Opening Up During Outpatient Group
Unfortunately, many seasonal activities are associated with drinking as the weather gets warmer. Before recovery you may have enjoyed a cold beer after doing yardwork, during a BBQ, or while sitting at a ballgame. During recovery however, satisfying your thirst with your addiction substance is not an option.
Outpatient and 12-step groups teach those in recovery the correct way to avoid people, places, and things that may cause a relapse. This works when you’re in the safe space of group, but when you cannot avoid activities that prompt old habits, temptation abounds. Falling back into your support system is how you can overcome these struggles. Everyone is walking this road of recovery together and learning from each other and sharing opening is key to transformation.
Doing chores or attending social events without the substance you used to rely upon is a new way of life. It is different from everyone and we cannot recommend one cookie cutter way to help all. But we do know that it is never easy.
Although it may get easier over time there will be moments when, as a person in recovery, you will be caught off guard. This is a good time to look around and make sure your support system is in place.
If you are currently attending a 12-step program, make sure you have a solid foundation. Get a sponsor, or identify someone you feel comfortable with one-on-one with. Share your struggles during outpatient group and talk openly. Confronting your temptations head on while in the safe space of your support group can make you stronger when the next one occurs. Additionally, you are not the only one in recovery with temptation. Your willingness to share about what is happening with you can help others as well.
It can be hard to remember that you are not the only person going through recovery. Addition oftentimes becomes a “me” disease. When you share in your outpatient group you may find that others are experiencing the exact same difficulties.
Our outpatient groups have an expression, if you come around long enough, you hear your own story. We are here to listen.
Article Written By: Bonnie J. Baker, MS, LPC, CAADC
