One of the most critical aspects of getting and staying sober is creating a reliable network of sober supports. What at first seems like the most awkward thing we have to do, eventually becomes one of the greatest blessings that the program gives to us. If you are new to the recovery game, don’t fret, here is a quick rundown of everything you need to know about sober supports.
“Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends – this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives.”
Pg 89 The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
First of all, What is a Sober Support?
Alright, so if you are the sort of drug user that I was, you may be familiar with the term “isolation.” Ring any bells? I was pretty much constantly a loner, and even when I wasn’t alone physically, I felt alone on the inside. Once we get sober, one of the main tools to maintaining our sobriety is surrounding ourselves with like minded sober supports. AKA, people who are in the rooms, are working a program, and who can help guide us through our newfound emotions and experiences.
My first sober supports were my friends in halfway, and thankfully, I went to a very strict halfway so most of the other people in there had a decent amount more time than I did. From there, I journeyed out to meetings with them and met my sponsor. Through my sponsor, I was introduced to a network of fellow alcoholic/addicts who remain to this day my solid friends and supports.
Why do we Have Sober Supports?
To put it simply, we have sober supports because we are, for lack of a better word, crazy. We have relied for years on drugs and alcohol to remedy the pain we felt inside and the inability to handle life on life’s terms. When we remove our remedy of drugs and alcohol, we are left to try to work out this spiritual way of life. Thank God for sober supports and my sponsor showing me the way on this one.
I run all of my problems by my trusted network of friends. They tell me when I’m being crazy, or they show me if I’m being selfish. On the very rare occasion, they encourage me to follow my idea but remind me to pray and meditate on it first. Long story short, my sober supports keep me grounded. As I do for them and my other friends. These people become lifelong friends that get to know you on a much deeper level than just superficial conversations. It’s a community of like-minded people, who have been through similar experiences, and who can shed light on the darkness of our past, and the day to day drama.
How do I go About Getting a Sober Support?
Alright, so I live in one of the two largest sober communities in the world, so it’s plain to say, finding sober supports in this area was pretty easy. Let’s say, however, that you live in an area where the community is a little smaller, regardless of the size, here are some tools that will help you reach out to other sober people in your area.
- Go to meetings!
- Raise your hand at meetings, if you’re new, tell the meeting! People will come up to you after.
- If there are fellowship opportunities around, get involved! If not, create your own!
- Don’t be afraid to ask someone to coffee, or to get dinner. It feels like a weird awkward date at first but guaranteed you will enjoy your time.
- When you get people’s number, dial them! Don’t just ask for phone lists and never use them.
Listen, if all of this sounds horribly awkward or if you’re a little shy, fret not! Most of us felt the exact same way that you do right now. But here’s the deal, if you put yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you are guaranteed to grow from it. If you put yourself out there just a little bit, you will be planting the seed for a solid sobriety. Not to mention, since all of us have been where you are now, we are more than willing to approach you and make you feel welcome. This is because we know how it felt to be the newcomer, and how wonderful it was when someone reached their hand out to us. We want you to be here!! So we are going to make sure you want to stay around. We will become your sober supports, and then soon, you will be able to reach out your hand to a newcomer and potentially gain an amazing new friend. Sober supports are one of the essential aspects of a healthy and stable recovery, so get to it! And never be afraid to ask for help or to offer your hand to others, it’s what keeps the program going!
Seeking Treatment for Alcoholism and Addiction
If you or a loved one has a problem with alcoholism or addiction and want to experience recovery in a thriving community with lots of people just like you, then call the professionals at Stout Street today at 866-722-7040. Our trained staff is standing by to take your call and help you in any way we can. We know how difficult of a decision this can be and we know what it takes to ensure you find your own person path in recovery. You no longer have to do it alone, so give us a call today and find the happy and sober life you’ve always dreamed of.