What tools do you use to stay clean and sober? If you’ve got an internet connection, you can expand your repertoire by exploring online recovery networks, news sites and databases. These are greatly beneficial because you can have instant access to support and advice any time, day or night, with no need for transportation. Reach out to these large, welcoming support networks whenever your resolve is slipping. You can also be on the supporting end; helping others is a wonderful way to enrich their recovery as well as your own. I encourage you to explore these 7 virtual places to seek recovery support.
1. Twitter
Find inspiration, information and encouragement when you follow substance abuse counselors, rehab centers, doctors and other recovering addicts on Twitter. Addiction recovery has an active, positive presence here and due to the quick turnover of tweets, fresh motivation is always at your fingertips. There are also plenty of pictures, links and resources provided on the Twitter stream.
2. Facebook
In addition to connecting with your family, friends, and companies, Facebook can connect you with a variety of support groups. Find AA and NA groups where you can give and receive encouragement and reach out to counselors and rehab centers, too. Recovering addicts share their sober and clean dates, stories, techniques, inspiration and so much more. Most groups are closed, so once your request to join is accepted, no one but the members will be able to see your inclusion.
3. TheFix.com
When you need addiction information to share with a loved one, struggle with a potential trigger, or want to chat with other recovering addicts, check out The Fix. You’ll also find a reputable stream of news, interviews and life stories. With the motto, “addiction and recovery, straight up”, you can trust that you’ll have access to a variety of knowledge, viewpoints and resources all current and relevant.
4. Forums.psychcentral.com
This forum hosts an active community that discusses a variety mental health topics, including addiction and recovery. Since mental health and addiction are deeply entwined, this is a great place to share your story, rally support for resisting a trigger, receive advice for overcoming relapse, discuss the recovery process and discover methods that may work for you. Plus, you can be there for others who are need support too.
5. AddictionSurvivors.org
This forum site isn’t as active as some of the other online resources. However, you will appreciate its categories. Click on the opioid, alcohol, stimulants, or benzodiazepine sections to find relevant content and get help resisting triggers, finding a local therapist, or refining your treatment plan. Your loved ones can also check out this virtual resource to find information that will assist them in walking through recovery with you.
6. Pinterest
If you love art, quotes and creativity, Pinterest is sure to delight you. Believe it or not, recovery has a booming presence on Pinterest with many organizations, therapists and recovering addicts building boards to draw inspiration from. Beautiful guided imagery prompts, powerful quotes, compelling artwork and so much more await your perusal. Plus you can collect and organize your favorite pins for future reference and share them with others who also need encouragement.
7. Your Personal Blog
Journaling helps you record your personal thoughts, express emotions, identify triggers, recognize unhealthy habits, and achieve goals, so I highly recommend it as a recovery tool. If your journal tends to collect dust on your nightstand, though, write an interactive online blog instead. The entire process is incredibly cathartic and connects you to others who understand and share your struggles. This will also motivate you to be accountable in your recovery so that you can continue to deliver to your followers.
Any one of these networks can work wonders for your recovery. They’re not a replacement for in-person support, but they can certainly help. After all, the more recovery tools you tap into the better. Explore them today and begin receiving the virtual encouragement, insight, and assistance you need.