Times can be stressful, and it can leave feeling alone and afraid. As social creatures, it is innate for people to converse with one another whether the focus is centered around sports, politics, addiction, or other commonalities that affect people on a regular basis.

When is faced with a stressful situation it can be daunting to move past it. Many have been taught avoidance strategies to deal with unfamiliar situations and having a group of people exchange ideas and experience can be like a breath of fresh air.

This is seen in group therapy.

Being a part of group or community empowers one and breeds confidence within the individual. Those who fall to the curse of addiction will typically have group therapy if they choose to go to rehab. Knowing that there are others who have been through a similar experience dampers the feeling of loneliness and can be motivational towards creating a better self.

Those who have attended mutual support groups, whether that be for drug addiction, mental health, or other reasons, have become more confident in social settings and coping with stress.

It has been shown that when people group together to discuss stressful events in their life, it is just as effective as one who goes to one-on-one therapy.

When people conform to a group they are rewarded by their ability to participate in the group such as reinforcing ideas, following protocols, and engaging with other members. Belonging to a group fuels our psychological strength and gives people support when they need it.

Addiction can be a daunting feat to overcome and it’s not easy to do alone. Having a mutual support group be it friends, strangers, or online community still provides an outlet instill a feeling of belonging to themselves.

It is empowering.