Hate it here

Never thought I’d say this, but I hate it here in Austin. I can’t seem to make any friends here. I feel like I don’t fit in at the 12 step meetings I attend, and it seems like people want nothing to do with me. I live in an Oxford house that is giving me cabin fever. My old way of meeting new people was at sports bars or something involving alcohol. Now all I can do is work, or go to meetings that do nothing for me. I’m thinking about going back out, but don’t really want to. I need something in my life that is enjoyable, and right now, I can’t find it anywhere.

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Have you tried NA or maybe CMA? Or maybe different pathways to recovery? There is more than 12 step programs. Please keep on trying. You are doing all the right things.

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There is an Agnostic meeting in Austin on Tuesdays, might be worth checking out.

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Volunteer with the City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov is a link to volunteer activities in Austin. I find that volunteering and helping others helps me as well. You meet nice sober people and usually have fun.

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I hate Austin too. And I am stuck here and have no friends I will be your friend.

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I am dealing with the same thing. I just recently realized I can’t really hang out with my old friends as the same way I used to anymore and could definitely use some new ones. It’s a very lonely feeling. I wish you well.

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Feelings of isolation from people is a huge factor in our recovery. We need to stay connected, particularly with people who “ get us” .

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Go to meeting. You will make friends

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I'm feeling the exact same way in Portland, Oregon. No friends, no family.

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Please friends, check out the secular AA meetings in your cities, I know Portland has a few, Austin has a couple. Regardless of your beliefs, they are really good places to connect with no judgement on religion or anything like that. It's just a different feel. Easier to make friends. Please give it a try and get connected, don't do this alone.

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Attend meetings make friends :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: go to conventions make more friends join sober hiking group

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Sorry to hear that. I loved the meetings in Austin. I think you may be looking for a way out. What is your participation? How are you showing up?

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I'm in Austin as well and most of my friends do drink. Maybe find a sport you may enjoy doing like basketball or pickleball? Lots of places where to play. I like to stay occupied with sports, outdoor activities. Sweatpals App has lots of meetups for folks that wanna stay active and meet new people....feel free to reach out to me anytime. Best of luck and stay strong,brotha!

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That sucks to hear. I LOVE Austin! Maybe try an NA meeting in the area. I could never fit in at the AA meetings either. You’ve got this though! Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will meet friends in your recovery.

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I’m in NY and have been feeling the same way. Thankfully the weather is getting better and I’m getting myself busy with activities. I signed up for pickup soccer, CycleBar class, volleyball and yoga. I used meetup to find these things and it’s helping. I know I’ll be able to meet some people here. This process is not easy, and wanting to go back to going out is part of your old self going back to what it knows. But you know that’s not going to help. You owe it to yourself to stick it through, you already know what’s out there if you back to drinking and partying… I dare to say that that’s not you anymore. Reach out for support, I don’t mind lending an ear.

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idk how strong you can be when i’m the same room with alc but why can’t you just go to the bars and not drink?? explain to the bartender your sober and not to serve you alc but you would like a soda or something!! there’s definitely activities to do and meet new people - join a gym, take a workout class, volunteer, art classes any class your interested in, kickball team, and yes AA meetings, there’s more than one meeting and place for AA im sure you’ll find someone as you keep going. Do you have a sponsor? maybe you can hang with them and get to know their friend group !

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How long have you been in Austin?

Maybe try a game of disc golf? Just walk up and ask to join a group of folks playing.

Another thing out there for meeting like minded folks is the Phoenix app.

Im struggling with the same thing. I natural isolate and sobriety has brought my socks anxiety to a new level. I toldy counselor this week that I miss alcohol, not because of a desire to drink as much as the social aspects that came along with it. I wish you the best and know you're not alone in how you're feeling.

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Sorry to hear, that sounds like it can be really isolating and lonely. I’ve been struggling with these feelings too and I’m learning to find comfort and “friendship” within my own spirit and through nature, rather than only seeking that in others. Sometimes when I do get around people or potential new friends (or even old friends) I feel even more isolated since it’s hard to relate with them. I tell myself that maybe I am supposed to learn something from these uncomfortable lonely feelings, and that the connections that are meant to be will come in time :woman_shrugging: I’m trying to follow a routine and find little hobbies and activities to keep my mind busy. I also try to remember that it’s okay to not be okay and find the little joys through all the sh*t, cliche I know! Sending you positive thoughts and energy :pray:

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