3 Ways to Build a Support Network

Research conducted by mental health and addiction experts has shown that greater general social support from peer communities, family, and friends is a significant factor in addiction recovery. Addicts are more motivated to change and stay sober with support from peers and family.

But many addicts have cut ties with former friends and even family members, so how can you build a support network if that is the case? To assist with that, we’ve put together a list of 3 ways to build a support network for better recovery outcomes.

1. Make Amends

Since many addicts have behaved badly, they’ve often cut ties with family and friends who genuinely have their best interests at heart. Making amends with those people whom you have hurt is not only one of the vital steps in AA’s 12-step program, it’s a great way to gain much-needed social support.

By making amends, you can begin to rebuild your social support network. While your behavior may have alienated them, when they see your genuine desire to get and stay sober, they will often support you in that effort.

2. Choose Your Friends Wisely

It’s important for an addict to disassociate themselves from those friends who tend to encourage their use of addictive substances during recovery. What you really need when you’re in recovery are supportive friends who want you to succeed.

Choosing friends who understand your addiction and will encourage your sobriety is a vital part of a successful recovery. They want you to achieve your goals, and they will offer supportive strategies for staying sober. Without such friends, it is much more difficult to get and stay sober.

You can find these kinds of friends in the peer communities of addicts who know how it goes. They’ve been there and understand the temptations that can lure you back into harmful habits.

3. Volunteer in Your Community

Another great way to find like-minded people to build a support network is by volunteering for causes that are near and dear to your heart. You might volunteer, for example, at a homeless shelter, or perhaps you love animals and might volunteer at a dog shelter.

Whatever your cause, volunteering your time can keep you focused on staying sober and engaging in positive activities while also meeting people who care about the same things you do. It’s a great way to build a supportive network of friends who will help you stay the course in your recovery.

Sober Sidekick is a Great Place to Start

Sober Sidekick is a social media platform and app that is made up of more than 150,000 peers who know exactly what you’re going through. They have formed a supportive peer community where you can get inspiration, make positive peer connections, and work with accountability partners as you go through your recovery.

What’s more, you can join a virtual AA meeting 24/7 and even get help from professionals when you need it. Joining Sober Sidekick is a great place to begin to build a support network.

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