The concept of a “support group” is widely used in all different situations. These gatherings play an important role for the sharing of ideas and understanding new perspectives. Let’s take a closer look at what support group represents. A support group can be defined as “a group of people with a common experiences and/or concerns, that provide emotional and moral support for one another.”
Since alcohol and drug addiction has been recognized as an illness, support groups have become an inevitable part of recovery. Addiction recovery support gatherings are typically small voluntarily communities of people who are united by a common and strong determination to overcome their addictions. The most well-known examples of such groups are AA, NA, 12-Step Meetings, and various others.
Participation in such groups is strongly advised either especially in early sobriety or throughout the whole recovery process. Here are a few examples of why such groups are simply great to have as a part of your recovery:
1. Emotional Support
Addiction recovery support groups provide a vital opportunity for recovering addicts to have a non-judgmental surrounding to share their feelings, emotions or doubts with others in recovery with no fear of being misunderstood or rejected. Moreover, it becomes possible to discuss challenging life situations with people who have gone through similar hardships. At times, just voicing your difficulties out to someone who understands and can relate to them can be enough to avoid a crisis.
2. Inspiration
A great deal of motivation and inspiration in recovery may come from hearing stories of successful short or long-term recovery. The stories of people who are in recovery are helpful to hear. Whether it’s how they have been successful, or how they have struggled and made amends to the people they have hurt by using. Very often, you need to see such living examples of success, and live through their experiences while listening to their stories in order to be reminded that you have it in you to succeed as well.
3. Understanding of Not Being Alone in Recovery
Addiction recovery support groups seem to be a great loneliness management tool for those struggling to sober up. They give recovering addicts a chance to connect with others who are dealing with similar issues. The main benefit is the ability to relate, sympathize and offer advice from real-life experience. Showing up regularly for a meeting can help in dealing with the feelings of loneliness, frustration, or fear. Importance and value of support communities stands in the presence of like-minded individuals who understand and support you.
4. Information\Experience Sharing
Support groups can provide recovering individuals with a great deal of practical experiences and recovery management techniques which have been successfully attempted by the fellow group members on their road to Specific groups exist that concentrate their attention on learning and practicing various specific coping skills. Also, different support communities can suggest books and websites which may come in handy. Another possibility that such groups can provide is recovery sponsorship – any group member may agree to be your sponsor and help you successfully recover.
5. Helping others
Not only can recovery groups be helpful for you, but also you can help other group members too. Sharing your own story, your successes and struggles, your fears and hopes, and the tools that help can give others ideas and inspiration for their own recovery. You will also notice you feel better and more confident if you are able to help someone else.
