As a recovery counsellor at NEOVIVA, I’ve seen firsthand how important social networks are in the recovery process. Many people enter treatment focused solely on their individual work, but the relationships they create, maintain or relinquish, have a huge impact on whether they stay sober. From my own personal experience, and working with clients, I’ve learned that social connections can either support recovery or pull people back into old habits. Therefore, being intentional about the relationships we keep is vital to lasting sobriety.
The Culture of Addiction: A Social Web That’s Hard to Break
Addiction isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s often deeply embedded in the culture surrounding us. For many, substance use becomes intertwined with social life, the places they go, and the rituals they engage in. Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances; it’s about breaking away from the people and environments that reinforce unhealthy behaviours.
When I started my own journey to sobriety, the hardest part wasn’t battling cravings, it was recognising that many of my closest friends were not supportive of my recovery. These friendships weren’t built on shared values or understanding, they were built on shared substance use. Even though they wanted to support me, their behaviour was a constant trigger. Just being around them reminded me of old habits and made sobriety harder to maintain.
For many in recovery, the culture of addiction is so ingrained in their social lives that it’s difficult to separate from it. Recovery requires intentional change in the people and environments that reinforce those patterns.
The Dangers of Old Friendships: Letting Go for the Right Reasons
Letting go of old friends is one of the most difficult aspects of recovery. Many people I work with feel conflicted about losing long-time friendships, even if those relationships are no longer healthy. However, recovery is about self-preservation, and sometimes that means distancing yourself from people who no longer contribute to your growth.
I remember feeling guilty at first when I distanced myself from old friends. But as I progressed in my recovery, I realised that staying close to people who continued to drink and use substances wasn’t serving me. These friendships were tied to old patterns I was trying to leave behind.
It’s important to remember that distancing yourself isn’t about judging others, it’s about prioritising your own well-being. Sometimes, the best thing for your recovery is to put distance between yourself and people who aren’t aligned with your journey.
Making Sober Connections: How to Find New, Supportive Friendships
One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of my recovery was discovering how easy it could be to make new friendships with others in recovery. When I first got sober, I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to connect with other people the way I had before. But I quickly realised that there were people out there who shared my experiences and understood the challenges I was facing.
Through support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), I found a new social circle that was grounded in mutual understanding. These relationships were built on shared struggles and triumphs, and they quickly became some of the most meaningful connections I’ve ever had.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that these friendships also helped hold me accountable. It wasn’t just about support; it was about creating a space where we could challenge and encourage one another without judgment.
The Support System That Goes Beyond Words
Having friends in recovery also helped me navigate difficult situations. For example, when I started going back to places I once associated with substance use, such as nightclubs, I wasn’t alone. My sober friends accompanied me, ensuring I stayed grounded. Surprisingly, I found that these environments, once filled with temptation, became enjoyable in new ways. Instead of yet again trying to chase feelings from the past, I could enjoy the music, have a good time, and leave when I felt it was time to go, all while staying true to my sobriety.
Building Healthy Networks
Recovery doesn’t have to be a solitary journey, the people we surround ourselves with play a key role in our success. Building supportive networks offers accountability, emotional support, and belonging. However, it’s important to evaluate your relationships. Not every connection will help your sobriety. If someone enables destructive behaviours, it’s okay to set boundaries or distance yourself. Recovery requires letting go of relationships that no longer serve you. Ultimately, the relationships you form in recovery can be your greatest strength, empowering you to create a better life with people who support your journey.
0 Comments