How to Build Your Support Network in Recovery
Having a solid sober support network is one of the most impactful things you can do to maintain long-term sobriety. We are deeply social beings and tend to mirror the behaviors of those around us. If we’re regularly spending time with individuals who normalize drinking or drug use, we're more likely to slip back into those habits. The good news is, the opposite is also true: if we surround ourselves with those who value and support sobriety, we’re far more likely to stay sober ourselves.
This idea applies to much more than just recovery. If you join a running group, chances are you’ll run more. If you join a book club, you’re more likely to read consistently. Surroundings shape behavior—and when it comes to staying sober, they can make or break your progress.
Armed with this insight, you can intentionally build a sober support network that supports your recovery and long-term goals through seeking out new people and activities that align with the person you want to become—and distancing yourself from relationships that no longer serve your healing.
We know that’s not always easy. In fact, it’s often one of the hardest parts of recovery—especially when it means creating boundaries with friends or family who were part of your past using patterns. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s how to start building a support network that truly supports your recovery:
Family
If you have family members who support your recovery, they can be a powerful foundation for your sober support system. You might turn to them when you’re struggling with cravings, need someone to talk to, or simply want company for a sober activity like going for a walk or cooking dinner together.
We acknowledge that not all families are healthy or supportive, so if your family doesn’t support your sobriety or isn’t willing to be sober around you then you may need to look elsewhere.
Prolonged substance misuse often leads to strained and broken relationships with those closest to us. This is where family therapy and counseling comes in. Family therapy–such as our Family Engagement Counseling and Equine Assisted Learning Family Herd Programs–helps families learn to better communicate, meet one another’s needs and trust one another again. Family counseling also equips loved ones with the tools they need to support your sobriety without enabling unhealthy behaviors—and to care for their own well-being in the process.
Related: 5 Proved Ways to Build Healthier Relationships
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups are great for surrounding yourself with others who truly understand what you’re going through and can offer solutions from personal experience. Whether it’s a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous, a local secular group or online recovery group, these communities connect you with others who’ve been through what you’re going through.
In peer support groups, you’ll hear real stories of hope and healing, and you’ll learn practical tools to stay sober—directly from people who’ve walked similar paths to recovery. Over time, these groups can become a source of true belonging, accountability and friendship. Peer support groups are also a great way to build sober social time into your week!
Related: Community Resources (filter for peer support groups)
Individual and/or Group Therapy:
Therapy is a key component of recovery, especially in the early stages when life can feel overwhelming. Individual therapy gives you a safe space to explore your emotions and triggers, build healthier coping strategies, and work through the root causes of substance use.
Group therapy, on the other hand, adds a powerful layer of peer connection. In a facilitated group setting, you’ll learn from others’ experiences and gain insight into your own patterns. You’ll also practice healthy communication and build new social skills—all within a supportive, therapeutic environment.
Whether you choose individual counseling, group therapy or both, professional support is essential for long-term healing.
Related: Community Resources (filter for therapist and/or counselor)
Making Friends in Treatment & Attending Alumni Groups
The people you meet in treatment often become some of your biggest allies in recovery. They understand where you’ve been, and they’re committed to the same goal: staying sober and building a new life.
Staying connected after treatment—through alumni programs, sober meetups or just informal hangouts—can help maintain that momentum. Alumni groups often host regular events, volunteer opportunities or even outdoor adventures, giving you fun and meaningful ways to stay involved and connected, while simultaneously getting in extra sober social time.
If you’re interested in inpatient or outpatient treatment but don’t know where to start, fill out our brief Get Connected form, and a staff member will reach out to you with recommended programs and resources for financial assistance if needed.
Engaging in Sober Activities & Building a New Routine
Recovery is the opposite of giving up fun—it means opening up your life to enjoy whatever interests you wish to pursue. Part of building your support network is creating a lifestyle that supports your sobriety. That includes finding new hobbies, interests and social circles that don’t revolve around substance use.
Try exploring:
Creative outlets like taking a painting, poetry or writing course, or playing music
Social physical activities like joining a yoga or fitness class, running club, or other gym or outdoor club
Volunteering
Spiritual or mindfulness groups
These activities not only fill your time with purpose but also introduce you to people who share your values and support your goals. Signing up for a weekly class or volunteering on a set schedule will help you build healthy habits, social time and stress relieving activities into your week–all of which support your recovery journey.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Building a sober support network takes time, effort and courage—but it’s one of the most important investments you can make in your recovery. The people you surround yourself with will influence how you feel, how you cope and how you grow.
Whether it’s family, peers, professionals or new sober friends, each connection plays a role in helping you stay grounded, motivated and growing into the person you want to become. And if you’re just starting out, know that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Start with one person, one meeting or one class.
You deserve to be supported—and we’re here to help you build that support system. Please reach out, if you would like help getting connected with local resources to start building your support network.
Written by Liz Haas, Recovery Resources Digital Marketing & Outreach Specialist
