Nothing can beat help from a professional when you’re struggling with a mental health condition such as addiction. But, as you progress into recovery, it can be nice to build a community of support you can lean on. You may want people you can come to for minor problems or who can relate because they’ve been through the addiction-to-recovery journey themselves.
If you need a community, reaching out online can be a great place to start. The benefit of talking on forums online is that you’re likely to get a response quickly and hear from a lot of different perspectives.
One easy place to find communities and resources is Reddit.
4 Best Reddit Communities and Resources for Recovery
Here are the top four subreddits for people looking for support through recovery:
1. r/RedditorsInRecovery
The tagline for the r/RedditorsInRecovery subreddit is “the best place for Redditors in recovery from addiction.”
About the community: “A place for Redditors in recovery to hang out, share experiences, and support each other. Discuss the various ways to achieve and maintain a life free from active addiction. Everyone is welcome.”
This is a great place to ask questions, seek advice, vent, and find like-minded people. The rules for the subreddit are clear; no one is to give medical advice, be obnoxious, or solicit products and services. Use this community as your tool for support when you can’t find an answer on your own.
2. r/StopDrinking
If you are coming to terms with your drinking problems, the subreddit r/StopDrinking can be a great motivational resource. The tagline for the forum is “a support group in your pocket.”
About the community: “This subreddit is a place to motivate each other to control or stop drinking. We welcome anyone who wishes to join in by asking for advice, sharing our experiences and stories, or just encouraging someone who is trying to quit or cut down. Please post only when sober; you’re welcome to read in the meanwhile.”
A fun feature of this group is that you can give yourself a free badge to share with everyone how long you’ve been alcohol-free! Many people on this forum post their wins (how long they’ve been sober), their goals (when they plan to start), and their realizations on their sober journey.
3. r/AddictionAdvice
Reddit’s subreddit, r/AddictionAdvice, says it provides “valuable addiction info and recovery tips. Get personal advice on addiction issues.”
About the community: “Ask for help or advice on addiction. If you’re in recovery, give support. All types of addiction and recovery pathways welcome.”
This subreddit is a great, thoughtful place to come for support or questions about addiction recovery. Some of the community rules include no triggering language and that all recovery paths are welcome. Clearly, you’ll find a supportive ear here.
4. r/Recovery
Often, people in recovery deal with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as addiction and mental illness. The r/Recovery group is an all-encompassing group where people recovering from various issues can seek help and support. The tagline for this online community is “recover from anything, trauma, drugs, pills, injuries, philosophies, whatever!”
About the community: “Welcome! A sub about you recovery from ANYTHING. eg trauma, drugs, pills, injuries, negative emotions like depression/anxiety, etc.”
This online community is a great resource if you’re looking for a place to vent, seek help, or chat with others who have been through similar experiences.
Nothing Can Replace Professional Help
Online communities can be a great support system in addition to professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider a drug and alcohol treatment facility for assistance.
Hickory Recovery Network is a comprehensive, compassionate facility focusing on alcohol and drug addiction treatment. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
