Recovery is an exciting journey, filled with new opportunities and challenges. However, for many people, it can also be an incredibly isolating time. You may have had to make changes in your relationships to set boundaries and protect your recovery. You may be struggling with shame and guilt leftover from your addiction, and it may be impacting your ability to connect with others. No matter the reason, many people in early recovery struggle with feelings of isolation. However, there is a way forward. In this blog, we’ll explore how to overcome isolation in recovery and build a thriving network of support.
What Causes Isolation in Recovery?
Embarking on a recovery journey is a major change. As with any major change, your relationships and ability to foster meaningful connections with others may shift as you navigate this transition.
For some people, this may mean having to step back from relationships with friends or acquaintances who they used to abuse substances with. Creating a new circle of social connections can be difficult no matter the situation, but add in the challenges of navigating early recovery, and it can require even more effort.
For others, the feelings of isolation may stem from other emotions. Individuals in early recovery may be grappling with shame or guilt over their actions while they were in active addiction. This can lead them to push others away and withdraw themselves, leading to increased isolation.
Even with these experiences, it is possible to overcome these feelings of isolation and rebuild a strong community around yourself. These feelings of isolation can be temporary; taking steps to expand your social network can help you overcome isolation and gain confidence in your recovery.
3 Ways to Overcome Isolation in Recovery
Join a Support Group
A strong sober support network is a crucial part of maintaining recovery. To meet others who are on a similar journey, consider joining an addiction support group. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) host meetings in communities across the country. These meetings provide opportunities to connect with others who can relate to your experiences with addiction and recovery. By attending meetings and getting to know other members of your local recovery community, you can create a sober support system to guide you through the ups and downs of recovery.
Focus on Your Hobbies
Recovery is a great time to rediscover hobbies you may have once enjoyed. It’s also a perfect time to pick up new interests and skills. Dedicate some time to developing your sober hobbies and look for opportunities to connect with others with similar interests. Whether it’s joining an art class or playing on a recreational sports team, there are many ways to branch out and meet new people who share your interests. In addition to expanding your social circle, dedicating time to your hobbies can also help you relieve stress in a healthy manner, which can aid your recovery.
Give Back to the Community
Participating in charitable events or volunteering can be a great way to give back to your local community and meet people along the way. Helping other members of your community can also foster feelings of belonging, connection, and a sense of purpose, all emotions that combat feelings of isolation.
Overcome Isolation at Premiere Addiction Recovery
If you’re struggling with feelings of isolation in recovery, Premiere Addiction Recovery can help. At our Pasadena drug rehab, we cultivate a strong sense of community. Our inpatient treatment program features six hours of group sessions each day, giving clients ample time to build trust with each other and provide compassionate support. We integrate the 12-step program into our care, and this framework offers lots of opportunities for peer support.
Respect for others is a cornerstone of our treatment philosophy. We treat each individual who comes through our door with dignity and kindness to ensure everyone in our treatment center feels valued.
Reach out to our team today to learn more about our treatment programs. Our caring staff will help you overcome isolation in recovery and flourish in your sobriety. Contact us to learn more.
