Dallas Bragg found his recovery community in a North Carolina yurt and learned what makes a tribe actually work for staying off crystal meth. Look for people who see who you're becoming, not who you were; who won't shame a relapse; who talk about your future instead of the drug; who trust your methods; and who leave you feeling better, not drained.
I found my recovery tribe deep in the woods of North Carolina, sitting around a yurt. And we weren't talking about addiction. We weren't talking about crystal meth. We were talking about self-healing, growth, and love. Finding your tribe is essential to creating a new life without crystal meth. So here are 5 high-level traits to look for when you're finding your tribe that go way beyond just choosing people in recovery. Number 1, people who witness your transformation without holding you in the past. If you are around people who continually remind you of who you used to be, distance yourself immediately. Number 2, people who hold space for relapse. If you are around people who shame you or catastrophize your use because you relapsed, that's a sign that you are in the wrong group. Number 3, people who are future-oriented. Look, not all conversation has to be around meth use. Find people who talk about your future self. Have conversations that look forward instead of constant reminders of using meth. Number 4, people who encourage empowerment. If those around you discourage you from listening to your gut when it comes to recovery tactics and methods, who try to tell you that you have to do this and you have to do that, you are— they are inhibiting your growth. Number 5, you feel better in their presence. If you leave someone or your recovery group feeling weighted down or depleted, they are sucking your energy, not filling your cup.
