In the United States, many people believe that “rugged individualism” is (or should be) a defining characteristic of American society. The notion that most people can build a successful life on their own if they work hard and don’t rely on others (including the government) to help them has a long history, and the influence of the idea in the U.S. has waxed and waned for a long, long time.
Some people struggling with a substance use disorder think this idea of making it on your own should apply to returning to a life free from drugs or alcohol. This can lead to a decision (a bad decision, as we argue in this post) to avoid seeking out treatment.
Even for those who do pursue treatment, a part of the process—group therapy during rehabilitation—can be off-putting to those who want to stand on their own two feet without sharing their struggles with others. (We should note that some people struggle with group therapy not because they are believers in rugged individualism but because they are introverts—a topic we cover here.)
Over the course of three blogs, however, we are going to make the case that group therapy has a whole range of benefits for a person in recovery—benefits that can provide a firmer foundation for your recovery efforts. In this post, our focus is on the ways in which group therapy gives you access to—and lets you contribute to—collective wisdom and experience.
The Benefits of Collective Wisdom and Experience
When you hear the stories of others during group therapy, you might find that you experience a wonderful feeling of relief as the idea that you are not alone in your struggles is consistently reinforced.
In fact, one of the most powerful things about group therapy is that it gathers together a body of people who have all had similar experiences and who have all faced—and continue to face—similar challenges. As a result, conversations in group therapy start from a point of common understanding, and from that point, the specific experiences and challenges of others can provide insight into your own journey.
As you listen to others in the group describe how they have faced down various challenges—intense cravings, for example, or a sense of nostalgia for their days of substance use—you may very well learn new strategies and skills for dealing with similar challenges that arise on your own journey. Through group discussion, these strategies and skills can be honed, and you may find that you consistently acquire new tools for your recovery toolkit.
This sort of collective learning and idea generation is, generally speaking, not available in other settings. The unique nature of group therapy for those committed to overcoming a substance use disorder is found in the fact that everyone comes to the process from a similar spot in their lives.
We want to emphasize here that you have a role to play in group therapy. Just as you can learn from others, others can learn from you. You may think that you have very little to offer—especially when you first participate in group therapy—but the fact is that your voice is as important as every other voice in the room.
That said, don’t worry too much if you do not feel ready to fully share your story or to participate robustly in group conversation in the early going. But do make a promise to yourself that you will try to contribute during your group therapy sessions over time. After all, the premise that shared knowledge leads to shared growth depends on the participation of everyone.
We’ll Share More Benefits of Group Therapy in Future Posts
We are just getting started when it comes to considering the benefits of group therapy. In future entries, we will consider the ways in which group therapy can help you become a better communicator—a skill that can serve you well in many situations—and how real connections can be forged in the group therapy setting.
Let’s Get Your Recovery Journey Underway
At The Aviary Recovery Center, located near St. Louis, Missouri, we help individuals reclaim their lives from drugs or alcohol. We offer medically supervised detoxification followed by a rehabilitation program centered on individual and—yes—group therapy. And we provide ongoing support and resources after your time in treatment comes to an end.
The Aviary is consistently recognized as one of the top substance use disorder treatment facilities in the country. We have built this reputation by relying on evidence-based practices as we bring our experience, expertise, and empathy to every interaction we have with the people we serve.
You do not have to rely on rugged individualism in your battle against drugs or alcohol. The staff at The Aviary Recovery Center is ready and able to help you leave substances behind as you rebuild your life and your future. Together, we can get your recovery journey off to a strong start.
