How Support Groups Help Maintain Sobriety
Support groups can be a vital part of a person’s long-term recovery. Many people who struggle with substance abuse can find themselves feeling isolated and lonely. Sometimes, it is because their conditions have strained their relationships to the point that they have no one else.
Even if a person’s loved ones are still around, they may not fully understand the difficulty of living with substance addiction and potentially underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to their substance use.
Support groups can give a person a place wherein they can connect with others who have had similar challenges as them. Shared experiences can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can often be triggers for substance use.
Another way that support groups can help a person maintain their recovery is that the people within them can learn from each other. Some members may be somewhat further along in their recovery.
Structure and routine are also important for a person who is in treatment for substance use. Regularly going to a group meeting can help a person establish a routine after inpatient treatment.