Support groups might seem stereotypical, but they work. It’s hard to recover from addiction without one. Addicts who visit groups are more likely to stay sober and less likely to relapse.
Finding the right group can be difficult. You might live in an area that doesn’t have a group. It might be up to you to start a group.
Here are some of the many benefits of sobriety groups.
- Success
Sobriety is not an easy thing to achieve.
It’s even more difficult to stay sober. It’s a lifelong process. When seeking treatment, you should look at a program’s success rate.
Sadly, most programs don’t have very high success rates. Relapse rates are extremely high. However, they are relatively high when compared with addicts who choose not to receive treatment.
There are some people who can achieve sobriety on their own. But this is a long and difficult journey. And there’s no reason to do things alone.
Doing things the hard way isn’t necessarily a sign of strength. If you really want to get better, you should choose the most successful path.
No matter what path you choose, it isn’t going to be an easy journey.
- Professionalism
There are different types of sobriety groups.
It can be great to be in a group with your best friends if you’re all trying to get sober. But it can also be good to have an outside perspective.
When forming a group, seek help from a professional. Check with a professional treatment center like this one and ask for recommendations. And you really should consider a treatment program.
Addicts who undergo professional treatment are more likely to recover. Treatment programs are also a good way to find support groups.
You will probably go through group therapy during your treatment. Throughout the treatment, you might find the group isn’t right for you.
Or you might move away after treatment and need to find a new group. Either way, a treatment program will give you the tools you need to start one.
Starting a group without professional help could be harmful. Even if you are a mental health professional, you can’t be objective about your own health. It’s best to have an outside opinion.
You also shouldn’t bear the burden of other people’s recovery alone. There are people whose job it is to help.
- Community
One of the main benefits of a support group is the community.
Everyone needs someone they can talk to. And not everyone has friends and family. That’s when a support group comes in handy.
And even those who have family might not be able to rely on them. It’s also healthy to have people outside of your family that you can talk to.
You’ll want to talk about the problems within your family. You need a safe space in which your loved ones won’t get hurt by what you say.
A support group also gives you the opportunity to learn from recovered addicts. Only an addict can really understand what you’re going through. They can really take the time to listen to you.
Your fellow support group members can share their journey to recover. This can help you find tools and coping methods.
- New Hobbies
Your lifestyle will change when you become sober.
You’ll have to find different things to do with your time. Your social groups and activities will also change.
Group members can help you find new hobbies like some of the ones on this list. Maybe you can even find someone to practice your hobbies with.
You might find friends whom you can meet outside of your support group. They could be friends that you’ll have for the rest of your life.
Share these new hobbies and activities with your existing friends and with your family. You’ll need sober activities to do with them.
- Passing it On
It’s good to pass on your success story.
You didn’t go through this journey alone. Think about how difficult things would have been without your support group.
Once you’re sober, you can help other addicts recover. Of course, you should only do this once you’re stable enough.
There’s no way that you can help other people unless you’ve already helped yourself. That’s something you should never forget.
Don’t be afraid to share your story with family and friends. They will appreciate your honesty.
It’s a story you can tell for the rest of your life.
Conclusion
Starting a support group might seem silly, but it just might save your life.
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