Leaving a life of addiction behind can mean leaving behind old friends and hobbies. In order to sustain our sobriety, it is important to find new ways to spend our time wisely. We need to create a new, full life with activities that bring joy and satisfaction. We need to surround ourselves with people and build healthy relationships that will support us in our goals for sobriety.

Social Connections for Sober Living

The five rules of recovery tell us that we need to change our lives, be completely honest, ask for help, practice self-care, and never bend our sober living rules for any reason. One way we can ensure we follow these guidelines is by making healthy and safe social connections. When we have a circle of support, it will help us follow the rules of recovery. 

1. Change our lives: By finding new social groups to interact with, we can find support in changing our lives for the better. Family and friends have a significant impact on the choices we make in our lives. We must be careful who we allow to be part of our social circle.
2. Be completely honest: Sober living requires that we are honest not only with our doctors, sponsors, and friends but with ourselves as well. We will need people in our lives that we can turn to when we are feeling vulnerable. Those people will also be an important influence in keeping us accountable for our choices.  
3. Ask for help: If we are struggling, it is essential that we have support and resources we can turn to. It is important to have options like attending support groups or talking with a sponsor. Friends and family members who support our sober living choices are also excellent people to turn to for support. 
4. Practice self-care: Self-care is important as we learn new ways to handle stress and take care of ourselves. It can be a solitary activity like meditation or journaling. Self-care can also be a way to strengthen social connections. Activities like taking a walk on a nice day or going to the gym can be even more pleasurable with friends to keep you company.
5. Don’t bend the rules: We can be more successful by leaning on social connections. We need to have people around us to spend time with. In times of vulnerability, we need people we can turn to. Social connection can also help keep us accountable on our path to recovery.

Tips for Finding Social Activities in Sober Living

Finding friend groups that will support your commitment to sober living is essential. There are plenty of activities out there that can help you find social connections in a healthy and sober way. You may have discovered some social connections and hobbies that you enjoy during treatment. Carrying these activities with you beyond treatment will help you fill your time and provide a distraction from triggers.

Support Groups

Joining a support group can be beneficial for you in many ways. Whether it is an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group, a group therapy session, or some other group devoted to sober living, you will find like-minded people with the same goals as you. These relationships can help you understand your addiction and provide support in ways that others can’t. Support groups can also provide information on other sober activities within your community.

Physical Activity

Adding regular physical activity to your routine is a great way to help you be successful in recovery. Exercise can be stress relieving and help you feel better overall. If you are part of a gym, attend fitness classes, or join outdoor recreational activities, you will also have the opportunity to make social connections.

Social Media

Platforms on social media can be wonderful tools for finding groups of people who have the same values and goals as you. They can provide online support and connection. They can also point you in the direction of sober living activities in your community. Using social media wisely can be a helpful tool in recovery.

Volunteer

Finding volunteer opportunities in your community can also be a wonderful way to make social connections. Giving back to your social community will benefit you and others around you. When you are working with a team towards a common goal, it creates a special bond.  

Sober Living Activities for You

It is important to find healthy social connections and sober hobbies that will give you satisfaction and joy in your life. Sobriety can open up a new world of possibilities for you. Every person’s journey is unique, and part of sobriety is finding things that interest you. Good friends and a safe, sober community can help you be the person you want to be.