Overcoming addiction can be a difficult journey, with many challenges along the way. A solid support network makes this positive step in life a little easier. Now that you’ve made this change and are out of rehab, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I meet sober people?”
Finding like-minded people can be difficult, but plenty of people like you are sober and making positive changes. This article will discuss places where you can create sober friendships after getting sober because the old friends who are still using are not suitable for us to be around anymore. This is a time to look for others enjoying a sober lifestyle. With a bit of research, we can make that happen.
Benefits of Sober Friends
Finding sober friends makes sobriety a little bit easier. With these new people, you can relax and not worry about someone breaking out a joint or asking you if you want a glass of wine. Being sober doesn’t mean you have to cut everyone out of your life who drinks alcohol. A good way to monitor friendships is to stay away from those who use illegal drugs and those who pressure you to drink or use illegal drugs. Ideally, your new friends have been through a treatment program and are in addiction recovery. Hopefully, they can be your support system for sobriety.
Being patient when making friends is vital. They have their issues to work through. They have substance use disorders as well and may have been in a treatment center. These are things you’ll have in common.
Where to Find Sober Friends
Sober Community
12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are available all across the world. AA meetings are an essential way to build a strong foundation for recovery and build sober friendships. After an AA meeting, friends from the meeting gather at a local coffee shop. It’s called the meeting after the meeting. Folks get to know one another in a more intimate setting. Early recovery can be challenging, and attending lots of 12-step meetings is the best way to stay sober.
Social Media
Social media is a fantastic tool for broadening your horizons, networking with individuals who share your interests, and creating a sense of community. Plenty of online groups and content creators on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are dedicated to wellness and sober living, with participants from around the globe. Social media platforms like Facebook groups, TikTok, and Instagram offer social groups and have a solid, sober community. Use hashtags to find other sober people in your community. So that you know, Sober Speak has a secret Facebook group for sober people. You can join by emailing John at john@soberspeak.com.
Volunteer Groups
One of the best ways to get outside of oneself is to help others less fortunate. Working at food banks and soup kitchens is an excellent opportunity to help others year-round and to meet others. They may not be sober, but remember, you’re there helping others. Many times, alcoholics find themselves in homeless shelters, and you may find yourself helping someone stop drinking.
Social Circles
Sometimes, our family knows sober people we would likely have a good time getting to know. Taking these new friendships to coffee shops takes initiative and perseverance. Remember, your family members already vetted these friends. They know your family, and this makes finding sober friends easier.
Healthy Lifestyle
When leaving drugs and alcohol behind, you make room for a new healthy lifestyle. Joining a gym and finding out which sports leagues are available in your area is an easy way to find like-minded individuals. Sober living creates time to go to workout classes daily; at these classes, you can often meet people who do not drink or drink very little. The same goes with sports leagues. Both of these places are great for meeting new healthy people.
Sober Bars
Sober bars started in Europe but have made it across the seas to the United States and possibly to your local area. This is a great opportunity to meet sober peers. Sober bars are like regular bars but without the alcohol. The website Imbibe has a blog post, A Cross-Country Guide to Sober Bars, that lists bars across the country. The article says, “At so-called sober bars (aka dry bars), guests can explore zero-proof spirits in creative mixed drinks while gathering in spaces that still feel like cocktail bars. No one asks, “Why aren’t you drinking?” but “What are you drinking?” And menus include a thoughtful selection of alcohol-free wine, beer, and libations crafted with the same attention to detail as those in cocktail bars.”
Sober Events
All of the 12-step groups have conferences each month of the year. Check your local recovery group’s bulletin board. Additionally, there are many sober events around the world. Just search on your computer, and you’ll find tons of opportunities.
Book Clubs
If you enjoy reading, consider joining a book club at your local church or library. This is a great way to engage in sober activities.
Faith Groups
Church small groups or Bible studies can be a place to meet new people who positively influence your life. Maybe you went to church growing up and want to explore that faith, or perhaps you want to explore a new faith. Either way, you’re free to choose whichever church you want. Joining a small group at a church helps to form new friendships quickly.
Sober Meetups
Sober Meetups are sober social gatherings. You can gather at your house or reserve a room at a restaurant. Usually, it would be a zen vibe. You could serve snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Have meditation and time to share what’s happening with each others lives. It’s a way to build a sober community.
Before You Make New Friends
Before you make new sober friends, it’s a good idea to take care of yourself. Do these things as part of your sober journey, and you’ll be ready to meet up.
- Be authentic. Be true to yourself and embrace your sober lifestyle. Do not change yourself to be what others want you to be. Be honest and open.
- Share experiences. Focus on sharing your experiences and insights with your friends in a humble and relatable manner.
- Be respectful. Have a friendly conversation centered around sobriety and personal growth.
- Be patient. It may take multiple conversations, shared experiences, and mutual support before a strong camaraderie is felt.
There are great places to go now that you’re sober. A quick search in your preferred social network platform will lead you to sober groups to avoid your potential triggers and find good friends. The sober support network is a vital part of recovery. With a little research, you can find new places to go in your community.
Remember to stay true to yourself in social situations. Stay away from friends who exert peer pressure and are in active addiction Keep a group of friends who offer support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, so you will keep working on yourself for a lifetime. We wish you all the best in finding your lifelong sober friends and on your recovery journey.