No matter what stage you are in your recovery, you may have questions associated with aftercare and what to do after completing treatment. You may have even been out of treatment for some time. However, after leaving treatment, you may find yourself “missing” something.
Connections are a vital part of recovery in and out of treatment. Within treatment, you may have formed connections and relationships within your groups. You have shared laughter, stories of survival, hope, and connection.
After leaving treatment, you may have questions and desire to explore your options. As you form new connections in recovery, you may feel like something is lacking. The missing link could be participating in support groups.
The Importance of Support Groups
A frequent misconception is that you will have everything figured out after completing treatment. The reality is that you do not have to have your life planned out. Recovery is not a straight road; there will be ups and downs, and some days will seem more challenging than others.
The process of recovery is based on social networks and maintaining supportive connections. Support groups can provide accountability, connectivity, and a supportive network outside of treatment. Understanding the different types of support groups available to you can help you find a group that benefits your recovery.
Different Types of Support Groups
There are various types of support groups you can participate in after treatment. Support is not one-size-fits-all. While some people may find specific support groups helpful, you may not. The beauty of aftercare is you get to decide what will continue to benefit your recovery after leaving treatment.
Skills Development Groups
Have you ever thought about trying a new skill? Maybe you heard of or even practiced yoga in treatment. You might have found yourself enjoying the comfort and relaxation of meditation, or perhaps you are interested in learning how to cook. Maybe you have thought about interior design or foraging for food.
Why not practice what you enjoy within a skills development group? Skills development groups focus on a specific skill in which all participants are interested. Skills development groups can be focused on yoga, meditation, kickboxing, art, breathwork, crafts, and more.
12-Step Groups
12-Step groups are peer support groups. Within these groups, other people in recovery can help you find freedom from addiction. These support groups are based on the Twelve Steps; members find sponsors who help them work through the steps. All 12-Step groups are self-supporting and peer-led.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the original 12-Step program. However, 12-Step groups have expanded to include fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and more.
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups are much like 12-Step programs but are not based on the Twelve Steps. Different peer support groups have been created to help people find peers in recovery who relate to them. For example, the peer support group Celebrate Recovery was created to help those who wish to find recovery through Christianity.
Other peer support group options include:
- SMART Recovery
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
- Women for Sobriety (WFS)
Psychoeducational Groups
This specific type of group is intended to be structured and contain group-specific content. For example, a psychoeducational group may focus on stress management within recovery — this particular type of group targets skill development, strengths, and present mindset. The intention of psychoeducational groups is to provide a new set of skills to overcome challenges you may face in recovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Groups
Cognitive-behavioral groups are based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). They focus on changing how you think, which results in changing what you do. This kind of group has a specific goal within the process. Research has proven CBT can be beneficial in identifying the thought process to recognize potential cravings and managing your thought processes with specific coping skills that can overcome your negative thoughts.
Cognitive-behavioral groups can focus on various topics and can be combined with other types of therapy. For example, research reports art therapy within a cognitive behavioral group is highly effective in recovery.
Interpersonal Process Groups
This type of group allows group members to process their journey on their own terms. The topic can be any topic that affects interpersonal relationships, such as forgiveness, communication, and honesty.
Interpersonal process groups create a safe environment to connect and receive support about a topic that can impact your recovery. These groups discuss the interactions between people to engage in change within their lives.
Alumni Support Groups
This type of group was created to provide support and connection after you complete treatment. At The Guest House, our team members are available for your support needs. We believe in your treatment, and as each person is different, we know that each recovery journey is different.
Our alumni program offers ways for you to connect and participate in an array of activities, some of which include:
- Alumni and group meetings
- Recovery-oriented events
- Relapse prevention support
You are free to participate as much or as little as you want. Within an alumni support group, you are appreciated for being you and greeted with compassion and open arms.
Between staff and other clients, treatment is filled with 24/7 support. After leaving treatment, you may feel like something is missing, which may be support from other people. Finding a support group that resonates with you and your goals in recovery can help you fill that gap. There are many options available for support groups, including skills development groups, peer support groups, cognitive-behavioral groups, and more. At The Guest House, we offer alumni support groups to those who have been through treatment with us. Trying to recover alone can be challenging, which is why we provide a safe space to have support from other people who have been where you are. We have created a fellowship of staff and peers alike who care about your well-being and recovery goals. If you are struggling in recovery after treatment, The Guest House is here to help. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.