Creating a New Network
Why Creating A Network In Recovery Is Important and How To Do So
There are varying important factors that are crucial in maintaining one’s sobriety. Going to treatment and allowing your body to rebalance is vital, however, it is only the beginning of the recovery journey. Treatment provides individuals with the tools that are necessary for maintaining sobriety, but, it is up to each individual to utilize these tools after discharging and returning home.
One of the most important factors for sustaining recovery is having like-minded individuals around you, or, in other words, a “sober network.” Building this network can be challenging for some individuals. Generally speaking, those who suffer from the disease of addiction tend to have some form of social anxiety, which can present in many different ways. This includes obsessing over possible conversations prior to having them, or, thinking about conversations after having them, whilst thinking of all of the things you could have or should have said. These thoughts can trigger physical symptoms as well, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, stuttering, and several other uncomfortable symptoms. Individuals may want to avoid these symptoms at all costs. However, the outcome of avoiding this discomfort is not favorable for those wishing to remain clean and sober.
The company that individuals tend to keep while actively using or drinking is not conducive to a lasting recovery. Forming these new connections with like-minded, sober individuals is essential. This is not only for guidance or support but for the simple fact of needing socialization. Human beings are social creatures. When anyone, with or without a substance issue, is alone for extended periods of time, it begins to affect the human body biologically. In extreme examples, mania, delusions, psychosis, and auditory hallucinations can form. The more typical effects of isolating oneself can result in depression, fatigue, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and anxiety. Creating a new network, one that’s congruent to a sober lifestyle, is imperative. Without doing so, the above symptoms will be the outcome and the chance of relapsing immensely increases.
12-step meetings are a great place to begin building a new, supportive network. Meetings allow individuals to hear several different perspectives of recovery, providing an opportunity to identify those possible new connections. Speaking with people after the meeting can also be as beneficial as the meeting itself.
Another way to build a new network is utilizing the treatment facility attended. Staying in touch with the program that provides your foundation of sobriety can play a large role in sustained recovery. Not only can it provide individuals with a familiar sense of security, but it can also provide opportunities to volunteer and socialize, allowing you to help other individuals who may be struggling.
Asana Recovery has an alumni program that offers several opportunities. Those who have been through the Asana program are considered alumni. Staff will individually contact alumni after discharge, followed by scheduled check-ins throughout the first year of sobriety. There are large alumni events held every few months, along with weekly meetings, which allow previous clients to stay in touch and share their personal experiences with each other. The alumni program also offers opportunities for individuals that have sustained their recovery, to be of service and speak to current clients, sharing their experience, strength and hope with them!
Meetings and alumni programs are great tools to utilize when building a new network of like-minded acquaintances. There are several other resources that can also contribute to this process, such as SMART Recovery, spiritual/religious organizations, Refuge Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery. It doesn’t matter where or how a network is built, so long as it consists of supportive, positive and similar-minded individuals.