Many of us who come to rehab will have relied on alcohol or drugs to help us deal with social interactions. It may even have been discomfort around other people that made these substances so attractive to us in the first place. Intoxication doesn’t improve our social skills so much as reduces our inhibition. This can mean we haven’t necessarily developed the skills we need to enjoy smooth social interaction. One of the nice benefits of team sports is it allows us to develop these skills.

To perform well in a team, you must be able to cooperate with other people. It sometimes means putting the needs of the team above our own personal preferences. This willingness to ‘give and take’ is important in all relationships, so it is something that can greatly benefit our lives going forward.

Being part of a team affects our mental state, and there can be a sense of real joy and connection when we share a common purpose with others. This is one of the reasons fans people can be so enthusiastic about going to support a football team. One of the saddest things about addiction is it often leaves us feeling lost and alone, but the experience of being part of a group shows us we don’t have to feel this way.

We can find it easier to stretch ourselves beyond our self-limiting beliefs when we are working as part of a team. You may find you can achieve things way beyond what you imagined previously. Working with others introduces you to new skills that may play an important role in your future life.