For men in addiction recovery, it can be easy to be dismissive of doctors, counselors, and others because it often feels these people do not truly understand the experience of addiction. As such, many men can feel like the struggle to get sober may not be entirely worth the effort. That is why peer support groups and peer supporters are so important. The benefits of peer support groups provide an entirely different approach that allows men to automatically relate to others who have been where they are. Peer supporters know the struggle and have come through the other side.
This shared experience and guidance provided by peer support groups and peer supporters can help men better retake control over their lives while dealing with their alcohol and drug abuse problems. Peer support groups have shown to improve recovery rates. In addition, the benefits of peer support groups in addiction recovery include:
#1: Peer support groups can offer advice from someone who has been where you are.
It is not uncommon to have questions about addiction or want advice but are too embarrassed to ask professionals. Asking your peer support group or peer supporter can seem easier since they may have had similar questions when they went through recovery.
#2: Benefits of peer support groups include inspiring you to keep on going.
Seeing how others have been successful with their recovery and sobriety can provide the inspiration you need to work harder towards long-term sobriety. Peer support can help you remain positive even when you are struggling.
#3: Peer support can help you set and achieve goals.
Addiction takes its toll on whatever goals you had before your substance abuse disorder became the most important thing in your life. When going through recovery, it can be hard to set goals. Peer support provides assistance in helping you realize your strengths, hopes, and dreams. They also assist you in setting short- and long-term goals while providing support to achieve them.
#4: Help you build trusting relationships with people who have been there.
Reestablishing trusting relationships with others is an essential part of recovery. Quite often, the trusting relationships you had before your addiction are damaged. Not to mention, the friends you associated with while abusing drugs or alcohol are not the types of relationships you need. Peer support provides the opportunity to form new trusting relationships with peers that can last a lifetime.
#5: Peer support groups the likelihood of maintaining sobriety after completing addiction treatment.
Men that continue to attend peer support group meetings and stay in contact with peer supporters tend to maintain their sobriety. This is because you are interacting with your peers who have also struggled with addiction and understand the challenges of remaining sober.
#6: Peer support available when you need it.
Outside peer support group meetings, there are peer supporters available at all hours. So, if you need someone to talk to because you are struggling or considering a relapse, you can get support and guidance when you need it the most.
#7: Benefits of peer support groups include giving you a judgment-free zone.
One of the great things about peer support groups and peer supporters is you are never judged for your previous behaviors. No matter what your addiction led you to do, you will find peers who have done the same things, seen it firsthand, or even heard it from someone else in your peer group. They completely understand and are there to listen and provide the support you need.
#8: The ability to personalize and customize peer support.
There are peer support groups and peer supporters of all ages. As such, you can find a peer support group with other men around your own age. When you have peers that are similar in age, you will find the relationships you build to be more personal and stronger. Plus, men are more likely to open up and share with their peers who are around the same age.
#9: A benefit of peer support gives you the opportunity to help others.
As you become more confident in your sobriety, you often have the opportunity to help others by becoming a peer supporter or even leading a peer support group. Giving back in this manner can continue to help you and help others you are now helping to support and guide as they work through their addictions.
Dallas Addiction Treatment and Peer Support for Men
Years can pass before you realize you have a substance abuse problem. There are many times you may feel like there is no hope. You may have even tried rehab before, only to relapse. You might have promised yourself, after your last relapse, things would be different this time around. At Casa Colina, we truly understand the struggles men face when attempting to overcome their addiction. Many of our staff members have personally dealt with addiction themselves. Today, they serve as peer supporters for our peer support groups to help others achieve long-lasting success in recovery and sobriety.
No matter where you are at with your addiction, there is still hope for you. We will be there for you every step and provide the peer support you need. For further information about our Dallas addiction treatment and peer support programs for men, please feel free to contact us today!
