Finding a Lifeline in AA: The Importance of Friendship and Hobbies in Sobriety
When I first got sober, I was terrified of the future. How was I supposed to find happiness and fulfillment without the crutch of alcohol? But as I began to engage in the fellowship of AA, I quickly realized that I wasn’t alone. There were people who “got it,” who knew all too well the struggles of addiction and were willing to walk alongside me on the path to recovery. These friendships have been a lifeline for me, and I’m grateful for them every day. But I’ve also learned that it’s important to find hobbies and passions to fill the void left by alcohol. For me, that hobby is blogging, and it’s been a source of joy and creativity in my life. In this post, I want to explore the importance of friendship and hobbies in sobriety, specifically within the context of AA.
How Joining a Sobriety Fellowship Will Change Your Life
When I first walked into an AA meeting, I was nervous and unsure. But as I began to share my story and listen to the stories of others, I felt a sense of belonging I’d never known before. The people in the rooms were kind, accepting, and honest, and they saw me for who I was — flaws and all. Over time, I formed friendships with these people, and they became one of the main pillars of my sobriety. Whenever I’m struggling or feeling disconnected, I know I can pick up the phone and call a friend from AA. They understand my struggles and can provide the support and encouragement I need to keep going.
But friendship isn’t just about having someone to call when things get tough. It’s also about finding joy and connection in sobriety. When I first got sober, I didn’t know what to do with all the free time I suddenly had on my hands. Drinking had taken up so much of my life that I didn’t know how to fill the void. But as I started to explore new hobbies and activities, I discovered a whole world of possibility. For me, blogging was the perfect outlet — it allowed me to express myself creatively, connect with others, and discover new parts of myself. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, painting, or knitting, finding a hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment is crucial in sobriety.
Of course, finding friendships and hobbies in sobriety isn’t always easy. It can be scary to put yourself out there and try new things. But I’ve found that AA provides a safe and supportive environment for taking those risks. When I’m at a meeting or fellowship event, I know I’m surrounded by people who understand where I’m coming from and who are rooting for my success. And when I’m struggling with a new hobby or activity, I know I can turn to my sober support network for advice, guidance, and encouragement.
That’s not to say that being sober is always easy or fun — far from it. But I truly believe that life is so much better without alcohol. Sobriety has allowed me to see the world in a new light, discover new parts of myself, and connect more deeply with others. And while I know that relapse is always a possibility, I also know that I have the tools and support to stay sober no matter what. Ultimately, for me, the key to staying on the path of sobriety has been finding friendship, purpose, and joy in life. And for that, I’m forever grateful for the fellowship of AA.
Conclusion:
Sobriety is hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For those of us who struggle with addiction, finding a supportive sober community and engaging in hobbies and activities that bring us joy is crucial. In the fellowship of AA, we can find both. By forming friendships with other sober individuals and exploring new passions, we can discover a whole new way of living. Yes, there will be challenges and setbacks along the way, but with the right support and mindset, we can overcome them. So if you’re new to sobriety or thinking about getting sober, I encourage you to give AA a try. You might just surprise yourself with what you find.
