May 21, 2026 “The Gift of Support Groups!”

What can we expect when we attend support groups?

We gather with friends who understand the joys, sorrows, and struggles of Recovery. Together, we talk about the things that help us heal and grow.

When we attend groups regularly, we begin to build close relationships with other recoverees. We support one another. We learn from each other’s experiences. We listen to stories that remind us we are not alone. We also learn healthier ways to handle confusing thoughts, difficult emotions, and painful moments. We encourage one another and stand beside each other through the ups and downs of Recovery.

Recovery also promises us something even deeper—a spiritual advocate. This advocate may be God or a Higher Power who walks beside us, guides us, and lifts us up when we fall.

We are given both human support and spiritual support. We are never meant to walk this journey alone. There is always someone saying, “Do not be afraid. I will help you.”

Support groups are an important part of my own Recovery. Through other recoverees, I am learning what I truly need to heal. I continue to grow in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, self-control, and self-compassion.

For me, patience has meant learning that Recovery happens in God’s time, not always in my own. At times, this has been difficult to accept. I remember crying out during one season of my journey, “When will this suffering end?”

The good news is that, over time, my mental health improved. I learned how to better manage my suffering. How did this happen? God placed caring recoverees and supportive people into my life to help guide me forward.

Have you called on your advocate recently during a difficult time?