In recent entries, we have been exploring the benefits of group therapy. In the first post in the series, we considered the ways in which group therapy gives you access to—and lets you contribute to—collective wisdom and experience. In the second entry, we wrote about the ways in which the group therapy setting can help you develop better communication skills.
In this post, we want to explore another benefit of group therapy—one that can make it easier to make good choices day after day in support of your recovery. That benefit? The forging of strong connections with others.
Indeed, the first two benefits we have explored lead naturally and logically to this third idea. After all, if you are sharing experiences with one another and honing your communication skills while you do it, you are creating an environment in which connection is not only possible but is almost inevitable. And those connections can help you ward off some of the situations and emotions that might otherwise chip away at the foundations of your recovery.
Let’s take a closer look at how group therapy fosters connection—and how those connections serve you well as you work to leave drugs or alcohol firmly in your past.
The Benefits of Forging Collections
In various posts over time (including, for example, this one), we have written about the ways in which loneliness can upend your recovery. When you find yourself feeling lonely, you are more likely to ruminate about the past—replaying your mistakes and wallowing in your regrets. You are also more likely to worry about the future. And even if you don’t find your mind wandering into unpleasant terrain, the fact of the matter is the experience of loneliness, in and of itself, can be a trigger that tempts you back toward drugs or alcohol.
Of course, an important way to combat loneliness is to spend time with supportive friends and family members. But group therapy can also play an important role in ensuring that you do not feel alone and lonely because of the similar experiences everyone in the group can relate to. It is also true that friendships can arise in group therapy that extend beyond the therapeutic setting. Those friendships grounded in shared experiences can be especially supportive and gratifying.
One of the reasons group therapy can lead to strong connections is that the practice fosters a sense of shared accountability. In other words, everyone in a group therapy is invested in everyone else’s success. That investment can also mean that you are always motivated to keep your recovery intact because ongoing recovery is the shared goal of the group. You can think of group therapy like a close-knit sports team or a group of passionate coworkers who are all pursuing the same exciting goal. Dedication to your team can translate into dedication to your recovery.
In addition—and in keeping with the idea that your group therapy peers are your “team”—seeing others make progress in their recovery can provide a big boost to your motivation. Seeing others overcome challenges can remind you that you can do so, too. A shared cycle of encouragement can boost the morale of each individual in the group—and of the group as a whole. That group dynamic can also help each individual set achievable goals and provide a space for celebrating small victories. When a team faces adversity and celebrates success together, everyone benefits and can remain focused on the shared objective of ongoing recovery. That sort of powerful connection is an undeniable benefit for those in recovery from a substance use disorder.
As an aside and speaking of teams, we love a good sports metaphor when writing about the recovery journey. You can find examples here and here.
We Are Ready to Forge a Connection With You
This series of blog posts has been about the importance of group therapy—and the ways in which being part of a group benefits an individual in recovery. But when you are in the grip of a substance use disorder, you may well feel disconnected from almost everyone. After all, as a substance use disorder upends your physical and mental health, it often also undermines your relationships. You might feel not only alone, but also unable to do anything at all to change your situation.
Fortunately, however, help is always available at The Aviary Recovery Center. Located near St. Louis, Missouri, The Aviary is regularly recognized as one of the top substance use treatment facilities in the country. Our highly trained and dedicated team has the experience and empathy necessary to help you leave drugs or alcohol behind. We understand that each individual’s story and needs are unique, so we work to connect with each person we serve so we can create a treatment plan specifically for them.
After detox and rehabilitation (including group therapy) come to an end, you can stay connected to The Aviary Recovery Center via our robust alumni program, designed to keep those we serve connected for mutual support and encouragement.
Ready to make a change? We are ready to help.
