You don’t have to travel the path to recovery alone. 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.
Learning to build this sober support network is a critical tool, particularly in early recovery. But as is the case with many life changes in the recovery process, this doesn’t always come naturally to people who have lived for years with a substance use disorder.
The Critical Importance of a Sober Support Network
Social support for sobriety is one of the most impactful factors for long-term success. Dozens of academic studies have found that individuals who have close relationships with people who are abstinent or strongly endorse sobriety have a much easier time staying sober.
In contrast, those who surround themselves with people who frequently use substances are at much higher risk of relapse themselves.
Humans are inherently social creatures. People look to their communities to learn what behaviors are acceptable, what is frowned upon, and how to behave to fit in as a member of the group.
People who are surrounded by those who drink alcohol learn that drinking is okay. Those who surround themselves with sobriety learn that substance use is frowned upon. This simple concept, described by psychologists as social learning theory, has proven itself to be a powerful force for behavioral change and activation for decades.
But knowing these effects gives you a certain level of control over them. You play a role in choosing your social group, which guides your actions in the future. If your peers aren’t acting in ways that align with your recovery goals, you can make the decision to seek out a sober support network on your own. Building supportive connections is crucial in this process. By exploring various strategies for supportive friendships, you can foster relationships that uplift and motivate you. Engaging with others who share your commitment to positive change can make a significant difference in maintaining your focus on recovery. Rebuilding trust during recovery is essential for strengthening these connections. It involves open communication and vulnerability, allowing you to share your experiences and challenges with those who are invested in your journey. As you cultivate a supportive environment, the bonds you form can reinforce your commitment to lasting change and personal growth.
Pathways to Building a Sober Support Network
As important as it is to build a sober support network, it isn’t always something that comes easy for people new to recovery. Living with a substance use disorder can shape the way you approach social interactions, and people who get sober often need to try new methods of socialization in order to find a support network that helps them in recovery.
Thankfully, there are dozens of time-tested methods that can help. Below are some of the best ways to build a sober support network in recovery. Rebuilding family connections after recovery is essential for long-term success and emotional well-being. Engaging in open and honest conversations can help mend strained relationships, allowing for deeper understanding and support. Additionally, participating in family therapy sessions may provide a structured environment to navigate these complex dynamics. One effective strategy to achieve this involves building supportive social networks through local community groups or online forums where individuals share their experiences. These connections can foster accountability and encouragement among peers who understand the unique challenges of recovery. Moreover, surrounding oneself with positive influences can significantly impact the journey towards sustained sobriety.
Family
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.
Of course, family isn’t always the most supportive group. If your family is made up of people with their own substance use disorders, live far away from you, or don’t understand the challenges of achieving sobriety, they may not be the robust support network you need.
For people who have faced challenges with their families in the recovery process, starting a family therapy program can help restore these relationships and start them on the path of building a more supportive network.
Family therapy not only helps you heal damaged relationships but teaches you and your family members how to better support one another throughout your recovery.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings have helped millions of people recover from substance use disorders. Aside from the steps themselves, one of the most beneficial aspects of 12-step meetings is the robust network of social support that they offer.
There are a number of different 12-step organizations you can participate in, each catering to different types of addictive behaviors. Some of the more prolific groups include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Heroin Anonymous (HA)
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
- Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
All of these groups emphasize the importance of finding a community of sober peers, helping one another on the path to recovery, and living a lifestyle that makes it easier to maintain your sobriety. However, it is essential to consider the california sober lifestyle risks, which can include the temptation to revert to old habits when relying on certain substances. This lifestyle may not fully address the underlying issues of addiction and could potentially undermine long-term recovery efforts. Engaging in open discussions about these risks within the community can provide additional support and accountability for those in recovery.
The larger groups — such as AA and NA — have thousands of meetings held across the country every day. There is almost surely a group that meets in your area at least weekly, and potentially dozens of meetings happening each week if you live in a populated area.
In addition to providing actionable strategies to help people overcome their addictive behavior, these groups serve as social hubs for like-minded individuals to meet, gather, and socialize without turning to substance use. They are fantastic avenues for people to build a sober support network and can provide ongoing support for years to come.
If you can’t find meetings in your area or would simply rather attend virtually, there are hundreds of online meetings available every day around the world. The only requirement you must meet in order to participate in these meetings is a desire to stop drinking or using addictive substances.
Alternative Self-Help Groups
While 12-step 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.
Some alternative self-help groups include:
- SMART Recovery
- Refuge Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
These groups all offer different approaches catered to a wide range of individuals who are looking to maintain their recovery. Understanding the dimensions of wellness in recovery can significantly improve a person’s journey. By addressing not just physical health but also emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, individuals can foster a more holistic approach to their recovery. This comprehensive perspective empowers them to build a support system that nurtures all facets of their lives.
SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a secular organization that focuses on science-informed practices to help people recover. Groups are led by a trained facilitator and focus on evidence-based tools to help you get and stay sober. Medicationassisted recovery options explained provide a comprehensive look at how different medications can support individuals in their journey to sobriety. By understanding these options, participants can make informed decisions about their treatment plans. This approach complements the evidence-based tools emphasized in SMART Recovery, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the recovery process.
Refuge Recovery is a group that emphasizes Buddhist traditions and tools to help people break free from their addictions. This includes learning the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path.
Women for Sobriety is a peer-support group designed specifically for women. It is a secular group that emphasizes self-empowerment and community support, with both in-person and online meetings available.
Make Friends in Treatment
Many people start their journey to recovery by attending a substance use treatment center. These professional treatment facilities offer many different therapy and treatment options, from cognitive behavioral therapy to medication-assisted treatment and more.
But they also typically have dozens of clients who are all on the same path to addiction recovery. Treatment centers capitalize on the inherent social support of several people working toward a common goal, and you can continue to do so yourself by maintaining these supportive relationships after leaving treatment. In such environments, it’s crucial to avoid falling into the trap of substitute addictions in recovery programs, as they can undermine the progress made. Instead, focusing on healthy hobbies and interests can provide a fulfilling alternative that supports your long-term sobriety. Engaging with a community that encourages positive change can reinforce your commitment to a balanced, addiction-free life.
Attend Group Therapy
Group therapy is one of the most common interventions used in substance use treatment, but if you’re continuing to struggle with social support after achieving sobriety, you can enroll in a group therapy program even after you’ve completed an addiction treatment program.
Group therapy is facilitated by a specially trained and licensed therapist but ultimately focuses on group members helping one another through their challenges in recovery. It brings together a group of people with a common problem to overcome obstacles in sobriety and support one another on their journeys.
Alumni Groups or Events
Treatment alumni groups and events bring people together after they’ve shared an experience in treatment. Going through substance use treatment with other people can be a powerful bonding experience, as dozens of people work together to overcome difficult emotional times and mental health challenges. Christine’s journey to recovery often involves the support of these groups, allowing individuals to share their stories and celebrate milestones together. The friendships formed during this challenging time can provide a network of encouragement that lasts long after treatment ends. As they continue on their paths, participants find strength in unity, helping each other to stay focused on their goals and maintain their progress.
If you’ve graduated from treatment and are still looking to bolster your sober support network, see if your treatment center holds regular alumni meetings or alumni events that you could attend.
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.
Meet With an Individual Therapist
Social support doesn’t always have to mean meeting with a group. For some people, the pressures of social interaction in group settings can simply lead to stress or anxiety, making them feel worse than if they hadn’t sought out the socialization whatsoever.
If that’s the case for you, or you simply prefer individualized support, consider reaching out to an individual therapist. Therapists not only have an abundance of tools to help you with specific mental health challenges but can be lasting advocates for your recovery and well-being no matter what you’re going through.
Starting work with a therapist guarantees you that you’ll have at least one staunch supporter in your journey to recovery. Your therapist can help you work toward your goals and overcome cravings or other mental health challenges. They will be there to support you every step of the way.
Sober Activities
Getting involved in a sober activity can be a great place to build your sober support network. The options for these activities are nearly endless, but some common activities to meet people with shared interests include: navigating sober travel experiences can open up new avenues for connection and personal growth. Traveling without the influence of alcohol allows you to fully immerse yourself in different cultures and environments, often leading to genuine interactions. Consider joining groups focused on sober adventures, where you can explore exciting destinations alongside like-minded individuals.
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Group fitness classes
- Art classes
- Continuing education
- Group cycling
- Running
- Fishing
- Organized sports
These types of activities are both enjoyable and inherently social. When compared to some of the other options listed for building a sober support network, they differ as they don’t center around recovery, but rather the activity at hand.
Joining a softball league, for instance, lets you build camaraderie through a shared interest rather than a shared sobriety. This provides people with a space where they don’t need to feel like they are always focusing solely on their sobriety but can start to simply enjoy their sobriety without having to constantly think about drug or alcohol use.
If you’re specifically looking for a sober group to do these activities with, there are typically several in any given area. Sober sports leagues, hiking groups, or cycling clubs can be found easily on the web or through other sober networking hubs, such as alumni programs or self-help support groups.
Get Help From All Points North
At All Points North, our team builds social support networks at every stage of our addiction treatment programs.
Whether that means enrolling in residential treatment where you can meet other people all working on the same path to recovery, or enrolling in individual therapy after years of sobriety — APN has every tool you need to create a support network that lasts.
If you find that you need professional assistance in creating a support network, contact the team at APN by calling 855.934.1178, filling out our confidential online form, or using the live chat function on our website. Our team is standing by to answer your questions, guide you toward treatment options that work for you, and support you on your personal journey toward recovery.
References
- Hallgren, Kevin A, and Nancy P Barnett. “Briefer assessment of social network drinking: A test of the Important People Instrument-5 (IP-5).” Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors vol. 30,8 (2016): 955-964. doi:10.1037/adb0000218
