Recovery from substance or alcohol addiction is a journey best traveled with support. Being able to lean on others who have been in your shoes lays the foundation for long-term sobriety. Professional treatment like therapy, counseling, group sessions, medical support, and other such methods are incredibly helpful, and are integral parts of recovery. Yet nothing can pave the pathway to lasting change like the non-judgmental support and understanding of someone who has walked the same path.
Groups for Sobriety Near Me
The powerful concept behind peer support recovery groups like AA and NA is to utilize others who are further along on their journey to recovery to facilitate emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth for newly healing individuals. What are the many advantages of including peer support groups in your recovery plan?
Personalized Guidance for Recovery from Substance Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
Perhaps the greatest advantage of peer support groups is gaining the help and guidance from someone who has already been through your situation and come out on the other side. While sobriety is an ongoing journey, every day that you choose to abstain is a victory. Having personalized guidance from another person who has long-term sobriety under their belt gives you a detailed look into what it takes to do so. A peer mentor can help you understand what you will likely face; the challenges, the triggers, and share methods that were successful for them. Additionally, when you falter or are struggling, you have someone to meet with who can provide support in a judgmental and empathetic manner. After all, they have likely been there before and know what helped them get through it. Every situation is unique and this may not be your perfect solution, but a peer mentor will help you work through the difficulty and find the methods that do work for you.
Role Modeling by a Sober Peer
A peer mentor can show you methods of how recovery principles can be applied to everyday life. They can show you on a personal level how decision-making has made a difference in their life. When you’re feeling discouraged or like you’ll never make it, a role model peer mentor can help you regain your hopefulness and encourage you to succeed.
Connection During Recovery
Another positive advantage that working with a peer group in recovery can help is to gain a sense of belonging and shared identity. Substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder thrive in isolation. Having a group of people who share their struggles, fears, and successes, and who encourage you to do the same can help reduce feelings of loneliness. It also can assist you as you work through shame in a safe space where you can be heard and seen.
Accountability and Consistency in Sobriety
One of the most important aspects of a continued recovery is to remain consistent in your approach and to have accountability to someone other than yourself. A support group will help hold accountable and help establish routines that enable consistency in your daily life. This anchors you to your sobriety plan and helps you apply practical coping skills to remain on the path to sobriety.
Where to Find Treatment for Addiction Near Me
If you are already on the pathway to healing, congratulations! You’ve taken a giant first step toward long-term sobriety. Now is the ideal time to find a peer support who will assist you in your recovery and provide a caring, compassionate group of individuals who have been in the same situation. If you are just beginning to believe that you are a loved one have an issue with substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, take the free, 100% online, SBIRT assessment. This will help you determine nearby treatment centers that are ideal for your specific needs. Recovery starts with acknowledging that there is a problem and SBIRT can help. Click today to learn more!