Peer support groups have been considered a standard within recovery circles since the advent of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The benefits of having peers supporting one another in a sober network of mutually accountable adults are often highlighted by professionals and lay people involved in and committed to therapeutic, community, or personal support around recovery. In numerous ways, peers can support one another and amplify the excellent work done in treatment. A group therapy program, 12-step or other non-therapeutic support systems, and day-to-day support and accountability provided in a residential rehab program are three access points to the benefits of peer relationships in recovery.
Contact us today if you are interested in how support groups are woven into an addiction recovery program at The Right Step Houston. We can explain the many ways you can be helped by a peer group while in rehab and beyond. The benefits of a sober network established early in recovery cannot be overstated. Call us at 1.844.768.0169 to reach one of our staff today.
Understanding Peer Support During Recovery
There are a few ways that peers can become active participants in one another’s recovery, both at the beginning of rehab and through life. For example:
- Group therapy – When you are in rehab, one of the options is group therapy. This does not replace individual therapy but has many benefits as another way to heal. In a group of six or more and guided by a licensed therapist, you develop interpersonal skills, learn strategies for recovery, and build a social support network that extends outside the therapy room. Usually time-limited and structured around one or more evidence-based psychotherapeutic models like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy is a standard modality in most rehabs.
- Support programs – A 12-step program developed around the idea of having no control over addiction and recognizing some version of a higher power is one option. A SMART (self-management and recovery training) program is another. Based on self-motivation, managing emotions, thoughts, and behavior, and focusing on new habits, SMART is an alternative for those who do not align with the 12-step model. There are more options for peer-led, non-therapy-based support.
- Support networks – Your support team must not be only others in recovery. Family and friends who are part of your support network because they love and value you and want to be part of the solution are vital. In rehab, engaging in family therapy often sets families up for success and excellent support networks for their loved ones in recovery.
Whatever support you have and can develop, it is essential to remember that recovery cannot happen in a vacuum, and outcomes are proven to be much better when peer support is involved.
The Benefits of Support Groups
There are many wonderful benefits of having a sober network of peer support. Some of the benefits of peer support are below. Peer support:
- Builds confidence in self and the process
- Improves ability to cope with triggers and other challenges to sobriety
- Teaches and supports interpersonal communication
- Increases the benefits of relationships with treatment providers
- Increases satisfaction with rehab and other treatments
- Reduces hospitalization rates
- Adds to the family support network and reduces stress for everyone
- Amplifies efficacy of treatment
- Reduces risk of relapse
- Increases accountability
- Builds lifelong relationships that support lifelong recovery
What begins in rehab as a sober network of accountability partners usually evolves into lasting friendships supporting life satisfaction in many areas, including successful recovery.
Contact The Right Step Houston Today to Learn About the Benefits of Peer Support
At The Right Step Houston, we are grateful for the significant work among peers in our residential and outpatient programs. We know those peer relationships are critical for lasting recovery and overall well-being among our clients. To learn more about the many benefits of support groups for addiction recovery, submit this form or call 1.844.768.0169.
Your sobriety journey is our highest priority.