Addiction feels like a one-person show. When you’re addicted, it’s all about you. It has to be, because your primary concern is answering the cravings–which feel like life or death–while trying not to let your addiction consume you. For this and other reasons, you may have alienated friends and family while you were addicted. Maybe you were hurtful to the people you love, or maybe you simply withdrew from them, or they from you.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stresses the importance of a sense of belonging in recovery. Having purpose in life and feeling like you’re part of a community can dramatically improve your chances of long-term success.