When we’re in active addiction, it’s difficult to care for or help others. Addiction changes the brain so that we are hyper-focused on the substance, and we tend to become more self-absorbed. In recovery, the ability to help other people is one of the best gifts—to the people you help, but also to yourself. When you first enter recovery, you typically have to ask for help from others. This can be really hard to do, but it’s such a necessary step in the process. When you’re further along in recovery, you can begin to think about offering support to others—and this is empowering. It shows you that you have something to offer. Using your experience in active addiction to help someone else can help you make meaning of it. Service is part of 12-step fellowships, but even if you go a different route for your recovery, it’s always meaningful. It helps you feel connected to a larger purpose and to other people. One study of adolescents in addiction treatment found that those who helped others had a significantly reduced risk of relapse.[1] In another study, 73% of people said volunteering reduced their stress levels and 77% said it improved their emotional health.[2] Thinking about how helping others benefits yourself can seem to cancel out altruism—but the point is that support is healing for everyone. To me it’s hopeful that we gain so much from helping others. So, what are some ways to be altruistic? There are always ample opportunities to volunteer; you can find the one that best suits your experience and skill set. We’ve shared some tips for being of service from afar—if you’re being careful about COVID-19 or have limited ability to travel—here. If you want to help someone entering recovery, try offering emotional support and providing resources. When I first got sober (and still now, over six years in), learning about addiction and recovery was incredibly helpful. It helped me understand what I was experiencing and get a sense of what the future might hold. Sharing your story can help you process it, but it doesn’t only benefit you. It’s so important for breaking stigmas and helping people feel less alone. You can share it online, at a meeting, in an online support group, or any other way that works for you. Even when I’ve posted about my sobriety on social media, I’ve found that it encourages people who are struggling to reach out and ask questions. When that happens, being a resource and listening ear to that person feels meaningful. Helping other people also helps us—and it furthers recovery and quality of life. If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. Amatus Recovery Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you find joy in recovery. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005. [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25872598/ [2] https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/staying_sober_through_service