Because many people—perhaps you yourself—feel trepidation about group therapy for one reason or another, we have been writing a short series that explores some of the real benefits of participating for those in recovery from a substance use disorder.
In the first post in the series, we considered the ways in which group therapy provides access to shared wisdom and experience. We wrote, in part:
A key part of group therapy is the sharing of personal stories—and that sharing can have a powerful impact on those who hear them. In a group therapy session, all of the participants have had similar experiences and are facing similar challenges. As stories are shared, each individual is reminded that they are not alone in their struggles.
In the second entry in the series, we explored how participating in group therapy can help improve your communication skills—skills that will serve you well in other aspects of life and recovery. Here is a snippet from that post:
The ability to express your thoughts, emotions, and challenges clearly and honestly can make it easier for others to offer meaningful help when you need it—and for you to offer that kind of help in return. And practicing that skill is often at the heart of group therapy sessions.
In this post, the last in the series, we want to look at the ways in which group therapy can help you forge strong and lasting connections with others—and why those connections are important.
Less Loneliness, More Accountability
Loneliness does not serve you well in recovery. When you are feeling alone, you are more likely to replay mistakes from your past or to worry about the future. Letting your mind spend too much time in the past or the future can start to undermine the foundations of your recovery. Even without succumbing to wandering thoughts that do not serve you well, you might find the experience of loneliness itself is enough to get you thinking about drugs or alcohol again.
The antidote to loneliness, of course, is spending time with your supportive friends and family members—and, we would argue, forging connections in group therapy sessions. As we have noted in this series, group therapy provides an ongoing reminder that you are not alone in your struggles. It is also important to note that friendships can be forged in group therapy that extend beyond the therapeutic setting—and those friendships can be particularly supportive.
These strong connections also provide a shared sense of accountability to one another. Every person in a group therapy community is rooting for every other person to find success in recovery. That means everyone is invested in a shared goal. That can be a powerful motivator—one that can help you through difficult moments in your recovery journey. If you are dedicated to your “team”—that is, to the other people in your group therapy sessions—you are likely to double down on your dedication to your own recovery.
When you see others make it through hard challenges in recovery, you are likely to feel a surge of motivation. And when you make it through a challenging moment, you are likely to inspire others in your group. Together, you and your group therapy peers can face adversity and celebrate successes together. (We should note here that this sort of mutually beneficial team spirit can also arise in recovery meetings—which is one of the many reasons regular attendance at such meetings is a good idea for a person in recovery.)
We Hope This Group of Posts Inspires You
We noted above that not everyone is jazzed about group therapy. We get it, but we also hope this series has given you a lot to think about if you are feeling ambivalent about this approach to therapy. The advantages, as we have detailed, are plentiful and can meaningfully impact your efforts to leave drugs or alcohol in the past. You might feel uncomfortable or nervous at first, but over time, you will likely start to experience the positives we have been writing about—and you will no doubt be helping others in the group experience those positives as well.
We Are a Group of Experienced Professional Who Can Help
We have talked at length about the benefits of spending time in a group therapy setting. The group itself is a huge part of why the therapy is effective. We would argue that the notion is true at Bel View Recovery Center, too. Our team of highly trained, experienced, and empathetic professionals works together to ensure that each person we serve receives evidence-based, personalized care.
Located near Wichita, Kansas, Bel Aire Recovery Center is ready and able to support your efforts to transform your life for the better by leaving the substances that have upended your life behind. You should not try to stare down drugs or alcohol on your own. Bel Aire is staffed by a group of people who are dedicated to your wellness and recovery.
