What you’ll learn
We’ll explain why having a support system can be helpful during recovery and offer some pointers on how you can start building one of your own.
In recovery, you’ve probably heard many times how important it is to build a support network, but what often gets overlooked is how valuable it is to continue strengthening that support as you grow. As you move forward in your recovery, having a solid social support system can make the journey feel more grounded, connected, and actually sustainable.
Everyone’s support system will look a little different. It could mean trusted friends, family, counselors, or even bringing new people into your life. And while you may already have some support in place, expanding or refining that network can give you an added layer of stability and community.
We’re here to give you a better understanding of what a support system looks like and offer ways to strengthen or build your own in a way that aligns with where you are today in your recovery journey.
What is a social support system?
A social support system refers to a group of people you can trust for emotional and practical help as you navigate sobriety. It can be made up of family, friends, and peers, like the people you meet in a recovery support group.
The right social support system can help make you feel safe and understood at various points throughout recovery. Having a social support system can be especially helpful if you’re feeling lonely, bored, or isolated. It can also give you encouragement when you hit a rough patch or face challenges on your recovery journey.
Why having a social support system is important, especially during recovery
A social support system offers important mental and emotional support throughout your sobriety journey. It’s normal to feel isolated at times in recovery, even if you’ve been sober for years. Having people you can turn to, even if it’s just for a quick cup of coffee or a chat, can be a huge benefit, especially when you’re in a period of feeling lonely or bored. This support can help lower some of the stress that loneliness can cause.
Speaking of stress, having a group of people you can turn to for help can make it easier to deal with the general anxiety and depression that are a normal part of recovery. Talking with others who understand where you’re coming from without having to explain the complicated jumble of feelings you’re processing can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Just knowing that you’re not alone, and that others are there for you, can give your overall sense of well-being a boost.
Depending on where you’re at in your recovery, sometimes you just need someone to listen. Other times, it can be a good feeling to pay it forward and listen to others. If you join a substance use support group, you’ll also have a chance to share practical knowledge, like coping strategies. These support groups are designed to give you a safe place to talk about what you’re feeling without being judged. Your peers in these groups will be able to offer a special kind of support because they’ve gone through recovery themselves.
How to build your social support system
Knowing why a support system is valuable is one thing. But going about assembling a trusted group of people you can count on is another. Whether you’re naturally introverted or have a knack for making friends, here are some ideas to help you expand your social circle and connect with others.
If you already have a support system, think of these ideas as ways to strengthen what’s already working or as a way to expand your circle if you feel ready.
- Volunteer: One of the best ways to build a social support network is to volunteer. Giving your time to soup kitchens, animal shelters, or any other cause that’s important to you gives you the chance to connect with people who have similar values. This is also a great way to meet your neighbors and become a more active member of your local community.
- Join clubs: Joining a book club, a sports team, or even your neighborhood morning walk group can give you the chance to get to know people from all backgrounds who share similar interests. This can make it easier to find people you feel comfortable being yourself around.
- Take classes: Taking a class at a community college or joining a local workshop will give you the chance to learn skills you’ve always wanted to have. This can connect you with people with whom you can make meaningful friendships.
- Join a gym: Joining a gym is a great place to meet people while also getting the mental and physical benefits of exercising. Taking a workout class like dance or boxing can be particularly effective because these activities are often partner-based, which makes building trust and friendship a core benefit of the sport.
- Participate in professional organizations: If you work in a professional setting like an office, going to networking events can let you meet others with similar professional goals and experiences as you.
- Use online resources: In-person meetings have a lot of benefits, especially for social connections. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t also benefit from online groups. Joining an online meeting, especially via video camera, can connect you with supportive peers in a more convenient, accessible way. If you’re not a naturally social person, online meetings can be a great way to ease yourself into new social situations from the comfort of home.
- Join support groups: Support groups allow people who are living with similar challenges to spend time sharing their experiences and helping one another. Having a judgment-free environment to talk about your recovery can make it easier for you to build a support system that you trust through every stage of your sobriety journey.
These are just some examples of social support ideas you could turn to. By proactively thinking about what you’re interested in and what your local area offers, you can start building a network you can depend on.
Talk with your QuickMD provider about strengthening your support system
As you continue to move forward, surrounding yourself with the right support can make the journey feel lighter and far less isolating. Even though your path is uniquely yours, you never have to walk it by yourself.
Your QuickMD care team is here to support you every step of the way, whether you want to talk through building a stronger support network, connect with one of our counselors, or explore local or online groups that align with your needs.
