Support groups, especially in the recovery space, can be an invaluable tool to help promote your well-being. One skill you might consider using is a peer group in which you can experience the benefits of being around like-minded individuals.
Support groups provide a number of benefits, as seen below. If you’re considering a support group to embellish your life, consider the following.
1. Support
The support that can be found in a support group cannot be replaced. As the name states, the support that peers provide is an excellent tool to make you feel less alone and creates a community of people on a similar journey. For those struggling to find their footing on their sobriety journey, support is essential for success.
2. Encourages Sobriety
When you’re surrounded by people who have the same goal and meetings structured around sobriety, the support group, of course, promotes sobriety.
Even if every other factor in day-to-day life works against the goal of sobriety, you can look forward to that set-in-stone meeting for a bump in encouragement.
Remember, though, that support groups are not the end-all-be-all to recovery. They can, however, work in conjunction with proper treatment.
3. Relatability
For those who are going through something, the ability to relate to someone is groundbreaking. It can make you feel more normal and less alone, which all feel good in the end. While your everyday life, including work, school, or home life, may have a few relatable factors for your journey, a support group is full of people who understand what you’re going through on the most fundamental level.
4. New Coping Mechanisms
Being around people who are going through the same thing can help you to learn. Among the many things you’ll learn, you’re likely to find new ways to cope on your sobriety journey.
Sure, anyone could look up advice online, but there is nothing quite as impactful as hearing first-hand accounts from people you relate to. You may find a solution for a problem you never considered before or even be able to recommend something to someone that you care about to help improve their life.
5. Safe Space for Discussing
People in everyday life may not care to hear about your addiction and the ins and outs of recovery. However, you can expect that your support group will encourage and even understand everything you’re feeling in recovery.
It comes down to the simple reality that they’ve been through it too. The support group can help you feel comfortable enough to share even the worst parts of recovery – the parts that your family would be disappointed to hear or the one’s you’re embarrassed to tell even your best friend.
6. Inspiration from Peers
If someone who has been successful with their recovery is present at the support groups, you may find it inspirational to have them nearby. They can explain what has worked and what has not, providing endless inspiration for people, especially at the beginning of their journey.
Knowing that sobriety is possible and attained by those you’re surrounding yourself with is a great boost for your own motivation. Recovery is daunting, no matter who you are. With the help of a “veteran.” the goal you’re endlessly working toward seems more attainable and may help you push toward it.
7. Warnings
Similar to others in a support group providing inspiration is their ability to warn others about any potential problems. As someone who has been successful, they can act as a big brother or sister who can guide others through their own recovery journeys.
Additionally, if there is one particular area you’re struggling with, support groups can offer up their guidance on the particular issue. You may learn tips and tricks for avoiding triggers or other problems that encourage you to relapse.
8. Friendships
Sober friendships are a gift. They allow you to plan with and befriend people with the same goals as you. This means excursions without the temptation or pressure to drink.
It means someone who you can speak with candidly but still enjoy yourself. Just because you’re going through recovery doesn’t mean you need to ditch all of your old friends. However, having some sober alternatives to keep you entertained but focused on the things that matter is key to success.
Try setting up some exciting sober activities to try today based on your collective interest and goals.
Conclusion
Support groups provide endless benefits to all those involved. Whether you’re newly looking for help to recover or you’ve been on your sobriety journey for years, there are support and benefits to having in a support group. Whether you’re looking for virtual or in-person, find the community you need for success today.