Finding New Friendships in Recovery

When you were getting high or drunk, you may have felt you had a lot of friends. There were plenty of places you could “fit in” if you had money and the means to use your substance of choice. Now that you’re in recovery, it’s time to learn more about what it means to have healthy new friendships in your life.

Old Using Friends Aren’t Safe or Healthy

People who are addicted often flock together to put in money for drugs or “hang out” while they’re high. Sadly, these friendships aren’t healthy. When you get sober, these people may try to get you to use drugs with them or desert you completely. It’s not safe to be around people who abuse drugs or drink, anyway. For many of your old friends, this was the center of your relationship.

No one is saying your old friends are bad people. Just like you, they have their demons. One day they may find recovery, but until they’re sober, you’ve got to let them go and focus on your future rather than your past. You can’t save them, but if you believe in a higher power, then you can keep them in your prayers.

Making Friendships in Recovery

Making friends in recovery isn’t as hard as you think. Sure, you may be shy or nervous about meeting new people. That’s natural. But 12-step rooms are welcoming, and people want to help you stay clean and sober/

The best way to make new friends is to be yourself and start sharing more about yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to mingle before meetings as well as after meetings. Drink coffee, browse the literature stands, and introduce yourself. Let people know that you are new to 12-step programs. You’ll find that you’re welcomed warmly at meetings.

You should also try to find a “home group,” i.e., a group that you plan to attend weekly no matter what. This is your “home base” for recovery in the rooms of NA or AA.

Ask other group members if there are any service positions available at the meeting.

As a newcomer, helping set up chairs, making the coffee every week, or handing out medallions are positions that you can fill. Once you become a fixture at every group, you’ll meet new people. Make sure that you are open to going out after the meeting or even meeting up before the meeting.

Getting Help for Addiction

Every person in recovery had to take the first step to get there. If you think you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, and you want help, we’re here to help you learn more about your options. We offer a peaceful, safe, and welcoming environment for you to learn more about your addiction and how to recover. No judgment, guilting, or anger. Just science-backed solutions to help you out of the spiral of your substance use disorder.

Please give us a call at US (949) 279-1376 • MX (612) 153-5726 to talk about your options.