Making friends is an endeavor that’s challenging or intimidating for most people. It can become even more difficult when you are in addiction recovery. Finding friends who are sober or will respect sobriety boundaries can be especially challenging. This conundrum also brings up questions about how much you should disclose and what you feel comfortable sharing with other people.
Benefits of Friends
Having friends is about more than hanging out over the weekend. Friends can play an essential role in your addiction recovery. Here are some other benefits of having friends during recovery:
More Support
Having friends means you’ve got a built-in extended support network that you can rely on during challenging moments. Friends can help center you and remind you of your goals when you stray from progress. Having a network of people, you can rely on can provide you with peace of mind. Additionally, you have the assurance that people are rooting for you.
Accountability
If you struggle to hold yourself accountable, friends may be able to help in this area. Having friends, you’re open and transparent with is a critical aspect of recovery. It means you can have difficult conversations and be honest if you’re struggling with recovery. Relying on friends and knowing that they’re going to be there for you can provide hope and assurance. You don’t have to wonder if they’ll judge you or let you do something that will ultimately harm you.
Making Friends
As previously mentioned, making friends can be hard. However, there are a few different ways that some people in recovery make friends, including support groups and hobbies.
Support groups can be an excellent way to connect with others who are going through similar struggles in life. In addition, joining a support group is a great way to meet other sober people who have similar goals as you.
Hobbies are another great way to meet other people. Whether you enjoy pottery, soccer, or music, meeting people who enjoy similar things as you gives you something to talk about and bond over.
If you’re struggling to make friends, know that you’re not alone. It can be especially difficult to meet new people when you’re in addiction recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you’re in need of support. At Avalon Malibu, we’re very aware of the struggles that individuals go through during recovery, and we seek to help our clients come up with practical solutions that improve their lives. It’s never too late to start making friends and getting more support during recovery. Call (844) 857-5992.Â
