Listener Question:
"I’ve been sober for a couple of years now, but I still feel like I’m doing this on my own. I keep hearing about home groups and sponsors, but I haven’t gotten involved in either. I’m ready to connect and be part of something—what should I do?"

This is such an important question—because it gets to the heart of what long-term recovery really looks like. Staying sober is only part of the journey. Feeling connected, supported, and part of a community is what helps us stay on the path.

Step 1: Join a Home Group

One of the most powerful moves you can make in recovery is joining a home group. This is a meeting that you commit to attending consistently. It’s where you build relationships, find accountability, and become part of a community.

What a Home Group Does for You:

Creates a sense of belonging
Gives structure to your recovery routine
Provides opportunities to be of service (like helping set up or reading)

How to Join a Home Group:

Find a meeting that works with your schedule and feels like a good fit.
Show up consistently—weekly if possible.
Ask someone, “How can I join the home group here?”
Most groups will invite you to attend their business meeting or simply add your name to the roster.

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. If you show up and want to be part of it, that’s usually all it takes.

Step 2: Find a Sponsor

A sponsor is someone who’s been through the 12 steps, has more clean/sober time than you, and is willing to guide you through the process. If you don’t have a sponsor yet, you’re not alone—but it might be time to take that next step.

Why Sponsorship Matters:

Gives you someone to talk to when things get tough
Keeps you accountable in working the steps
Provides personal experience, not just advice

How to Find a Sponsor:

Listen for someone in meetings whose shares resonate with you.
Look for someone who has what you want in their recovery.
After a meeting, ask: “Would you be willing to sponsor me?”
If they say no, don’t be discouraged—it’s nothing personal. Just keep asking.

From Our Team: “You just gotta ask someone who’s worked the steps and has more time than you. You won’t regret it.”

Step 3: Speak Up and Ask for Help

Here’s something that isn’t talked about enough: if you don’t speak up, people might assume you’re fine. Meetings can be full of people who are silently struggling because they’re waiting for someone else to reach out first.

Why You Might Still Feel Alone:

Even after years in the rooms, it’s possible to feel disconnected if you haven’t let yourself be known. The people around you might not realize you’re looking for support.

What to Do:

Share honestly in meetings: “I’m feeling disconnected and want to be more involved.”
Stick around after the meeting and talk to people.
Be open about wanting a sponsor or to join the home group.

Recovery Truth: “AA and NA are places where you have to speak up to get help—it’s not handed out unless you ask.”

Final Thoughts: Recovery Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone

If you’ve made it two years into sobriety on your own, that’s a huge accomplishment. But if you’re feeling disconnected, the next phase of your recovery might be less about staying clean and more about getting connected.

Here’s what we recommend:

Choose one meeting to make your home group.
Ask someone to sponsor you.
Speak up about how you’re feeling.

You don’t have to do recovery alone. Once you reach out, you’ll find people who are ready to walk with you.

written by Staff

Listener Question: "I’ve Been Sober for a While, But I Still Feel Alone. What Should I Do?