It is not unusual for someone who has suffered a traumatic experience to struggle with addiction. Trauma can lead to alcoholism or drug abuse, particularly trauma that stems from childhood. Further, trauma causes long-term adverse effects on people unless it is treated.
Peer Support
Peer support can play a positive role in trauma-informed and substance abuse treatment; it is beneficial to everyone. A peer is someone who has shared some life experiences and strengths with others struggling that allow them to support each other in their healing and growth. What role does peer support play in recovery? It provides spaces that promote:
- No judgment
- Empathy
- Respect
- Honest, supportive communication
- Responsibility for each other
- Sharing power
- Holding space
Peer support works because people share experiences and friendships, and they can examine their experiences in a safe, supportive environment. The benefits of shared peer experience are:
- Creates a need to share and reach out to peers experiencing similar mental health challenges
- The shared experience of feeling negative thoughts and emotions
- The mutual need to be real in the experience without judgment
- Being honest with peers about needs, feelings, and wants
Peers Share Similar Perspectives
Being among others who share experiences forms a sense of camaraderie. These shared experiences can shape this community to share certain perspectives. Such views might include:
- Trust issues
- Viewing the world as an unsafe place
- Negative self-talk or blaming themselves when bad things happen
- Assuming nobody likes them
- Fear and negative attitudes about the future
- Hopelessness
- Lacking control over anything
- Lacking in trust
Helping Peers Can Help You
Attending peer support groups to manage an individual’s trauma provides a safe environment for sharing their own experiences. It is a space to learn and explore ideas and possibilities surrounding the recovery journey.
Peer support recognizes that people want someone to hear them and see them as they authentically are. Peer support also combats isolation and the negative perceptions or expectations that can creep into recovery. Additional reasons why helping peers can help include:
- Increasing friendship and connection
- Shared information
- Shared advice
- Empowerment
- Positive Role Models
- Coping Skills
- Hope
At The Guest House, we understand that peer support groups focused on trauma can help you shift your outlook on trauma. Being among others that have been through what you have can provide a healing and informative space. Our programs will help you establish healthy relationships with your peers so that together you can continue growth in recovery. The journey is long, and you do not need to go it alone. To learn more about our programs, call us today at (855) 483-7800.