One of the hardest parts about being a recovering alcoholic or addict is finding a support network. Being social may not be high up on your priority list, but socially integrating your sober self is quintessential to getting comfortable in your sobriety.

This can be even more difficult if you live in a smaller town where there are not many people who share your experience. Every day, alcoholics and addicts need to know that they’re not alone and that they have someone to count on when things get tough.

Luckily, whether you’re new to Colorado Springs or have lived there a while, there are a number of ways for addicts in recovery to find sober, like-minded friends in the area!

Attend group events through a sober living home

If you live in a sober living home, you already have a built-in group of sober friends! Just like college dorms, most homes for people in recovery organize social events so their residents can get to know each other.

This is a great way to meet new people outside of your treatment center or 12 step meetings and make lasting friendships that will support you throughout the next stages of your sobriety.

Go to AA local meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous is a nationwide organization that hosts a variety of AA meetings in Colorado Springs. No matter your drug of choice, there’s a 12-step meeting for you!

Groups are typically very supportive and understanding when it comes to addiction because they understand the struggles involved from firsthand experience.

Plus, there will be people who have been sober longer than you at most AA groups, if you’re looking to meet someone with a bit more sobriety under their belt.

Find a meeting online through an online directory

Regardless if you’re looking for a specific type of meeting (like AA) or just want to find some community members who share similar experiences with sobriety, there are several apps and websites which list every kind of meeting imaginable.

The best part about this option?

You can search by location too! So whether you need help finding a meeting near a certain address or a group gathering close to a sober living home, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for online.

Volunteer at a local recovery center

If being surrounded by other recovering people is important to your sobriety and social needs, consider volunteering at a drug treatment center in Colorado Springs!

Volunteering is a great way to give back while strengthening the community around you. You can even sign up with an organization that could help pair you with the perfect volunteer opportunity that fits both your personality and schedule.

Look into alcohol-free activities and events near you

There are plenty of things going on in Colorado Springs that don’t involve alcohol or drugs. Hiking, biking, and a variety of other outdoor activities are great ways to spend a weekend afternoon with friends or meet some new people.

If that’s not your speed and you’d rather look for community in a public setting, there are several venues around the city that host alcohol-free events like poetry slams, live music nights, trivia games, etc.

There are also tons of groups like adult organized sports leagues, that don’t allow alcohol during their playtimes. You can meet a lot of like-minded people through these types of activities and events, which can give you a chance to be a leader in your community!

Whether you’re looking for a specific type of meeting, like Alcoholics Anonymous, need a place to volunteer your time and energy at a drug treatment center, want a new activity without substance abuse, or just want a chance to make some connections with other people who share similar experiences as you do with sobriety, there’s a good chance there is a perfect resource for you out there!

At this point, it may seem daunting but remember: the best way out is through. So many people want nothing more than to see their peers succeed on their journey towards long-term recovery from addiction by providing them access to all the tools they need along the way.