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When you are suffering from addiction one of the biggest benefits is to ensure that you have a good support network around. Your support network could be your friends, family and loved ones or if for whatever reason they aren’t available, or you need extra support from others who are going through a similar situation to you, group therapy may be the answer.

The idea of participating in group therapy might seem intimidating but it is not as bad as it seems with many participants are often surprised by how rewarding their experience can be.

Groups generally meet once or twice a week for 60-90 minutes. How much people want to reveal about themselves is very individual, but there’s security in knowing that what’s said in the group, stays in group. These groups tend to consist of 2 to 12 participants and are led by one or more group facilitators to ensure you get the best guidance in the recovery process.

What benefits can you get from group therapy while you are going through addiction therapy?

Support

Hearing from others with similar issues helps you see that you’re not alone in having challenges, whether you’re grappling with panic attacks, depression, or another mental health issue. Many people experience a sense of relief.

This is where group therapy can be far better than simply talking with your loved ones as other members of the group have experienced similar situations to what you may be going through. This support can be an incredible benefit to your recovery process.

In addition, the therapists that are in attendance of the group meetings will give you an insight into your mind and thought process. This perspective into your own mind can be a helpful addition to your recovery process.

Sounding Board

These groups provide a perfect way to share real-life situations you may be experiencing. If for example, you talk about a fight you had with your partner, group members may see things in the way you present it that you don’t.

Hearing from other people about how you come across can be very powerful. You get a wider range of perspectives on your situation, and that can help you deal with your problems better. This sharing of situations can be invaluable during your recovery process.

Additionally, you may find that a situation someone else is having may be similar to yours. Hearing how they are dealing with it and the advice they are given to solve their problem may work for you as well.

Propel You Forward

These groups can ensure you carry on moving forward in your recovery process. Hearing how other members successfully overcame their fear of flying or how they confronted a family member over drug abuse can be very encouraging. Patients often push themselves harder when they see what others are doing.

Seeing others succeed in a situation similar to your own will give you a mindset of “If they can do it, why can’t I?” This is a mindset that will continue to push you forward past your addiction recovery and onward through anything you do in life. Whether it be in your career, your social life or your love life.

Social Skills

Groups not only help to ease that sense of isolation but also give the opportunity to practice re-engaging with people. By participating in a group, you see that you can get along with others.

When you are in a group of people who have had a similar life to yourself, you may find you have other similarities. Building up a social circle is incredibly important when putting your life back together after suffering from drug addiction.

However, bear in mind where you have met these people, if they being to fall back into bad habits they may influence you to do the same. This is something you must be able to recognize in somebody to distance yourself and protect your recovery.

Thanks to the social practice you will experience in the group, once your treatment is finished you will have a far easier time in creating social connections outside of the group. This will lead to more friends and a potential partner down the line who will support you in life.

Learn About Yourself

Every person in the group holds up a mirror and you get to see yourself through their eyes. It’s a way of uncovering the blind spots that may be blocking your ability to overcome your issues.

Knowing your limitations and triggers will ensure you know if you are going to relapse and situations to avoid so you don’t find yourself in situations that could tempt you back into bad habits.

Furthermore, knowing yourself will help you through all aspects of life. Knowing what you can do and what situations affect you, you can ensure you stay in environments that will keep you happy, healthy, and on a path to lasting recovery.

After reading this article, the hope is that you will now see the benefits of group therapy.

Remember talking to your friends and family is a big help but if you also add group therapy into the mix you will have a much better chance of staying healthy and sober.

To get the best out of group therapy you should try to take a pledge. Each group should have participants sign a contract that spells out what’s expected of them. Knowing this can help you overcome any fears about participating.

Additionally, if you participate you can get more out of it. You might have days when you don’t feel like talking, and that’s fine, but the more you contribute, the more you’ll find it will help you.

Finally, try to share. Your experiences might be meaningful to someone else, and you’ll find that helping others helps you, too.