Sustained recovery isn’t easy. Every day can be a battle when both your mind and your body are craving drugs and alcohol, and triggers seem to be all around you. Achieving long-term sobriety is a difficult task, so you might be wondering if it’s worth the effort.
Although it is an arduous journey, long-term recovery is possible with the right tools and support. Here are all the reasons you’ll want to pursue long-term recovery as well as how to get there.
How to start your journey towards long-term recovery
One of the most widely-practiced forms of treatment for substance use recovery is outpatient group therapy. Outpatient means a non-residential program, so you’ll be meeting in groups typically at night after work or school.
Outpatient group therapy is probably the most common starting point for treatment of substance use disorders. It can feel more low-pressure than one-on-one therapy, and chances are you aren’t the first newbie. You’ll also be able to meet people in the same situation and gain insight from shared experiences.
Benefits of long-term recovery
When you engage in substance use treatment, you can expect results and some amazing group therapy benefits. Not only will you feel better, build interpersonal skills and have more time and money to pursue other passions, but you’ll also have the freedom to live your life without being tied to drugs and alcohol.
1. Better physical health
When you engage in treatment for addiction your whole body will benefit. You’ll have the support and skills you need to stay away from substances, which will improve your body’s functioning. You can expect more energy, better sleep, and less bodily agitation (like shaking or twitching).
Moreover, your brain will benefit from progress made in group therapy. When a person uses addictive substances, the brain’s reward system is rewired. This causes all kinds of alterations, from behavior changes, to mood swings, to increased depression and anxiety. Your brain will thank you for reversing this process and you’ll have a much clearer mind and less negative symptoms.
2. Increased mental wellness
When you participate in treatment, your mental health will benefit as well. A study from the Textbook of Addiction Treatment identified that group therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for substance use disorders, and has also shown to benefit outcomes regarding co-occurring mental illness.
If co-occurring depression, anxiety or another mental illness is something you’re experiencing, treatment for substance use can help alleviate symptoms of these conditions. Seeking treatment for both mental health disorders and substance use disorders is highly encouraged, but starting treatment for one can definitely minimize the impact of the other.
3. Freedom
Participating in group therapy can launch you ahead in your recovery. The support of peers and a mental health professional are key to finding and pursuing the freedom that has been missing in your life since the beginning of your addiction.
One of the best group therapy benefits is the motivation you’ll gain to go after that liberating feeling. Hearing the testimony of others who have been through the same struggles with drugs and alcohol can instill inspiration at the toughest times.
A group of peers that is seeking true freedom together can accomplish more than any one person could on his or her own.
Skills you’ll need for long-term recovery
Outpatient group therapy isn’t just about camaraderie, although that is a major perk. In group therapy for substance use recovery you’ll also gain critical skills to sustain sobriety. These skills will vary, as some will be addiction-specific and some will center around building healthy lifestyle habits.
Here are some skills you can expect to grow in through the process of outpatient group therapy.
Interpersonal skills: As is natural in any group, you’ll hone your interaction skills and become an effective communicator.
Goal setting: Creating goals and identifying steps to achieve them is a major part of addiction recovery, and goals can be about addiction or other life concerns.
Employment: In addiction recovery, you’ll need to address any outside factors to usage so you’ll develop skills to maintain consistent employment and housing.
Lifestyle skills: Eating, nutrition and sleep habits might be a role in your learning during group therapy. There’s a strong mind-body connection so taking care of you involves the whole person in addiction recovery.
Finding long-term recovery
Trying to recover on your own will never produce the results that you deserve. When you surround yourself with supportive peers and addiction specialists through group therapy, you’ll not only be equipped with the skills you need; you’ll also have companions on your journey towards freedom.
Rehab After Work can help you to achieve long-term recovery from addiction through group therapy. The Rehab After Work team of addiction specialists facilitates groups to teach crucial skills for life-long results. Find the support you need through peers and compassionate professionals at Rehab After Work by calling (610) 644-6464 today.
