How to Build a Sober Support Network

If you have recently completed treatment for a substance use disorder, you have taken a powerful first step in recovery and should be proud. To continue your recovery, however, it’s crucial for you to have a supportive network of people that you can turn to when you’re struggling, and who will also celebrate your successes. Building this network takes some effort, but it will be invaluable as you continue on your recovery journey.

The Importance of a Sober Support Network

First, let’s stress the importance of the word “sober” in sober support network. You need people who are supportive of your journey and who will not drink or use drugs around you. For example, you may have old friends that you used to drink or do drugs with. Unless they are also on a recovery journey, they cannot be a part of your sober support network. The same rule applies to family members. Of course, you may have family or friends who just occasionally drink socially, but they should not do it when they are with you.

A sober support network should be made up of people who understand what you have and are continuing to go through, and who are willing to talk when you need help. They also should be people who don’t judge you or criticize your past mistakes. This kind of support is important for you to feel safe in your sobriety, and for you to gain confidence in your ability to remain sober.

Some of your support network should be peers—people who are also in recovery. It’s natural for people to gravitate to others with whom they have things in common. You’ll find comfort and support from peers who have experienced substance abuse and are sharing your journey.

Sources of Support

You can find people for your network from several different sources.

Family and Friends

Hopefully, you have family members and friends who are willing to be there for you, and who understand what you are trying to accomplish. However, sometimes relationships break down during active addiction, and those relationships need to be rebuilt in order for the other people to be able to offer the support you need. Family counseling can help mend relationships and teach your family members and friends how to best help you.

A Therapist or Counselor

Even though your treatment is over, it can be a good idea to continue to see a therapist or counselor on a regular basis. They can help you to continue to learn coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.

Friends from Treatment

Many people form friendships during treatment, particularly inpatient treatment, since they spend a lot of time together in group therapy, and during free time. If you made friends when you were in treatment, keep in touch. These friendships can be invaluable because you’re going through your recovery experiences at the same time and can provide each other with mutual support.

You may have some doubts about doing this, because it’s a possibility that your friends will relapse, which may put you at risk. However, peer support is mutual. If you have a friend from treatment who is struggling, you can provide the support they need, which can help your own recovery.

Support Groups

One of the best ways to build your sober support network is through support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. 12-step meetings and other support groups for recovery are intended to provide peer support. It should be easy to find a few people that you can bond with, and possibly a peer sponsor who will be there when you need them. The key is to go to meetings consistently and be open to forming relationships.

Group Therapy

Even after treatment, you can join a group therapy program for continuing support. Group therapy was a key part of your treatment and can still be beneficial, and it’s another opportunity to build peer relationships.

Peer Support Networks

In treatment, you may have been referred to a peer support network, which allows you to connect with a peer on a one-on-one basis. Peer support workers are successful in their own recovery and sometimes have been specifically trained to be peer mentors.

At some point in your recovery, you may even choose to be a peer support worker, giving you the opportunity to help people in recovery in a variety of ways. Helping others can also be beneficial to your own recovery.

To find a peer support network and other resources, visit the SAMHSA website.

Alumni Groups

Many treatment programs facilitate the formation of alumni groups that connect people who have been through the same treatment program. Often, these group members connect online through Facebook pages or by attending alumni meetings or events. This can be a valuable way to connect with more people with whom you share very similar experiences.

In Closing

If you are trying to build your sober support network, Bridges of Hope can provide you with resources to help. Having people that are on your side is very important as you navigate recovery. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, whether in a support group environment or through other sources. You can build supportive relationships that can help you move forward successfully.