Some aspects of addiction recovery are tough to swallow at first and one of the most troubling aspects for many people is group therapy. Discussing your problems, many of which you feel ashamed and embarrassed of, with a group of strangers doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? You’ll soon find that group therapy is one of the most productive aspects of recovery though and you’ll look forward to every session.
Building a Support System
The support of others is an invaluable component of recovery. Your self-esteem is shot from your addiction. You need your own cheering section, and you’ll find one in group therapy. The people there want to see you succeed and they’ll do everything they can to help you do so. The best part is they’ll be able to lend all of this support judgment-free, because they understand what you’re going through.
Gaining New Perspective
Hearing the stories of what other people have gone through because of addiction will put a whole new spin on things for you. Gratitude, motivation, and hope will all become available to you as you see people who have been where you have been making progress. You’ll also see people in group therapy who haven’t progressed as far as you have yet and you’ll be able to realize how much healing you’ve already undergone. New ideas, fuel for goals, and understanding are all part of the perspective you’ll gain in group therapy.
Experimenting With Social Behaviors
The isolation of addiction and co-occurring disorders can leave you a little rusty in the social department. Learning how to respond to social situations is something you’ll work on throughout your recovery program. The group is a safe place to begin working on these skills because everyone else there is working on them too. If you’re worried that you’re a little weird at first, don’t worry. So are we! You’ll feel so much better as you try out new social skills, break through the isolation of addiction, and find your niche.
Groups are Part of Life
Whether you want to participate in a group or not, eventually you’re going to have to do so. Family groups, co-workers, and other social gatherings are part of life, and there’s no way to be a fruitful person and still avoid them. Your addiction therapy group will help you to ease back into these types of situations. You can think of the group as a baby step before returning to your normal life, where connecting with a group will be expected and necessary.
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