Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Extroverts are the kind of folks who love to get together with others, who love to talk at length about just about anything, and who never met a stranger they didn’t think they could turn into a friend.
Introverts, on the other hand, are the kind of folks who secretly hope their plans will get canceled, who are far happier listening than talking, and who would prefer to never meet a stranger at all.
Obviously, those are broad generalizations, and most people fall somewhere between extremely extroverted and extremely introverted. But our guess is that you recognize yourself as closer to one of those descriptions than the other.
If you are more extroverted than introverted, you might think introverted people are unfriendly. And if you are more introverted than extroverted, you might think that extroverted people are exhausting. Truthfully, the extroverts among us probably find navigating the world somewhat easier because they are more comfortable talking with others. The introverts, who find social interaction more difficult, might struggle a bit more in a whole range of situations.
That can be true when it comes to the recovery journey, too. Let’s take a look at some of the ways an introvert might struggle in recovery, and how they might adapt so that they don’t put their sobriety at risk.
The Introvert’s Lament: So Many Meetings
One of the first things an introvert in recovery has to come to terms with is the importance of 12-Step or other recovery program meetings. These sorts of gatherings, which provide a range of benefits for a person in recovery including a sense of mutual support, can be quite challenging for introverted individuals.
The same can be true when it comes to group therapy—or even individual therapy—sessions. Recovery meetings and therapy sessions can all feel overly demanding for a person who prefers quiet reflection to a lot of talk.
So what is an introvert to do in these situations? Our advice is to be kind to yourself, recognize your own boundaries (and share them as appropriate), and to prepare in advance.
Be kind to yourself: It is important to remember that being introverted is neither good nor bad in the ultimate scheme of things. It is just a feature of your personality. This can be hard to remember when things can seem so much easier for your extroverted acquaintances, but giving yourself grace to be who you are is important.
Recognize your own boundaries (and share them as appropriate): Sometimes it can seem as though the world is constantly encouraging you to “put yourself out there” or “unlock your inner extrovert” or what have you. By and large, this sort of advice ranges from unhelpful to condescending. Recognizing your own boundaries is a great step toward feeling more comfortable in more situations. And being prepared to state those boundaries—kindly and calmly—when necessary is a wonderful strategy. Sometimes a simple statement like, “I’m enjoying listening to the conversation,” can be enough to establish your preferences.
Prepare in advance: While an introvert may occasionally dream of a world in which they are not drawn into conversations they are not eager to be part of, the fact is things seldom work out that way. Given that truth, it can be helpful to take a little time before a meeting or other event to plan out what you might say if you are asked to speak. You can’t plan for every eventuality, of course, but thinking things through in advance can be helpful.
The Introvert’s Joy: Finding Your People
Just because a person is not a big fan of big groups and cycles of small talk, that doesn’t mean they don’t value—and find benefit from having—close friendships. And given that supportive friendships support the foundations of your ongoing sobriety, we encourage even the most introverted of our readers to seek out those people in your life who make you feel valued and loved. Those relationships will always serve you well—in your recovery and in your life in general.
Whether You Are Introverted or Extroverted, We Can Help You Get Sober
Here’s a bit of bad news: Substance use disorders don’t care whether you are introverted or extroverted.
And here’s a bit of good news: You can get and stay sober regardless of whether you are introverted or extroverted. The key is getting the treatment you need.
At French Creek Recovery Center—located in Meadville, Pennsylvania—we provide personalized treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our commitment to individualized approaches to treatment recognizes that no two individuals have identical needs.
Our medically supervised detox program ensures you can get sober in a safe environment that is free of temptations. Our rehabilitation program provides strategies and resources for maintaining your sobriety over time and addresses those co-occurring mental health disorders. And our commitment to providing a continuum of care ensures that you can start your recovery journey with confidence.