Old Friends

Some old friends are just fine – others just bring you right back to those days when you were partying more than living. It can really be challenging in early sobriety to avoid people who might trigger you to think about drinking.  You have to think of it like a game of survival.  You know there are certain things that will put your survival at risk, or you better know those things if you don’t already!  Chances are if you start gravitating toward your old party friends you are moving toward a drink rather than away.

Sometimes you have no choice but to interact with people who were part of your life when you were drinking or drugging. That’s why it is so important to create a network of support among sober people (or friends and family who are very supportive of your recovery – especially ones who go to Al-Anon or other support groups).  These are the people who will balance out any negative influences. You know you have a safe group of people to go to when you are struggling or feeling down.  Don’t underestimate the importance of sober, healthy friends.