Healthy connections are made when people understand what someone is going through. When starting a substance addiction program, talking to and learning from those in recovery can increase commitment and a willingness to engage in the program. Because people feel comfortable talking and sharing with those who went through the program, many treatment centers use peer-led programs.
Peer-Led Support and a 12-Step Program
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two more famous peer support recovery groups. These groups are a way for those who have completed a treatment program to remain in touch with a supportive, sober-focused group. While a person attends meetings, they share their stories with others. Additionally, during a meeting, they listen to others as they share. During a 12-Step meeting, there are chances to learn and grow from others’ experiences. Pairing a 12-Step group with an alumni program boosts your commitment to maintaining your sobriety.
Participating in a peer-led program is a chance for you to give advice and encouragement to those in treatment. In addition, they can learn from your past and share their thoughts and feelings about treatment and recovery with you.
Peer-Led Programs
Peer support programs consist of nonclinical, personal, experience-based assistance to those in a substance addiction treatment program. Research shows that those who receive this form of treatment have an increased chance of long-term recovery.
Peer support is integral to supporting a person through a substance addiction program. Peer-led programs are focused on having those in recovery guide those in treatment to successful recovery. Another way to look at peer-led recovery is to think of those in treatment as people in recovery. Once you step into a substance addiction treatment center, you are a person in recovery. You decision to seek help for your alcohol or drug addiction shows how much you believe in yourself.
A person with an alcohol or drug use disorder can feel overwhelmed or emotionally lost when entering a program. However, hearing from those who have completed a program can increase the person’s confidence in a program. For this reason, peer-led programs provide education, mentoring, and fun experiences.
Building a Recovery Community
People learn at different speeds and through varying forms of education. For example, one person can understand a lesson if they hear it being taught. At the same time, another person is more successful if they go through the steps. Whichever way you find learning and growing easiest, the community-based approach is flexible enough to suit your needs. Being with others and sharing common thoughts, feelings, and experiences builds a bond. When you feel a connection with someone, you’re more likely to listen and open up.
Talking with others who understand your journey increases your willingness to be truthful about your past, present, and goals. Being untruthful isn’t easy because you’re talking with someone who knows the path. However, honesty is encouraged and expected by your peers. A benefit of being truthful is realizing and discovering yourself and the underlying causes of your substance addiction.
As you share your discoveries, emotions, and hopes, you break down the barriers that harmed you. In addition, becoming a part of the community aids you in learning how to integrate healthy coping skills into your daily routine.
Finding Adventure in Recovery
Recovery is filled with adventure. Throughout your treatment and subsequent completion of a program, you grow and take chances. Taking chances in the case of substance addiction treatment means you’re committing to yourself. When you begin a treatment program, you’re stepping out of a harmful way of life and taking a chance on your future. As you progress in treatment, you learn to trust the words and experiences of those in recovery. By applying their experiences to your alcohol or drug addiction care plan, you break out of your routine.
People in long-term recovery have a lot of knowledge to share. You learn from others who teach you about new things, such as plants and their healing effects or how mediation can improve your thought process. Each time you go for a hike, learn about herbs, or meditate, you expand your mind.
Going on hikes, engaging in hands-on activities, or meditating opens up possibilities and are valuable to your recovery. As is the opportunity to bring what you learn into your new life of recovery. Adventure is about growing, exploring, and combining healthy skills with your new life. When you let down your guard and allow new people, skills, or lessons to shape your substance-free life, you build a foundation for your sobriety.
Recovery is more than what happens after completing a substance addiction treatment program. Recovery is a life-long journey that starts when you seek treatment. While you’re in a substance addiction treatment program, immerse yourself in peer-led recovery groups. You can learn a lot about yourself and maintain sobriety by listening and learning from those in long-term recovery. Spero Recovery Center makes substance addiction recovery a fun, comfortable experience. We believe in the 12-Step model because it works. Our goal is for you to learn how the 12-Steps work in sobriety by engaging in activities with our alumni. Through their experiences and willingness to guide others, there is an increased chance you can have a successful substance-free life. Our location in Colorado embraces the wonders of nature while providing the comfort you need for your unique needs. We welcome your questions about our programs. Call us at (303) 351-7888.
