You are newly sober, and everyone has told you it’s time to be social again. It can be tough to socialize in early recovery. You have just given up alcohol or other substances, which may have been your tool for dealing with social anxiety. How do you start becoming socially sober?

Many people use alcohol or other substances as a tool to deal with social anxiety issues. The misuse helps for a time, but when you get sober the anxiety remains.

“I remember the first time I really drank; I was at a party with some older kids, and I was nervous. I never felt like I fit in. I started drinking and I felt funny, beautiful and a part of the group. I was not lonely anymore, I remember thinking I want to do this for the rest of my life. After years of drinking it started destroying my life and my potential I had to stop. I was back to experiencing the insecurities I had as a teenager on that night when I first really drank.” -S

It is important to push through the discomfort and engage with others. Recovery takes time, developing new tools and having new experiences. Becoming Socially Sober is a crucial part of recovery. It helps you build a support network and develop new coping skills.

Here are some tips for overcoming social anxiety in early recovery:

1. Try not to put pressure on yourself. Recovery is a process, and you are better off not expecting to becoming socially sober overnight.

2. Take things one step at a time and be patient with yourself.

3. Seek out sober social events.

4. Talk to people who understand.

5. Practice deep breathing.

6. Make a list of positive affirmations.

7. Focus on the present moment.

Putting Pressure On Yourself

Who likes being pressured to do anything? Since recovery is a process expect it to take time and realize everyone progresses at their own speed.

Seeking Out Social Events

One of the best ways to ease into socializing in recovery is to seek out sober social events. These can be anything from AA meetings to yoga classes. Look for events that interest you, and where you feel comfortable.

In Colorado there is a wealth of sober communities including:

Being Patient With Yourself

When you start to feel anxious, practice deep breathing to calm yourself down. Inhale slowly and deeply, then exhale slowly. Repeat this several times until you feel more relaxed.

Making A Positive List

Write down a list of positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself when you’re feeling anxious. Some examples include “I am worthy of love and respect” and “I am capable of handling this.”

Focusing On The Present

Anxiety is often caused by worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. When you start to feel anxious, try to focus on the present moment. Notice the sights and sounds around you, and pay attention to your breath. This will help you stay grounded and calm.

Get additional support:

Social anxiety can be a big obstacle in early recovery. It can be tough to put yourself out there and meet new people, especially if you’re not used to it. At Chrysalis Continuing Care, we believe that social outings are an important part of recovery. This is why we have partnered with The Phoenix for a community around physical wellness, SAFE for sober sections at baseball games, hockey games, art walks and much more. The goal is to integrate social settings with a therapeutic support system. By doing this, we hope to help our clients overcome their social anxiety and live a full life in recovery.

Getting sober is the start of a new life with a new freedoms. You learn to address old crippling issues, become free to live, love and play in the life you choose. What are you waiting for? An entire world is out there ready for you to experience clear headed. A place where you can be yourself with no regrets. If social anxiety is overwhelming and you need additional support, please contact us at 1-800-910-3896 or info@ccctreatment.com or visit our website www.ccctreatment.com.