| Day 4
Day 4 Quote: The group experience
"Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." Anonymous
People who have sought treatment for their addictions have uniformly reported that one of their most powerful experiences was group therapy. They found themselves identifying with others in the group and acknowledging fears and failings they had never shared with anyone before. The group became a very valuable tool in the early stages of their recovery.
Most residential treatment programs call for an aftercare plan that includes attendance at self-help groups. The undeniable power of the group experience is demonstrated by the fact that it has proven to be one of the most effective defenses against relapse.
The group dynamic is a powerful influence on our recovery---one that may offer us our first experience of unconditional love. Peer acceptance is such a healing factor in our continuing recovery. When someone tells us---"I know just how you feel; I've done that too, and I could have killed myself for doing it"--it's as if the guilt and shame we've carried for so long had somehow been lessened.
One of the primary healing qualities of groups and fellowships is the loving acceptance that evolves when people begin to trust themselves to be open with others.
Today's Step: My group is the reflection of my Higher Power | Step by Step. Muriel Zink
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NOTE: All BB quotes are from the 1st Edition of the Big Book
Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being too strong for too long.
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