It is common knowledge that giving back to the community and paying it forward feels great. Whether by paying for a random person’s coffee or tipping a server well at a restaurant, performing acts of kindness can benefit mental health. 

Many people might not realize that giving back to others can help those in recovery maintain and even strengthen their sobriety. When an individual goes through substance addiction treatment, re-entering society may feel strange or foreign. By volunteering regularly, individuals have something positive to channel their energy into and a sense of identity purpose. This can help motivate them to wake up every day and choose to stay committed to living alcohol and substance-free.

The Benefits of Community Service in Recovery 

Those that struggle with severe substance abuse often strain or sever many relationships along the way. Even after completing treatment, they might leave the program only to find that they do not have much of a community to support them. This can lead to loneliness, which can be detrimental to the recovery process. 

By voluntarily engaging in community service, they will have the opportunity to connect with others with similar backgrounds and interests who are also trying to do good in the world. Only then can they begin to make positive, new friendships and build a support system around themselves. 

Staying busy, particularly during the first few days following treatment, is critical to staying substance-free. Too much downtime can leave an individual navigating newfound sobriety with wandering thoughts, boredom, cravings, and desires to relapse. However, by keeping busy in the community and continuing to grow, they can better channel their time and energy by being productive. 

Some individuals in recovery may feel ready to rejoin the workforce. By working in community service, they can grow their network and make meaningful connections resulting in job opportunities. In addition, community service work looks impressive on a resume and can boost the odds of securing a professional position in the future. 

Giving Back to Others Who Are Also in Recovery

Once an individual has been in recovery for a significant amount of time, they may consider helping out or mentoring someone just starting their recovery journey. This could mean acting as a sponsor in a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). 

This is a more intimate and special way of giving back to the community because it allows individuals to share advice based on their own experience with addiction and recovery. Their unique viewpoint may be more beneficial than someone who has never struggled with addiction, like doctors and family members. 

Symptoms of burnout are common in long-term recovery. Extended periods of routine and the same coping skills from months or years ago can cause days to blend together. This monotony can lead a person to reminisce on their days of substance use and may even lead to relapse. 

However, when they are acting as a sponsor and watching someone else reclaim their life from addiction, they will be constantly reminded of why they decided to get sober in the first place. Being a mentor in some form acts as motivation and encouragement to recommit to their recovery journey. 

Other Ways of Giving Back

People who are still relatively new to their recovery journey might not have the bandwidth and experience to sponsor someone else. However, just because they cannot manage the additional responsibility of another person’s sobriety just yet does not mean they cannot give back in other ways. 

Most support groups—like AA and NA—provide volunteer opportunities, but you can also look to any non-profit organization or charity for resources. Additionally, most local communities offer a variety of ways to give back, so it is helpful for individuals to first evaluate which areas they are most passionate about first. 

For example, if a person loves animals, they can consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or agreeing to foster a pet temporarily. If someone’s passion lies in music or art, they may consider teaching free lessons to children in the community who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Some other ideas for giving back include: 

• Helping cook or serve meals at a local soup kitchen
• Donating food, clothing, and other supplies to a homeless shelter
• Writing an encouraging letter to a soldier in active duty
• Spending time visiting local retirement home residents, particularly those who have no family left
• Volunteering for a local crisis hotline
• Lend an ear to someone who is having a bad day
• Working to keep the streets clean by collecting litter 

Giving back to others minimizes loneliness, a prevalent emotion contributing to the current mental health crisis. However, it can also be beneficial to those in their recovery journey. When people re-enter society after completing treatment for substance use, they might not have a lot of salvageable or healthy relationships. By taking part in community service, they will have the chance to make connections with productive members of society and build new friendships. Giving back also helps create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. For people who have been in recovery for a long time, they may choose to volunteer as a sponsor. However, there are also many other ways of giving back, such as helping out at a soup kitchen or donating supplies to a homeless shelter. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a substance use disorder, our expert team at The Kimberly Center is here to help. Call (855) 452-2683  to learn more.