Overcoming Addiction As An Introvert: Why Being Shy Won't Stop You From Being Sober In Group Therapy
Being shy often means being isolated, and that's the last thing you want to be as an addict. If you think being an introvert means you can't function in or benefit from group therapy, think again, because there is a place for you there and it does lead to recovery. Here's why:
You Have Other Addicts To Relate To
At work and among family, you probably aren't relating to others, unless they're afflicted by addiction, too. You might see coworkers as superior to you because they're seemingly clean and functional, and you might resent family members who are sober when you're not. Being able to relate is a highly effective tool in learning to help yourself, and group therapy provides that.
You Have Positive Examples To Follow
If you're feeling that it's impossible to turn your life around, heal, and make positive changes, look around yourself in group therapy. You'll see people who are or were much worse off than you, but who move forward in their fight. Watching others pull through demonstrates to you that it's possible and also that, with continued help, you can do it too.
You Don't Have To Be In The Spotlight
Being shy may mean you feel excruciatingly uncomfortable speaking in front of others, but, fortunately, others will be speaking up as well. The focus is not entirely on you, nor do you have to lead a conversation or put yourself in any awkward position you'd prefer not to be in. Make sure, though, that your counselor knows in advance that you can be painfully shy so they can work to make the group setting more productive and less pressurized for you.
You Won't Feel Judged
If you told all your family, friends, and coworkers how you're addicted to drugs, you may feel judged. Group therapy removes that stigma and the hurtful judgments, permitting you to speak more openly and to be honest with others and yourself.
You'll Have Support From Many Sources In Group Therapy
Even as an introvert, you're bound to find a person or two in the group you feel more comfortable with (perhaps someone else as shy as you), and suddenly, a whole world of talking, relating, problem-solving, and emotional connections emerges. The counselor, too, will be there for individual members, leaving you with a number of sources of support to call on as your journey of recovery proceeds.
There's nothing wrong with being shy; in fact, you could even start thinking of yourself as the strong, silent type. However, to truly reap the benefits of group detox treatment, it's important that you open up to others, receive their input, and accept the help that's being offered. You can still be shy; you just don't have to be alone in your struggles. For more information, reach out to group drug detox treatment services today.