Think of someone who shares what you want and see if you can be friends. Reach out to that person—someone you genuinely admire—and tell them you’d like to connect.

I’m 11 years sober (as of this writing), and I still reach out to people who impress me. If I’m curious about someone on Instagram, I’ll DM them and say something nice: " I'm not sure why I’m reaching out, but you seem great. I just wanted you to know. How are things?” It doesn’t take much—it's casual and no pressure.

If you have people in your life, tell them how much you appreciate them. Reaching out will engender new conversations that can be reciprocated.  Connecting with new people can be nervous. I get it. The important thing is the effort. Keep exploring till you find the crew that’s right for you. If you need ideas on where to find people, try:

- Online Searches: “recovery groups near me” or “addiction recovery meetings”

- Ask for Recommendations: Consult a therapist, counselor, pastor, etc.

- Social Media: There are countless social media groups online. Explore what works for you.

Reach out for support from a sponsor, friend, or support group. Sharing your experiences lightens the emotional load. Don’t make it an excuse not to connect - you can do it. Reach out to someone today. Just be kind and let it go from there.