Detox and rehab prepare you for long-term recovery. In many ways, it’s a new lifestyle. Support groups are a vibrant part of this routine. What goes on in these meetings?
Support Groups vs. Therapy Groups
Many people use these terms interchangeably. However, there are several distinctive differences. For starters, group therapy program relies on a therapist to act as the facilitator. They may direct interactions and intervene if necessary.
Houston support groups may or may not have a therapist in the facilitation role. Besides that, this person doesn’t take an active part in the discussions but instead acts as a referee. This facilitator ensures that everyone gets a chance to share. They also ensure that the group is a safe setting for all participants.
In many ways, Houston support groups focus on sharing thoughts, experiences, and feelings. They’re an outlet for people in recovery. Similarly, they encourage peer support and accountability. Therefore, they lack the process orientation of the therapy group setting.
How Rehab Facilities Incorporate Group Support in a Therapeutic Environment
During your stay at the rehab facility, you work with addiction specialists to customize a care protocol. Typical modalities include:
- Medical detox that helps you to withdraw safely from a drug or alcohol
- Smooth transitioning to rehab that focuses on behavioral counseling for the development of coping skills
- Family therapy, which gives loved ones an opportunity to heal and explore a change in their interactions with you
- Fitness therapy as a way to help you change your lifestyle to include new hobbies and healthier choices
- 12 step program participation, which introduces peer accountability
This last modality opens the door to exploring nearby support groups after graduation from the program. Your therapist helps you locate 12 Step or SMART recovery groups in your area during discharge planning meetings. Many people think that this is an add-on toward the end of treatment. Instead, it’s something that you start working on as soon as you check-in.
Many other therapeutic interventions tie into the support group model. For example, you may recognize that you struggle with anger management as a significant contributing stressor to addiction. Although you address this strong emotional response during behavioral counseling, you’ll still need help after discharge. By finding good-quality Houston support groups near your home, you can continue the treatment.
Do I Need to Meet with People after Discharge?
Substance abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The same’s true for recovery. As a human being, you have intrinsic social needs. Addiction most likely led to self-isolation.
Houston addiction therapy services let you make necessary changes. Most importantly, they show you how to interact with others while sober. You develop vital coping skills. By rebuilding relationships, you open yourself up to peer accountability. In addition to support groups, we also offer:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual therapy program
- Massage therapy program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Doing so is one of the strongest tools against relapse. Support groups can be the deciding factor in starting a drug habit again or turning away from the temptation. Learn more about available Houston support groups by talking to an admissions counselor at Serenity Light Recovery. Call (281) 431-6700 today.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
