People in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can find a multitude of benefits of peer support groups. Most people recognize different role models and the importance they play in showing people what they can achieve. Peer support groups provide a similar function by providing role models in the form of peer supporters for people struggling with addiction and substance abuse disorders. The are amazing benefits of peer support groups — especially for helping you get and stay sober.
What Are Peer Support Groups?
Peer supporters are individuals who have recovered from addiction and faced many of the challenges you are facing right now. They are someone you can view as an equal since they have dealt with addiction themselves and have firsthand knowledge of what it is like to abuse drugs and alcohol. As part of peer support groups, their function is to share their knowledge and wisdom with others on how they regained control over their lives, hoping it will help them get to where they are today.
Benefits of Peer Support Groups
In addition to trying to help others achieve long-term success in sobriety, other benefits of peer support groups provide for people struggling with addiction include:
#1: You get to learn from people who have struggled with addiction themselves.
There will be people in your peer support group who are right where you are today. They had to face challenges to move forward to where they are today. This helps encourage you and reminds you it is possible to move forward.
#2: You will meet people who speak the same language.
The people in your peer support group will understand the different lingo associated with using and abuse substances. You will not have to take time out when sharing to explain what certain things mean. Everyone in the group will get it since they have lived through substance abuse as well.
#3: You have access to support whenever you need it.
Most peer support groups have different peer supporters who make themselves available throughout the day and night. As such, you have access to someone from your peer support group whenever you are struggling or just need someone to talk to 24/7.
#4: You are more open to sharing and communicating your experiences.
It can be hard to open up and trust others when they do not understand what you have been through. You can find a safe place in peer support groups with people who understand precisely what you have experienced. So, you are more like to be willing to share your story with the group.
#5: No one will judge you because you abused drugs or alcohol.
It does not matter what you say, what you have done to support your addiction, or how you acted when you were using. Your peers have been there too. They are not going to pass judgment on you because they have been through it, seen it firsthand, or have already heard it from someone else in the group. There is no reason to fear being judged when sharing with the group.
#6: Peer support groups provide inspiration and motivation.
It can be challenging to come to terms with your addiction and maintain your sobriety after completing an addiction treatment program. Joining a peer support group shows you that maintaining sobriety is possible. The stories of others in your group can be the inspiration and motivation you need to continue to work on your sobriety to reach where they are today.
#7: Peer support groups help you form long-lasting friendships.
Many of the peers in your peer support group will become your friends. These new friendships create bonds that will last a lifetime as you continue to support one another. Plus, you will have friends you can rely on when you need them, as well as be there for them when they need you.
#8: You get more out of your recovery from peer support groups.
You will find as you continue to attend your peer support group meetings, you will feel closer with others in the group. As you start to trust others in the group, you are more likely to open up and speak to them about anything. So, you will get what you need to maintain your sobriety.
#9: You will have the opportunity to pay it forward.
Eventually, you can reach a place in your sobriety where you will want to give back and help others who are where you were when you joined your peer support group. You will have the opportunity to become a peer supporter or even start a new peer support group.
Addiction Treatment and Peer Support in Atlanta
As you can see, there are several benefits of peer support groups. Whether you are taking the first steps to recovery and starting addiction treatment or struggling with your sobriety, personalized addiction treatment programs and access to peer support groups are available in Atlanta at Buckhead Behavioral Health.
We offer different treatment programs for young adults, and adults of all ages, including partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient detox in Atlanta.
Part of our treatment plans includes peer support groups to help you achieve long-term success in sobriety. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs and peer support groups, please feel free to call us at 908-489-5564 today!
