Recovery from addiction can be a long and difficult journey. People suffering from addiction require proper understanding as well as consistent support.
And who can understand them other than the people who themselves are fighting this battle?
Support groups help people by guiding them to sobriety and not just that!
They also help people who already quit smoking, drinking, and use of illegal substances from relapsing. They keep the motivation up when things get rough.
1. Opportunity To Learn From Others
Without the fear of being judged, people share their experiences freely in a support group. They may share the reasons why they can’t quit or why they started in the first place or what’s stopping them from quitting it for good or even their triggers.
This exchange of experiences can result in understanding the addiction and its impact in a deeper way and people may find ways to come out of it when they hear themselves out loud.
2. Give a Sense of Control Over Life
People lost in the web of addiction often feel they are trapped in a loop where they’re powerless and helpless. Support groups help them be in charge of their own lives by filling them with confidence. The moment they give up on drugs or alcohol, they regain control of their lives.
3. A Sense of Community
Addiction can be an isolating experience and can even lead to depression. In such a case, support groups provide a sense of community. Individuals can connect with others who have gone through the same struggles and get the empathy they deserve.
Rehab centers like WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug rehab in Florida have group therapy and family therapy to give their patient a feeling of companionship. They have miraculously touched the lives of many addicts through this strong and supportive community.
4. Platform to Learn Effective Coping Strategies
Addressing underlying psychological and emotional issues is one of the crucial steps to be able to quit addiction permanently. Various therapeutic techniques are used in support group sessions to help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Patients can gradually control the urge, stress, triggers and cravings. Professional speakers or real-life experiences can further improve the coping skills of a patient.
5. Sense of Fulfillment
Patients make positive changes in their lives by meeting the commitments or the goal set by the groups. Participation of their fellow mates encourages them to perform better in the journey of quitting the addiction.
6. Relapse Prevention
According to The Guardian, people with addiction between 40% and 60% can relapse. There are chances of people falling in the trap of addiction again even after quitting it for a while. Support groups help prevent that from happening.
7. Last Long Friendships
Mayo Clinic suggests that a support group acts as a bridge between emotional and medical needs. They know how the other person is feeling and thus the level of understanding between the two is high.
8. Education and Resources
Many support groups educate the members during the meetings. The education can be in the form of literature or guest speakers. Some support groups may offer guest lectures from a guest doctor, nurse, psychologist or social worker to talk about a topic related to the group’s needs.
The main motive behind this is to provide the patients with valuable information on addiction and the strategies to overcome this. The knowledge empowers the person to make the right decision.
Conclusion
Reports show that around 3 million people die due to the harmful consequences of alcohol. To save all those who fear being judged and fight against the battle alone, support groups are the only hope.
Support groups create a family of all people who have little hope of living an addiction-free life. They help people develop a sense of belonging, gain valuable insights by communicating with professionals and non-professionals, and to develop coping skills. With such measures taken, there is still hope of an addiction free world.