Building a Sober Network- How to Find Supportive Friends and Activities

Staying sober is one of the most difficult things that you’ll do. Finding a sober support network to help you stay on track is crucial in recovery. A strong community can help with many aspects of managing your recovery. 

A solid sober network is the key to preventing relapse. A diverse sober network provides you with new perspectives, emotional support, coping strategies, and validation. Your sober network can help you overcome barriers to treatment and stick with it. 

You may be wondering how to build a sober network. This article takes a closer look at sober networks and how to build yours. 

What is a Sober Network? 

Your sober network consists of people who are eager and willing to provide support and help you get through the recovery process. Your sober network will help you stay motivated throughout recovery. They will also help you adjust to life after treatment. 

Each person’s sober network is different. It can include family members, friends, professionals, and organizations. Examples include: 

• Addiction professionals 
• Friends 
• Family members
• Recovery peers 
• Mental health professionals

Why Is a Sober Network Vital In Recovery? 

More than 20 million people in the United States consider themselves to be in recovery from drug or alcohol misuse, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Much of the success in recovery has to do with having a strong sober network. When it comes to addiction recovery, going at it alone is rarely successful. A support system is vital.

Research shows that long-term social support from family and support groups plays a major role in recovery and leads to higher rates of sobriety. There are many other reasons why a sober network helps with recovery.  

• Reduces sobriety fatigue – During recovery, it’s common to experience “sobriety fatigue.” This refers to the general emotional exhaustion that occurs from the ongoing stress of staying sober.  Your sober network can help you keep going when sobriety fatigue hits. 
• Lessens isolation – Addiction tends to be a disease of isolation. But, isolating can put recovery at risk and even be deadly. This happened during the pandemic when the rate of drug overdoses soared. Isolation also increases depression and anxiety, which can trigger a relapse. When you have a sober network, you’re not isolated — you have a community. 
• Enables you to cope with stress – Being surrounded by people who are supportive can help you feel more confident and capable of dealing with life’s stressors. 
• Aids with decision-making – Decision-making can be difficult for anyone, but for those in recovery, making even small decisions can be daunting — especially if you already feel overwhelmed. Talking things over with those in your support network can help you immensely when it comes to making decisions that keep you on a path to recovery. 
• Prevents relapse – Leaning on a strong sober network helps prevent relapse. That’s because the members of your network help you to stay focused on your recovery goals. 
• Keeps you motivated – Your sober network helps you stay motivated in recovery by celebrating your victories and successes. 
• Helps you maintain positive behavior – Managing addiction recovery by yourself can be difficult. It’s easy to fall back into old habits. A strong sober network can encourage healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices. 

Ways Your Sober Network Can Help 

A strong sober network can help you if you are facing a crisis and need help. They can build you up during times of stress. Your sober network can also provide tangible support, such as: 

• ​​Helping you with various daily tasks – Your sober network can help with day-to-day tasks that might be difficult — like giving you a ride to the grocery store if your car is in the shop or helping you prepare nourishing meals. 
• Providing financial assistance  –  An example would be helping with bills if you face financial difficulties due to job loss from addiction. 
• Giving advice, information, or mentoring – Your sober network can provide information that helps you learn and grow. This can alleviate stress and anxiety. 
• Providing empathy and a listening ear – A friend might listen to you talk about a stressful situation. Expressing your feelings to someone who genuinely cares can really help during recovery.
• Going to appointments with you – Having someone close to you come to your medical and psychiatric appointments can help you feel more assured. 

Everyone’s sober network is different and can help in different ways. Various people in your social network may provide different types of support. Local community organizations or churches might help with financial needs, while a therapist might provide emotional support, for example. 

How to Build A Sober Network 

Finding support when facing addiction can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do to build more connections and get the support you need. Here are some ways to expand your social network. 

• Reach out to family and friends – Many people in recovery try to keep their struggles private because they are afraid of judgment from others. But, close family members and sober friends are some of the most important members of your sober network. It pays to open up to them and reach out for help. 
• Consider sobriety support groups – One of the most well-known examples of this is Alcoholics Anonymous. This 12-step support group has a long history of success in helping people struggling with alcohol use disorder or addiction. Both online and in-person meetings are available. AA is free for anyone, but it does require regular attendance. 
• Look into peer recovery – Peer recovery specialists are professionally trained to provide support to peers. They have personally lived with addiction. Peer specialists have first-hand knowledge and experience of what you are going through and can offer support, as well as practical solutions. 
• Find a therapist – Having a good mental health therapist who understands addictions is important when it comes to sobriety. A therapist can help you cope with the many challenges that you’ll face in recovery. They can also help you address co-occuring mental health disorders that can make recovery more challenging. 
• Turn to your spiritual community – Many churches and spiritual communities offer supportive groups, such as Celebrate Recovery to help those struggling with substance use disorders. 
• Use technology – If you’ve got an internet connection and a smart device, you can enhance your sober network by engaging in online addiction support groups.
• Sober Activities– Looking for fun and fulfilling ways to spend your time without alcohol or drugs? Check out our latest blog on sober activities that boost your well-being and enrich your recovery journey. From outdoor adventures to creative hobbies, there’s something for everyone!
• See a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction medicine –  A psychiatrist can help you navigate issues like cravings and issues like post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) in recovery. 
• Participate in aftercare – Initial addiction treatment may involve detox, inpatient treatment, or intensive outpatient therapy. An aftercare program provides ongoing support after you have completed this initial treatment. These programs provide long-term support and can help you continue to build your sober network. 

You don’t need a huge sober network to be successful. Some people in recovery find that having just a handful of people to lean on helps and having a loved one.

Building a strong sober network could greatly improve the quality of your life and help you recover. If you’re struggling to find a supportive network, you might reach out to your addiction team. They can assist you in finding the social support you need to be successful in your recovery journey.