No matter how long you’ve been sober, there will be times when you need extra motivation to achieve your goals. A support network can help remind you of what you’re working toward and keep you moving in a positive direction. As an adult, meeting new people can be a challenge – especially when you are in recovery and devoting so much of your focus to working on yourself and your needs. But making like-minded friends is essential if you want to stay on the right path. Here are the top ways to stay sober in Nashville.
1. AA Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous has a long history of helping people overcome addiction. Its foundational 12 steps are among the world’s best-known self-help programs. Nashville has hundreds of AA groups for you to try. In 12-step meetings, you’ll meet many people in various stages of their recovery journey. These groups present an excellent opportunity to find sober supporters. You might even connect with someone who agrees to serve as your recovery sponsor.
2. SMART Recovery Groups
If you’re looking for a supplement or alternative to 12-step meetings, try SMART Recovery – a self-empowering, evidence-based sober support community that equips people with the skills they need to overcome addiction. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Various Nashville SMART Recovery groups meet online and in person. These groups are non-judgmental, stigma-free and welcome anyone who wants to live a life beyond addiction.
3. Volunteer Opportunities
In recovery, you will need to find new activities to fill the time you used to spend drinking and using. Volunteering in the community is an excellent way to dedicate your time and talents to helping those who are less fortunate. Finding a cause that resonates with you is sure to help you meet new people and feel a more intimate involvement with the world around you. It will also give you a natural rush called the “helper’s high.” You can find all kinds of local opportunities at Hands On Nashville, the central hub for volunteerism in Music City.
4. Alcohol-Free Activities
Having fun in sobriety is easy in Nashville. We are fortunate to have a system of public parks and greenway trails throughout the city, where you can get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying Middle Tennessee’s natural beauty. Or, enjoy boating, fishing and other water sports on the lakes and rivers throughout our region.
Are You Ready to Change Your Life?
Self-isolation is one of the defining characteristics of addiction. Once you break free of that mindset, you’ll need to relearn how to reach out to people and forge new connections. Having sober supporters can teach you that you are worthy of others’ love, and that you deserve to be healthy and happy. Recovery is a challenging undertaking, and you’ll be better off when you accept help on the journey.
At Cumberland Heights, we believe having multiple support options is one of the best ways to help you stay sober. Our Nashville outpatient center, centrally located in the Music Row area, provides ongoing recovery management that fits your schedule. We host morning and evening meetings and offer our services in person and via telehealth. Get in touch with us today for your personalized assessment and treatment plan.
