Roughly 90 years ago, two men got together and determined that there were only two things that were going to help them truly get sober. One way was to start believing in a Higher Power of their own understanding. The other way was to help another person in need of recovery. These two men were Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, the two cofounders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They succeeded at getting sober and became lifelong friends. Their mission has also shown millions of other people how to find sober friends and recover.
How to Find Sober Friends
Finding sober friends can be a critical component of any healthy recovery. This is because friends can help to motivate you and keep you accountable when times get tough throughout sobriety. In addition, sober friends also make sobriety a more enjoyable experience.
There is a saying in 12-Step recovery that goes, “We are not a glum lot.” We didn’t get sober to become miserable. No, we got sober so we could start living our best lives, so we could start to do all of those things that active addiction kept us from doing.”
The good news is that there are many ways to find sober friends in recovery. The key is to be open to meeting new people, as well as willing to be an honest partner in a friendship. Friendships go both ways, so we must be willing to both give and receive in a friendship. In sobriety, this is even more important because these relationships and interactions can sometimes mean life and death. Yes, being available and a friend to someone in recovery may save their life if they are struggling.
Finding Sober Friends in Treatment
So, where do you find sober friends? The reality is that there are more sober people around than many people may realize. In fact, it has been a societal trend of sobriety over “partying” lately, especially in younger populations. However, there is also a difference between someone who chooses to stay sober and someone sober in recovery. Both may be great friend options, but the latter may be more helpful if you are also in recovery.
On that note, one of the best places to find sober friends is in treatment. This is ideal because usually you are in the same place in your recovery, so you have a lot to relate to each other about. You can also bond over your experience in the same recovery center. Lastly, you can also become members of the same aftercare recovery alumni programs, so it may be much easier to stay in touch and stay active friends. You both may even join the same 12-Step recovery community.
Finding Sober Friends in 12-Step Recovery
12-Step recovery is all about the “we” over the “me.” It is a program that only works if everyone works together. That is also why it can be so easy to make friends in 12-Step recovery.
Making friends in 12-Step recovery is also a great way to stay sober and avoid a potential relapse. In fact, the primary text of 12-Step recovery (also known as The Big Book) also discusses how working with others is the best way to “ensure immunity from drinking [and using].” Connecting with a sponsor is also a great way to avoid a relapse in recovery.
The Sponsor/Sponsee Relationship
The sponsor/sponsee relationship may be one of the strongest bonds you’ve ever experienced. This is because there is a lot of trust that must happen to have a healthy sponsor/sponsee relationship. Both of you may know things about each other that no one else knows – this is a powerful thing.
Connecting with a sponsor is also a great way to connect with other people and make more friends in recovery. This is because a sponsor is already connected to a sober community and most likely has a strong sober network. They can better introduce you to the community and share their network.
A sponsor is also meant to take you through the Twelve Steps of 12-Step recovery. When they do this, they help you to get honest with yourself and others. This honesty also helps you make amends to individuals whom you may have harmed while in active addiction. Mending these relationships is also a great way to revive relationships and friendships in recovery, not all of whom may be sober, but you will have established the tools needed to navigate relationships with friends who may still drink. You may even help some of your active friends who need help get help.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know the importance of friendships in recovery. That is why we encourage our clients to get to know each other and grow together. We also believe in long-term success, which is why all of our recovery plans have a focus on the future.
If you are ready to live the life you were always meant to live, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help
Building a supportive social network of sober friends who can encourage your ongoing recovery journey is critical for long-term success. This network can be built in many different areas of recovery. Friendships can begin in the recovery center, at 12-Step meetings, or sober events and celebrations. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
