Life before sobriety is a very lonely one.
Many people that have struggled with negative coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol find themselves isolated and detached from a connected community.
On the other hand, some individuals fell into complete dependence on others which creates a toxic co-dependent relationship.
Maintaining sobriety is difficult enough, but for many who have begun this journey, it can seem quite impossible to emerge out of our shells and back into a network of healthy relationships.
So how do we ensure that we are building relationships with other sober individuals that can offer support, love, companionship and accountability to us throughout a new way of living- sober living?
Find Local Support Group Meetings-
Looking up local AA/NA or other specific support groups is an extremely important first step in building a new network of sober individuals.
In the beginning, one might have mixed feelings about attending these meetings, but as long as you have been honest with yourself that you cannot do this journey alone, you will go into the rooms with an open mind and a new found willingness to connect with others that understand your journey so well.
Finding the local meetings is a simple as searching in your area.
You will be surprised to find there are meetings that begin as early as the early morning and those late in the evening.
This reduces stress that can cause resentment if you feel you can’t find time in your day to connect with your sober network.
Find Sober Activities-
In early recovery, it can be hard to find joy in healthy activities. The brain has to be retrained to get joy and contentment out of the activities that are meant to be enjoyed.
Many AA/NA networks will post activities that are coming up throughout the weeks/months. Pick one that you would be willing to try- you might just enjoy it!
Organize dinners, bowling, movies, concerts, and other events that you can participate in with other sober individuals. You will be surprised to see that most music events cater towards the sober community and offer a whole section for sober individuals to connect.
Striving for Honesty-
Once you develop friendships with other sober individuals, think about who you feel confident and most comfortable being honest with.
Secrets keep people sick and it is essential that you share your concerns and worries with others around you.
Keeping a personal inventory of our day is important, but it is even more important to share it with someone that we trust.
In conclusion, one of the most important first steps in accepting a sober way of life, is to accept other sober individuals that are fighting the same battle as you each and every day.
Developing these new sober relationships is just as important for the people you connect with.
As addicts, serving others is what keeps us from dwelling within and can be quite rewarding when we see how our story nurtures someone else just as equally.