By Joining an addiction support group, regardless of the type of group, means more than just attending the meetings, drinking coffee, and listening to the stories of others. The addiction support recovery group brings together people who are going through the same ordeal, and that is a powerful thing to share your views and experiences with the people facing the same circumstances. Here are some ways to make the most of your addiction support group to help yourself and others.
Participate in the Addiction Support Group
An addiction support recovery group is not a passive gathering. The healing benefits come from the participation of all members supporting each other. It is perfectly understandable to remain quiet initially. It is important for you to be comfortable with the group before you really get involved. Eventually, it is important that you do. Be ready to share your experiences and to get to know your peers, both for your own recovery and to help those around you in the group.
Always Be Honest
It will not be easy to open up and share your personal and often shameful experiences with others. You can help others, though, by being totally honest. Don’t gloss over your most difficult times. Being open and being honest will help you find release from your shame and self-loathing and will help others understand that they are not the only ones going through this.
Listen to Others
As you are opening up and being honest with your addiction support recovery group members, you need to make sure that you are also listening to their stories. Listening will help you feel better and will also show your addiction support group members that you are there for them, supporting their recovery.
Work with Your Sponsor
A sponsor is a mentor who has been clean for a long period of time. This person acts as a role model for you and a personal, one-on-one support network. You can call on your sponsor when you are feeling weak and like you might relapse.
Become a Sponsor
When you have been a sober person for a long enough period of time to qualify, pay it forward by being a sponsor for a new addiction support group member. Your support and your experiences can help an individual the way you were helped by your sponsor.
Develop Relationships with All Members
Perhaps most importantly, you are supposed to use your addiction support recovery group to develop healthy relationships. One of the biggest mistakes people in recovery make is going back to old friends with bad habits. Spend time with people who will support your sobriety. Beyond your sponsor, make new friends and develop lasting and supportive relationships.
An addiction support recovery group is what you make of it. If you are a good member, willing to be open and honest, a good listener who supports other fellow addicts, you will get a lot out of your addiction support group, including a healthy new lifestyle, which will be free from addiction.
