Imagine that you have run into someone you have not seen in a while. Maybe you spot one another in the grocery store or the library. Maybe you are both attending the same concert or play. Maybe you happen to be in the same restaurant or coffee shop at the same time.
After you have spent a few moments catching up, it is likely one of you will say to the other something like, “You know, we should get lunch sometime.” One of you might say, “I’ll give you a call.” One of you might say, “I’ll check my calendar and we’ll get something set up.”
In the moment, you and your friend are likely being sincere. After all, you have enjoyed those few moments and getting together again sounds like a great idea.
But life has a way of interfering with efforts to keep in touch with folks. We are all so busy and it is easy to forget that you said you would reach out. Or you might remember but feel too overwhelmed to actually set something up.
The truth is, we would all probably be happier and healthier if we were more intentional about spending time with other people whose company we enjoy. For a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, however, spending time with others offers an additional and valuable benefit. Hanging out with friends and family supports your recovery efforts.
We have a few ideas for how you might make meeting up with folks who are important to you a more regular part of your daily life.
Get Something Regular on Your Schedule
One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure you see your friends and family is to get a regular meet-up on your calendar. Your calendar is where you keep all of your important responsibilities and activities, right? When you think of spending time with those with whom you have—or want to have—close relationships as something important for you and your recovery, it is only natural to carve out time in your schedule for that purpose.
Maybe you meet every Saturday morning for coffee. Maybe you grab a meal together once a month. Perhaps there is a game you and some friends would like to play on a regular basis. The options are many, and the strategy for ensuring you take advantage of them is the same: block off the time in your calendar just like you would any other important appointment.
Use Your Phone to…Gasp!…Make Phone Calls
It is certainly ironic that so many of us are carrying phones in our pockets at all times and yet we are often deeply reluctant to make (or even answer) phone calls. Given that common reluctance, you might be thinking that any advice regarding calling people up is not going to work for you.
We would encourage you to rethink that position. Connecting by telephone is a great way to keep in touch with people who are far away—or even with people who live nearby. A phone call involves far fewer logistics than in-person meetups, and that means your phone can keep you connected with more people, more often.
Cold calling folks is probably not the way to go, so we encourage you to send a text before calling a friend to see if it is a good time to chat. You might also schedule a regular call just like you would set up a regular conversation over coffee. That allows you to set aside a certain amount of time (we are intrigued by the idea of the 8-minute phone call) that works for both parties.
Another advantage of the phone call is that you and the person with whom you are talking can chat while doing other things like cooking dinner or getting in a quick walk. Using speakerphone (being careful about privacy, of course) or a good set of earbuds can keep your hands free while you talk.
Say Yes to Invitations
For some, saying yes to invitations to hang out comes easily. For those who are more introverted, however, it can be much harder. If you fall into the latter category, we still encourage you to accept opportunities for social connection when you feel able. Maybe big parties will never be your thing, but you might very well enjoy a quiet talk with friends.
Introverts might also find it easier to extend invitations rather than to accept them. That, of course, brings us full circle. Get some social activity onto your calendar. You will be supporting your relationships, your mental health, and your recovery.
We Are Ready to Connect
Bel Aire Recovery Center, located near Wichita, Kansas, offers evidence-based approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have recently been recognized as one of the top substance use disorder treatment centers in the country.
Our expertise, experience, and empathy ensure that you will receive top-notch treatment from our medically supervised detoxification program to our rehabilitation program that prepares you for your recovery journey. We also offer a robust alumni program, keeping you connected to resources, support, and others who understand what you have been through and the challenges you are experiencing now.
Connect with us. We’re here to help.
