Learning to connect with peers in a support group meeting can be challenging, especially if you are quiet, shy, or introverted. However, connecting with people can be incredibly beneficial for your long-term recovery. Many factors may cause you to have a difficult time connecting with people in a support group meeting. For example, if you are more introverted, you may be prone to keeping to yourself and not fully sharing your experience with addiction. Becoming more comfortable with peers in your support group will benefit you and them.
Peer support is invaluable to maintaining long-term recovery. Learning that lesson is vital, as is practicing ways to become more comfortable with them. Below are a few tips and tricks to help you get started today.
Peer support is vital to addiction recovery for several reasons. Many people forget that addiction is an isolating disease. Individuals often feel alone, have difficulty connecting with others, or struggle to express what they're going through. Some people have supportive family and friends, which can be a great benefit. However, peers offer a sense of support that helps validate your feelings surrounding your addiction and recovery. A sense of community provides people from all walks of life with an overall improvement in their health and wellness.
Additionally, peer support can come in many shapes and sizes. You can connect with peer recovery support services and recovery coaches or peer workers. The benefits of these workers and services, as indicated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), include:
In truth, the benefits of peer support are quite limitless. No two recovery journeys are the same. Everyone experiences addiction and pursues sobriety differently. Yet, recovery peers have a unique perspective on your struggles that those who have never been in active addiction can't comprehend fully. Additionally, you can find all kinds of help specific to you through support groups and peer connections.
Peer support is not only vital for helping yourself. Connecting with a community will also help others. When new to sobriety, you will benefit from the advice and lived experience of peers who have been sober longer. Eventually, there will come a time when people will look to you to help them get through early recovery.
As mentioned, connecting with peers may be challenging for individuals who tend to be more introverted. However, even the most social of individuals can struggle to make connections. Addiction can play with your mind and cause you to second-guess yourself and question who you are. In addition, insecurity and lack of confidence can make approaching or speaking with strangers hard.
Connect with peers in a support group meeting by finding common ground. Discover connection points by discussing mutual interests or experiences. Finding a support group full of people with similar backgrounds can be challenging, but it is possible. If you have patience and commitment, you may discover someone in your support group meeting has things in common with you, like being a single parent or working in the same industry. Bonding over something other than your addiction and recovery is a significant first step to building a long-term relationship.
Over time, you may come to feel more comfortable in support group meetings enough to share your experiences. Listening to other people's stories may encourage you to share your own, and before you know it, you can broaden your network further than you ever thought possible.
Connecting with your peers is only the first step. As you grow closer to people, you can learn to lean on them for support. Peer support is not only beneficial for your recovery — it is also vital for your mental health.
Many people who struggle with SUD also struggle with co-occurring disorders. These may include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to name a few. These mental health conditions can significantly worsen with substance use. Finding a support group will also benefit your mental health in these situations. You can connect with peers to help manage your symptoms while abstaining from drug or alcohol use.
Finding common ground, listening to the stories of others, and sharing your lived experiences are only a few ways you can connect with peers today. Reach out to a mental health professional or treatment facility to learn more about how a supportive peer network can benefit your recovery.
All individuals in recovery or struggling with an addiction can benefit from peer support groups. It can be difficult to connect with peers for several reasons. Lack of self-confidence increased anxiety, and difficulty sharing painful experiences with others can make it harder to open up to people you do not know. However, connecting with peers provides emotional support, reduces the risks of relapse, boosts confidence and self-esteem, and helps you accomplish your recovery goals. Call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400 to learn more about the benefits of peer support and how to connect with peers in support group meetings. Our recovery programs and a strong emphasis on community may be just the thing you need.
