Has life been painful? Want to make a change but don’t know where to begin? If so, consider going to a Life Recovery Group. No one should go through life alone, so everyone will benefit from having others walk alongside them on their journey. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed…Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12, NLT). Check out these 8 benefits of joining a Life Recovery Group.
1. You’ll have a plan to heal.
Life Recovery Groups offer a path to not only recover from addictions, heartaches, and unhealthy patterns, but to live a new life as well. The 12 Steps of Life Recovery are taught in each group; everyone who attends will have the opportunity to go through these 12 Steps. This is a good place to learn biblical and practical steps to heal for those who are hurting but don’t know where to begin.
2. You’ll improve your mental health.
Even though the idea of attending a Life Recovery Group and connecting with others may seem intimidating, the benefits to mental health are worth it. The simple act of sharing can be extremely cathartic. Some of the mental health benefits may include feeling less isolated, developing better ways to cope, and talking openly about your feelings.
3. You’ll begin to have healthier relationships.
As a result of addiction, a person’s closest relationships —with friends, family, and others—deteriorate. The focus of a Life Recovery Group is on building healthy relationships since unhealthy relationships lead to relapse. The key to recovery is to avoid bad influences, make amends, and find accountability.
4. You’ll rediscover hope.
What a powerful experience it is to see someone in recovery further than you are, making strides toward a healthier and happier future! Life Recovery Group leaders, sponsors, and supportive peers can serve as excellent role models. Having the opportunity to hear testimonies will make recovery more possible-which in turn, will lead to a more optimistic future.
5. You’ll learn how to face problems.
It is a radical commitment to escape problems that drive addiction. Recovery involves facing one’s problems, learning how to cope with and overcome them. A Life Recovery Group is a good place to learn effective ways to cope with and handle difficult situations.
6. You’ll grow from shared experiences.
One of the best benefits of attending a Life Recovery Group is the opportunity to share recovery experiences. What is the best person to go through recovery with? The person in recovery or who has already undergone the process. As group members work toward their goals, checking in with them in between weekly meetings and praying for them can help them out.
7. You’ll gain new tools to help prevent you from going back to old patterns.
Recovery is not just about stopping the old life but also about starting a new one. Life Recovery Groups are excellent for transforming negative thinking, unhealthy coping mechanisms, toxic relationships, and coping with triggers. Just by going to a group, relationships will be forged that would not otherwise be made. When temptations and triggers come (and they will), having a couple of people to call from your Life Recovery Group is one of the most effective ways to overcome them.
8. You’ll be part of a loving community.
Life Recovery Groups bring people together. No matter how much emotional pain someone is going through, the most effective medicine is often the voice of the people who’ve walked in their shoes. The emotional and relational support is non-judgmental and accepting. So, it’s no wonder that the atmosphere of a Life Recovery Group is one of safety and encouragement. This makes it the perfect place to feel heard, accepted, and loved.
For help finding a Life Recovery Group in your area or online, click here or call us at 800-NEW-LIFE.
by Kimberlee Bousman