping you achieve your recovery goals, stay sober, and maintain the healthy habits you’ve worked hard to build after overcoming addiction. Building a strong sober network could greatly improve the quality of your life and help you recover.