The Healing Power of Connection

A Journey Beyond Sobriety

I want to talk about something that has been on my mind for a while now: the idea that the opposite of addiction is connection, not sobriety. This concept has resonated with me with clients I work with, and I think it’s an important message to share.

Psychological evidence has shown that human beings have an innate need for connection. Our brains are wired for social interaction. The renowned psychologist, John Bowlby, developed attachment theory, which explains how crucial it is to form close emotional bonds with others. We’re more likely to struggle with mental health issues and addiction when we don’t have a secure attachment connection with others.

How often have you seen someone struggling with addiction who lacked solid social connections? I’ve seen it many times. But when we surround ourselves with people who genuinely care for us and want the best for us, our chances of overcoming addiction significantly improve.

I want to share a story with you. It’s about a woman named “Sarah,” who struggled with alcoholism for many years. She had tried countless times to quit drinking but always fell back into her old habits. Sarah had lost touch with many of her friends and family members and spent most of her time alone.

One day, Sarah decided to reach out to an old friend, “Emily,” whom she hadn’t spoken to in years. They decided to meet for coffee, and soon enough, they were spending meaningful time together. They reconnected by doing things they loved, like hiking and doing yoga together.

As Sarah spent more and more time with Emily, she started to feel a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced in years. Emily provided the support Sarah needed, and their friendship began to flourish. As these connections deepened, Sarah found that her cravings for alcohol started to diminish. She no longer needed to drink to numb her pain because she had someone she could turn to when she was struggling.

Over time, Sarah overcame her addiction and credits her recovery to the rekindled connection with her friend, Emily. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of meaningful connections and their impact on overcoming addiction.

This story shows that sometimes, what we need to heal isn’t sobriety but the love and support of others. Of course, I’m not saying sobriety isn’t important; in many cases, it is. But connection can help us achieve lasting recovery and a more fulfilling life.

Who do you have that supports you?

Stay connected, and stay strong!