Treating addiction is not easy. Addicts often feel like they are alone, which only makes the problem worse. It’s important to find a treatment program that has a social aspect.
Many addicts are skeptical of programs like AA or group therapy. But there are other forms of treatment that have a social aspect.
Here are some of the social benefits of seeking out professional treatment.
- Awareness
It’s important to be aware of your own problem.
People often say that the first step of treating a problem is admitting that you have one. If you don’t admit that something is wrong, you can’t get better.
Being around other addicts can help you realize that you have a problem.
You will see your own behavior and problems mirrored in other people. You will also see the good things in yourself in them.
It’s also important to be aware of how your problem affects others. Talking to your friends and family can help you be aware of this. So can talking to other addicts and people who are struggling.
Remembering that you aren’t alone is also essential to recovery. There are many people struggling with the same problems.
Going to a professional treatment program will make you aware of that.
- Community
The people who can best help you are those who understand you.
Programs like the one here prioritize the social aspect of recovery. You will take part in group therapy as well as group activities.
There are different types of professional treatment programs. The main categories are inpatient programs and intensive outpatient programs.
Inpatient programs are, as the name implies, programs where you stay at the recovery facility. These can be very helpful. They can also be very expensive.
Not everyone has the time and money for an inpatient program. For them, an intensive outpatient program is much better.
Intensive outpatient programs, sometimes referred to as IOPs, are much more affordable. They also don’t require as much time. And they can be just as effective as an inpatient program.
IOPs allow you to receive treatment from your own home. They are, however, intense. It won’t be a walk in the park.
You will probably need to visit the recovery center every day for a while. And you might still have to take time off of work and away from your family.
But you will have much more flexibility than you would otherwise.
- New Habits
You will need to form new habits for your new lifestyle.
It’s best to get ideas from the group. Some habits are healthier than others.
Ask what has worked for other people and see if you can form habits together. It’s important to have someone keep you accountable.
You also need to keep your friends accountable, too. If someone is struggling, it’s important to be there to help them.
Addicts often turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. It becomes a habit after a while. Replace it with a healthy habit.
Sharing your new habit with people will help you stay excited about it. Maybe your new habit will be to write a poem every time you want to drink. You can then share that poem with your loved ones.
It doesn’t really matter what your habit is so long as it is healthy.
- Activities
Finding sober group activities is important.
You might need to replace some of your friends when you become sober. Participating in group recovery automatically gives you friends who are interested in these activities.
For example, you could go to one of these great hiking trails instead of out to a bar. And if you’re not into hiking, there are many other activities you can do.
Find a new sport if you don’t have one already. Or try cooking new recipes every week.
There are lots of fun activities that don’t involve drinking.
- Lifelong Friendships
It’s rewarding to have friends whom you’ve known for a long time.
You just might find some of those during your treatment. And if you don’t, you might find them in meetings afterward.
Recovering will also help you keep and maintain the friends you already have.
Addiction puts a strain on friendships, so the road to recovery won’t be an easy road. Your relationship won’t be the same as it was before.
Be prepared for tough conversations and changes. But no matter how hard these changes are, they are better than living with addiction.
Conclusion
Everyone needs people that they can rely on. Finding treatment will help you do just that.