Meeting Positive New Friends in Sobriety

There are many challenges that people in recovery face, one of which is making new friends in sobriety. This is crucial because it wouldn’t be beneficial for newly sober individuals to spend all their time with old acquaintances. It is a better alternative to meet new people who are sober themselves.  

Throughout early sobriety, loneliness can be an overpowering emotion for people who are struggling. Hence, forming new friendships is essential for such people. A network of sober people will not only help in addressing loneliness but will also be an excellent resource for advice and support. However, sometimes people struggle with where to find friends when they are sober as their social life changes completely.

Once an individual has decided to embark on a new journey, it would be best to cut off all ties with former using friends. This is because they can have a negative impact on one’s desire to stay sober and may attempt to persuade the person it’s okay to use “one more time”. If someone wants to protect their sobriety, then they must end a detrimental relationship as soon as possible. 

Sometimes it will be hard to break these strong ties, but if someone is serious about staying sober, then this decision must be made. The most important thing is to meet other sober people while ending these old relationships. This will help in avoiding a lonely recovery process and is is why making friends in sobriety is so important.

Humans are social creatures and depend on a network of other humans. Friends can help to support a healthy and fruitful life in recovery. Being a part of sober communities can help in maintaining a sober life. Some of the key features of being a part of such groups are:

• Sober friends can offer real-world advice and emotional support. This will help the newly sober individual to cope with their struggles and new routine in a more effective manner.
• The newly attained support system can provide appraisal, which is very beneficial for people in recovery to address their behavior and implement change. They can also advise the person on how to better function and navigate the world.
• One of the most important aspects of having solid friends is that they will be a constant outlet for advice and insight. Of course, not everyone knows everything, but having friends will allow someone to have a variety of opinions and views.
• Loneliness and boredom can be a potential relapse trigger. If people find that life outside of active addiction has become meaningless and dull, then they may go back to their old ways. Spending time with friends and meeting people that matter will provide a purpose to continue on with their sobriety.

• Finding a co-working space is very beneficial for newly sober individuals who are trying to surround themselves with positive people during early sobriety. Most of these spaces offer membership facilities like- digital communities, early-morning workshops, include lunch events and even on-site programming (classes, workshops, etc.). If a newly sober individual is feeling pressured to put themselves out there, then it’s a more natural option to meet people. It’s hard not to strike up a conversation with people in the same shared meeting room or at the coffee counter.
• There are many ways to find new, sober friends. Most of the time, newly sober individuals may avoid events altogether if drugs and alcohol are going to be present. Fortunately, there are many non-alcoholic events like rooftop yoga, Pilates classes, free museum days, or dog meetups. These are the events that encourage socialization with other people who have shared interests.
• Sober communities will not only help individuals get in touch with people who are going through similar life situations but will also provide them with a safe place to spend their time. Newcomers are encouraged to get a sponsor who will guide and support them through the steps. Upon completion of the steps, it is suggested to pay it forward and begin sponsoring a newly sober individual. This way, they are not only helping themselves but giving back to the community also.
• Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Joining a volunteer organization will help individuals find friends who enjoy paying it forward. There are many organizations and non-profits, shelters, food banks, and soup kitchens that require volunteers. It can be a one-time or weekly event or even a week-long trip. But it’s sure to meet many people who are selflessly working to make our community a better place. It is also a form of social networking.
• Sometimes it’s hard to find friends who can relate to a sober lifestyle. There are many resources available online like Reddit groups, Facebook groups, and Instagram communities where new sober friends can be found and connected with instantaneously. However, social networks can be a bit tricky to navigate, and it’s better to take precautions. Otherwise, there are chances of fraudulence and scams.
• Sober living is a great way to meet other newly sober individuals. These homes operate as a bridge between an inpatient facility and the “real world.” It is a safe and supportive environment for anyone trying to join a “sober tribe.” Sober living homes offer peace of mind to family members, assuring them that their loved one is being looked after on a 24-hour basis.