You have probably heard people refer to their circle of friends as their “squad.” Whether the word resonates with you or not, you like to understand the idea. Your closest friends and family members are the people who will be there for you no matter what—and you will be there for them no matter what. No matter what you call it, these are the people who are always willing to help you navigate difficult times.
We like the word “squad” because it suggests that your close circle is like a team (e.g. you might refer to a “basketball squad”). A team is made up of people who all have different roles to help everyone accomplish a shared goal or goals. For you and your squad, one of those shared goals might be helping you maintain your sobriety.
Let’s take a look at how having a squad can be beneficial in recovery.
The Importance of Feeling Seen and Understood
Clinical psychologist Leon F. Selzer has written, “Without experiencing that others know us, or are able to, we’re left feeling alone—at times, despairingly so. It’s a bleak place to be and can lead to feelings of emptiness and despondency.”
Dr. Selzer provides 10 reasons why having a squad (though he does not use that word) is essential:
- You’re known—people get you.
- External acknowledgment—but not necessarily validation—confirms your identity.
- Your existence matters.
- You belong and feel welcome.
- Being in a community heightens personal self-value and adds purpose to your life.
- You’re accepted within the community, whether it’s a particular group or a larger concept.
- Having other people understand you increases a feeling of empowerment.
- You have a better understanding of self.
- There’s greater satisfaction in relationships.
- You’re less likely to experience depressive episodes due to isolation.
You will note that most, if not all, of that list relates to issues around mental health. That is important because we know that good mental health and lasting sobriety are deeply intertwined.
Part of Your Squad May Be the Recovery Community
When you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, it is important to ensure that part of your squad is made up of people in the recovery community. That may include fellow alumni from your treatment program, the members of your 12-Step or other recovery meeting group, your sponsor or recovery mentor, your therapist, and more.
These are people who are directly involved in helping you maintain your sobriety. In some cases—like recovery meetings—you are also directly involved in helping others maintain their sobriety. It is a tight and mutually beneficial bond.
Still and all, your squad does not have to be limited to those who have a direct relationship with the recovery community.
Much of Your Squad May Be Friends, Family, and Those with Shared Interests
Your close friends, your supportive family members, people from your faith community, your co-workers, and those with whom you have shared interests and hobbies can all be important parts of your squad. Just make sure that the people you invite into your circle will always support your sobriety—that they won’t, for example, try to convince you to have a drink at a social gathering.
The Size of Your Squad May Vary
People may come in and out of your squad over time, and that is perfectly okay. As long as your inner circle is made up of folks who support you and your sobriety, the membership can change as life moves along.
Also, you do not have to feel like your squad must be huge to be effective. More introverted individuals in recovery may have a smaller circle, but that squad can still serve them well.
We Would Be Honored To Be Part of Your Squad
Wooded Glen Recovery Center—located in Henryville, Indiana—has been named one of the best substance use treatment centers in the country. We provide comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment so that you can reclaim your sobriety and your life.
Our services include inpatient, outpatient, and virtual options with each approach tailored to your specific needs. And when your time in treatment comes to an end, we provide a robust continuum of care and a variety of alumni services. In other words, once we are part of your sobriety squad, we work hard to continue to support you and your recovery over time.
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol and don’t know what to do next, we can help. We are committed to evidence-based practices supported by our experience, expertise, and empathy. When you are ready to make a change for the better, we are here to help make it possible—and to support you as your recovery journey gets underway.