People who seek rehab for substance use disorders often seek different treatment options when they are ready to go. They look at costs, maybe location, and options available such as holistic therapies. One of the things used across the board in rehab centers and recovery groups across the United States. It might feel intimidating to attend group therapy, but it is important to know why group therapy is important to healing in recovery from addiction. Here are some of the benefits.
Friendship and Camaraderie
Camaraderie is defined as ‘mutual trust and friendship’ which occurs among people who spend a lot of time together. Recovery groups meet weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, giving people ample opportunity to connect. Substance abuse happens when people become isolated, fearful, afraid of others, stigmatized, and because their brain and body have become tolerant of the substance. In recovery, they learn they are not alone. They share stories with others and find kinship. They also learn how to share with others and be vulnerable, but in that, they begin to feel heard and seen as authentic people with dreams, goals, and aspirations beyond addiction if they could only move into that healing space. Others are there to remind them it is possible and will happen in time.
Communication
People trapped in addiction stop reaching out to others. They may not share their troubles, talk about their issues, or vent frustrations. Simply being alone is not healing for them. They need to share with others what happened to them, why they need help, and what their struggles are right now. They begin to notice others have the same issues (or similar) and learn how to share the story broadly with others who understand.
Insight
When someone cannot see the challenges they brought to others and felt themselves, they can struggle for a long time with addiction. New insights can be gleaned from others who share their perspectives. New solutions are created, they learn to negotiate life’s challenges and find hope for better days ahead. They learn there is no need to feel alone when they are dealing with addiction.
The biggest thing group therapy provides is accountability. It is someone or a group of someone to bounce things off and learn that they are all in this life together. Mutual responsibility is key because group members learn to hold space for each other and their secrets. They learn to help one another through life’s challenges and reach out when they struggle. This helps when they feel alone on the journey of recovery. Group therapy is immensely helpful in many ways, which is why it is part of the experience of recovery.
The Guest House Ocala welcomes people who are struggling with addiction. We offer group therapy sessions at our facility so you can find healing in a space where others share their stories. Call us to find out how to get started: 1-855-483-7800