Recovering from a substance use disorder can be difficult for people of any age. But teens face unique challenges that come with their age group. Having teen addiction support groups can help teens get the specific type of help they need to overcome their addiction, get sober, and stay on their path to recovery.
Types of Teen Addiction Support Groups
Teens can benefit from a variety of different types of support groups. The key is to find the right program for your teen. The types of groups can include:
12-Step Programs
During a 12-step program, teens meet to hear from their peers who have had similar experiences. This can be more helpful than hearing from adults they may not be able to relate to. Making this connection can be a vital part of recovery. Learning how to talk with others about their addictions helps teens develop important social skills they can use as they grow. Additionally, some 12-step programs can be spiritual.
Faith-Based Addiction Recovery Programs
Speaking of spiritual support groups, there are also specific faith-based addiction recovery groups. These groups can help teens restore their faith in God or a higher power. They can also teach teens how to incorporate their higher power into the recovery process. Some may find extra comfort and support in these types of faith-based groups.
Online Support Groups
Online groups can be a convenient way for teens to get the support they need. They are an excellent alternative for teens who may have transportation issues.
Online support groups can help teens meet peers from all walks of life. Exposure to this diversity can let teens know that addiction affects people from different backgrounds. Some teens may feel they can express themselves better because they are behind a screen and not face to face.
While these groups can benefit some, others may find it difficult to interpret facial expressions and make a genuine connection over a device.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can also help teens going through a recovery program. These groups usually involve professional facilitation. The group leader will encourage participants to speak about addiction and share their stories. They can also ensure that the group provides a safe and productive environment. The goal is for teens to help each other as they learn that others are going through exactly what they are.
Benefits of Teen Support Groups
Statistics show that those who participate in support groups reduce their chance of relapse anywhere from 7% to 25%. [1] This, combined with the following benefits, can help to persuade teens to join teen addiction support groups.
Self-Esteem Boost
Knowing that they’re not alone and that others are dealing with the same issues can make teens feel better about themselves. This gives them the strength they need to continue fighting their addictions.
Provides a Sense of Community
Support groups provide a sense of community as teens learn from each other. They make friendships that often last well after a group ends. Many even decide to stay in touch to continue supporting others even after sobriety is achieved.
Teaches Coping Skills
In a support group, teens learn how to cope when temptation strikes. They can even help each other by providing valuable tips to help each other succeed.
Reduced Isolation
Teen addiction support groups also help to reduce the isolation that can come with addiction. Teens no longer feel alone when they join one of these groups.
How Teen Addiction Support Groups Can Help to Maintain Long-Term Recovery
Support groups help maintain long-term recovery because many teens form lasting bonds. These relationships can continue to provide teens with the support they need if temptation arises. With this type of support, teens find this can help in long-term recovery and remain sober.
Teens can also use the friendships they form to help keep them away from situations and people that contributed to their substance use. By finding new friends, they can focus on activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
While teens may enter support groups as someone who needs help, they may leave as someone who can help others. Many teens become peer mentors to help others get on the path to recovery. This type of involvement in a program can also motivate them to stay on track.
Does Your Teen Need Help for Substance Use?
If your teen needs help to fight a substance use disorder, Ember Recovery is here to help. We deal exclusively with teens and help them find the best programs and groups that suit them. Call us today to learn how we can help your teen reach and maintain the sober life they deserve.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047716/
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.