Dallas Bragg argues that recovery communities aren't just crisis hotlines but sacred spaces where people witness each other's transformation. A real support group validates without judgment, lets you shed old identities, and cuts out anyone who imposes shoulds or creates obligations.
So forget everything you think or what you think you know about support groups and support systems. This isn't about having people to call when you feel triggered and having a list of numbers. This is about creating a sacred container to allow you to transform. Your recovery community isn't just a group of people who understand your past. They are witnesses to your rebirth. They allow you to evolve. They never hold you To a past version of yourself. They forget who you were even yesterday and allow you to evolve and grow. They validate your experience. They never were— use the word should. You should do that, or you shouldn't do this. They never make you feel obligated. If anyone in your current support network consistently violates any of that that I just said, consider cutting the ties from them immediately. It's not worth it.
