How to Make New Friends in Recovery

Making new friends in recovery can be awkward, but friendships play a big role in addiction recovery. For people who don’t live near their families, or don’t have families at all, friendships can fill the gap. Many individuals who received addiction treatment may have also cut ties with old friends who were bad influences.

That’s why it’s important to make friends with those supportive of your recovery. Friends can be there for you when you’re distressed, struggling with cravings, or feeling lonely. A solid support system is important in your recovery and can help you stay sober for the rest of your life.

At our rehab center in Pennsylvania, we offer different addiction treatments to help people get started in their recovery and reach sobriety. We also provide programs for individuals who have completed treatment and may need extra support throughout their recovery journey.

The Importance of Friendship in Recovery

Recovering from addiction is no walk in the park. Loneliness, discouragement, and self-isolation are some of the many factors that can cause someone to relapse. Friends can provide emotional support and encourage you when you feel vulnerable. They can also help you with physical things you may have trouble doing on your own, like moving. They can also give you great advice when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of yourself. This support can positively influence you and motivate you to keep moving forward in your journey toward sobriety.

If you or someone you know needs help recovering from substance abuse, we provide a variety of addiction treatment programs individualized to meet the needs of our patients. Whether you or someone you know needs alcohol addiction treatment or assistance recovering from any other form of substance abuse, we can help. 

How to Create New Friendships in Addiction Recovery

Many people struggle with friendships after addiction recovery for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes, recovering addicts cut ties with old friends who were bad influences. Falling back in line with old friends that encouraged drug use or even supplied them could cause a person in recovery to go back to old habits.

Finding new friends in recovery can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible and beneficial. There are many places and things you can do to meet other people. Addiction treatment frequently involves group therapy, and individuals who have undergone these therapies together stay friends even after treatment. If this isn’t the case for you and you’re not sure how to make new friends in recovery, here are some tips.

Join a Club

Joining a club specializing in something you enjoy is a great way to connect with others and make new friends. Clubs may also have their members participate and host different events, which would allow you to work with others, meet new people, and bond over something you all are passionate about.

Join an Alumni Program

Many people struggle with recovery after treatment and can find peer support through alumni programs. These programs allow you to meet with others in a similar situation and make connections. It’s important to have friends who understand what you’re going through and would therefore be more supportive of your recovery. 

At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we provide an alumni program for our past patients who wish to seek further peer support in their recovery. This is a great way to make new friends while maintaining your sobriety.  

Do Volunteer Work 

If you’re unsure of how to make new friends in recovery, volunteer work provides you with the opportunity to meet other people while helping others. You may have things in common with other volunteers or with the people you’re helping. You may also find a position as a permanent volunteer or even a new job opportunity.

Unfortunately, some may struggle with their recovery and may relapse. If you have relapsed, do not give up on your journey to sobriety. At our addiction treatment center, we offer a relapse treatment program to help those who have fallen back into their addiction get back on their feet.

You do not have to struggle with mental illness or addiction alone. Call us now at 570-536-9621 to get started on your treatment.