Accountability refers to establishing a sense of responsibility. Some people may be able to hold themselves accountable. However, this may be difficult for others. Accountability through others is always a good idea, especially in addiction recovery.
While you may want to avoid disappointing yourself, this can be a little easier to excuse or superficially justify. When others are invested in your success, you are more likely to follow through and make decisions that support your recovery goals.
If you have struggled with substance abuse, accountability can tremendously benefit your recovery. Allowing others to be aware of your goals can encourage you to achieve them.
Gender-Specific Treatment
Accountability requires a level of comfort and trust. When you are around others who can relate to how addiction has affected you, specifically as a male, it can be a little easier to open up. Additionally, being in an environment that limits distractions can be helpful when it comes to focusing on your recovery.
Men’s treatment also lends to building bonds and connections – and even sponsorship – while you are still in the program. Surrounding yourself with others who have gone through the program and are successfully living a sober life as men can offer inspiration and hope.
If you want to learn from others who can completely relate to what you are going through, a men’s treatment program might be the right fit for you.
Men’s Groups
One of the best ways to find an accountability network in treatment and recovery is by attending and participating in men’s groups. With these groups being gender-specific, many feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings than they would in mixed companies.
Feeling comfortable is important because it creates a safe space for sharing struggles and offering ideas and suggestions. When you share your story with like-minded people, they can motivate and encourage you by providing suggestions based on firsthand experience.
Men’s groups are often guided by a therapist or facilitator and sometimes have a topic. Men typically share what is going on in their lives and in their recovery journey. Some may be stories of success or achievement, and some may entail stories of adversity or current difficulties.
Whether you are experiencing success or facing temptation or trouble, having others around who can encourage and hold you accountable is beneficial. Those in your group can encourage you to stay on track with your recovery if things are going well. Alternatively, group members can offer guidance and advice if you are having trouble.
Taking Full Advantage of Men’s Groups
Simply attending men’s groups is a step in the right direction. However, in order to truly benefit from all the groups have to offer, you will need to engage and participate. However, this can be easier said than done.
It can be tough to build up the courage to share information and express a little vulnerability. The good news is, however, the more you attend groups and become more comfortable with the other group members, the easier it will become.
Sharing your thoughts and feelings can be very motivating. Having your experiences in treatment and recovery validated by others can build confidence and reassure you that what you are going through is normal.
Accountability During and Outside of Group
The beauty of forming relationships in men’s groups is that the support extends beyond just the time you spend attending the group. Often, the connections you make can grow and evolve as time goes on. You may find yourself reaching out to your group members for advice or support or even to hang out outside of scheduled meeting times. This not only establishes accountability but also grows friendship, which is also very important.
Avoiding Relapse
Knowing that you have people in your corner who expect you to stay on track during recovery can provide the level of motivation you need to avoid relapse. You don’t want to disappoint yourself, and you don’t want to disappoint your accountability partners.
Accountability Works Both Ways
Accountability often works both ways. You might help someone stay focused and sober, and while doing so, you might be motivated to stay sober and on track yourself. This is how your peers in your men’s group may feel. Helping you stay accountable helps them in return.
Finding Accountability in Men’s Groups
Who do you have to hold you accountable? Maybe you have someone you could call for advice, but do you have a solid support system that you check in with regularly? By attending men’s groups consistently, you can form a strong accountability network of people who can empathize and offer support when you need it the most.
Accountability is critical to your success in treatment and recovery. Consider attending and taking advantage of men’s groups to experience the benefits they can offer.
Accountability in treatment and recovery is essential for many reasons. Having the support of others helps you feel more connected and less isolated. It also reassures you that you can be successful in recovery by allowing you to see and hear about others’ successes. Men’s groups provide the opportunity to fellowship with other men who share your goal of sobriety. Because there is a common goal, all group members can help encourage one another and provide support when needed. Renaissance Ranch offers a treatment program for men that features men’s groups designed to support clients in every stage of treatment and recovery. To learn more about how we can help, call Renaissance Ranch today at (801) 308-8898.