An important part of recovery is being of service to others.
That can mean:
It sounds cliché, but there’s plenty of data to show that helping others really does help yourself.
For example, Maria Pagano from Case Western University released a study showing that addicts who help others, even in small ways — such as calling other AA/NA members to remind them about meetings — significantly improves the likelihood of staying sober.
This is scientific proof that working with others is one of the best safeguards against relapse.
How can I find volunteer opportunities?
- Get involved in your home group. Once you’ve completed the steps yourself, becoming a sponsor is one of the best ways to volunteer in recovery. If you’re not there yet, sign up to help at the meetings, even if it’s just making the coffee, welcoming newcomers or giving someone a ride.
- Find volunteer opportunities outside of recovery. Recovery doesn’t define your whole life. Animal lovers can volunteer at a shelter. The musically talented can volunteer to play at a nursing home. Anyone can stock shelves at a food pantry. There are plenty of non-profit organizations that need your passion and skills. Try VolunteerMatch.org or do a standard Google search in your area.
- Think about little ways to help. Having a formal volunteer commitment once a week is great. Not everyone has the capacity to do that, especially in early recovery. Find little ways you can make someone’s day. Call your grandma. Help a friend move. Give blood. Addiction thrives on isolation and selfishness. Fight it by proactively thinking of others.
Where can I share my story?
Sharing your perspective and the lessons you learned can impact someone still struggling more than you’ll ever know. The process of recounting how far you’ve come can also inspire you to keep moving forward and add a sense of purpose to your struggle.
- Share at an AA, NA or Alumni meeting
- Share your experience in the comments on this forum to help others
- Post your story on social media like Facebook
- Email DigitalMarketing@JourneyPure.com to help you write a letter to the editor for your local newspaper
- Leave a review for JourneyPure (This one is self-serving, but we’d appreciate the support)!
Can I get a job at JourneyPure?
Yes! Most employees here are in recovery, many alumni. The general requirement is at least 1 year of continuous sobriety, though some roles require additional sober time.
To view and apply for current openings, visit our page on Indeed.
How can I help my friends that are still struggling?
While you need to be careful associating with people from your old life, you’re living proof to them that things can get better. Let them know you’re here to help and available any time they want to talk about treatment and recovery.
Whether they are able to attend a JourneyPure facility or not, we can help them find their best option. There’s a specific helpline for alumni – (615) 283-9244, but any number they find online is OK too.
JourneyPure.com doctors follow rigorous sourcing guidelines and cite only trustworthy sources of information, including peer-reviewed journals, count records, academic organizations, highly regarded nonprofit organizations, government reports and their own expertise with decades in the fields and their own personal recovery.
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Berkeley University: “Staying Sober Through Service.”
Disclaimer
All content is for informational purposes only. No material on this site, whether from our doctors or the community, is a substitute for seeking personalized professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard advice from a qualified healthcare professional or delay seeking advice because of something you read on this website.
Do you have more questions?