Self Help Groups in California
There are a lot of positive results correlated with surrounding yourself with individuals who are trying to better themselves. For someone interested in getting into shape, that may include surrounding themselves with people who prioritize working out and eating right. People who have a resolution of increasing the number of books they read each year may partake in a book club. Individuals trying to stay sober and maintain recovery may often seek to fill their social circle with others in recovery and looking to stay sober. Especially when newly out of rehab, people need to make finding those with similar interests a priority. That may include finding a sober community or self-help group. Some people have found self-groups to be exceptionally helpful at achieving their long-term goals.
A self-help group may prove to be just as effective in aiding your recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and wants to start your recovery path today, you may want to consider how a self-group could help you.
The Effectiveness of Self-Help Groups
Alcohol-related disorders are currently prevalent in the United States. They are often treated by a combination of methods, including behavioral interventions, medication, and therapy. Though medical intervention is often necessary, it isn’t always easy to trust those who may not understand. While doctoral expertise can be helpful, empathetic understanding can prove to be even more valuable, and who better to empathize with than other people also struggling with addiction. Coping with the burden of a chronic disease such as addiction among a group of trusted people in a safe environment is critical. Self-help groups have been effectively illustrated by groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous offer a safe place for individuals to discuss their struggles, successes, and failures. This setting provides the ability for people to speak freely without judgment. That’s where the anonymity aspect of AA is essential — maintaining the anonymity of any self-group like AA, whether Narcotics Anonymous or Food Addict Anonymous, is necessary. Without it, the whole structure collapses. There’s no trust, no comfort, and certainly no sharing to go around. When we trust and can confide in these individuals, we take the weight of our addictions off our shoulders and share it. It takes a village, and finding that village may make or break one’s recovery.
Group Work at the Lakehouse
Group therapy is an integral part of the curriculum at the Lakehouse Recovery Center. For those in the Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hils, Ventura County, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Westlake Village, and other areas, you may consider our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) if looking for treatment but unable to enter into an inpatient program. This provides a more flexible level of care where you will still be able to experience the benefits of group therapy, whether that be in person or virtually.
Our group therapy sessions have shown to be effective, even in a virtual setting. The group sessions are custom geared towards people’s needs, allowing for common ground within these group sessions. The way our trained staff directs the group enables clients to speak freely without expectations or judgment, and the group sessions allow each client to feel empowered by each other and their recovery. While groups can be influential, they are only as effective as the effort put forth. To utilize a group session most effectively, individuals are encouraged to participate, engage, and actively listen to promote a connection between one another in the session.
Self-Help Resources in California
Finding a self-help group, AA or NA meeting, or even a recovery center can be as easy as performing a Google search and entering your zip code. It’s essential, though, to research the credibility or competency of an establishment first. With an AA meeting, it can be easy enough to try out different ones in your area. You may just have to find which is the best fit for you. With recovery centers, though, ensure that they have group therapy if group work is something you are explicitly looking for. No matter where you reside, research within the city of Los Angeles or the surrounding areas is an excellent first step.
For those still wary about leaving their homes, considering a virtual IOP may be the most beneficial option for you. That way, you not only have access to a virtual group of people to aid in your recovery, but you have access to a complete virtual treatment program. At Lakehouse Recovery Center, we’ve held effective group sessions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You can start your path to recovery, even from the comfort of your own home, and that includes finding support or self-group that will aid in your recovery journey today.
Self-help groups, whether it be in a treatment program or the form of an alcoholics or narcotics anonymous (AA or NA) meeting, can be very effective for long-term recovery. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a sure way to strengthen the foundation of your recovery. The 12-Step programming of AA and NA has been helpful to many in recovery. In addition to the 12-Step program, the peer support found in AA and NA proves valuable to many. Often, when expressing our struggles with loved ones, it can be difficult for them to truly understand what we’re going through. We may even cower from talking to our loved ones for fear of judgment. The beauty of a self-help group is that there is no judgment. Everyone speaks with empathy and compassion, which leaves you feeling empowered and not alone. If you or someone you know needs recovery, reach out to the Lakehouse Recovery Center today at (877) 762-3707.