If you’ve ever considered joining a support group, you’ve probably felt a mix of curiosity, hesitation, and maybe even dread.

And honestly, it’s understandable. Putting yourself out there, sharing your struggles, and being vulnerable with others isn’t exactly easy.

But here’s the thing: growth and healing happens in healthy community. 

Healing from addictive behavioral patterns, betrayal, or any life struggle isn’t just about self-discipline or sheer willpower. It’s about connection. Despite this truth, many people resist joining a support group, often justifying their reluctance with certain objections. And while these objections may feel very real, they simply aren’t valid. 

That said, here are three of the most common excuses we run into and why they don’t hold up in the end.

Objection #1: “I Can Handle This on My Own.”

One of the most common reasons people avoid support groups is the belief that they don’t need help. Whether it’s pride, fear, or a desire to maintain control, many convince themselves that their struggles are best dealt with alone.

This is the mindset that exemplifies what it means to white-knuckle one’s recovery.

The problem? Isolation is the perfect breeding ground for unwanted and unhealthy compulsive behaviors.

When we isolate, we fall into patterns of self-deception. We minimize our struggles, convince ourselves we have more control than we do, and delay the hard work of true healing. Support groups expose these lies. They remind us that we’re not as alone as we think—and that true strength comes from seeking help, not avoiding it.

The Truth: Recovery isn’t just about stopping a behavior; it’s about transformation. And transformation only happens in the presence of others who understand, encourage, and challenge us.

Objection #2: “I Don’t Want to Share My Personal Struggles with Strangers.”

Vulnerability is scary. The thought of walking into a room (or logging into a virtual support group) and sharing deeply personal struggles can feel overwhelming. 

• What if people judge me? 
• What if I say the wrong thing? 
• What if I’m the only one dealing with this?

These fears are normal, but they’re also unfounded.

The Truth: The people in support groups are there for the same reason you are. They understand the struggle. They aren’t there to judge; they’re there to heal. It’s also important to remember that you control what you share and when. No one expects you to pour out your entire life story in the first meeting. Many people start by just listening until they feel comfortable. 

But over time, as trust builds, sharing becomes easier.

And here’s the unexpected part: Vulnerability isn’t just something you have to do. It’s something that leads to deeper connection, real friendships, and the kind of healing that isolation can never provide.

Objection #3: “A Support Group Won’t Actually Help Me.”

Some hesitate to join a group because they assume it won’t work. Maybe they’ve tried counseling before and didn’t see results, or they’ve been in environments where sharing didn’t lead to change. 

They rightfully wonder, What’s the point?

But support groups aren’t about quick fixes. Rather, they’re about long-term transformation.

The Truth: Healing takes time, and progress isn’t always linear. However, research and experience consistently show that people who engage in community-based support recover at higher and faster rates than those who try to go it alone.

Support groups help because they provide:

• Accountability – Having people to check in with helps keep you from slipping back into old habits.
  
• Encouragement – When you hear others’ victories, you start believing freedom is possible for you too.
  
• Perspective – Sometimes, we’re too close to our struggles to see clearly. A support group offers insight and wisdom from those who’ve been there.

No, a support group won’t magically “fix” your problems overnight. But it will create an environment where lasting change can happen.

In short, the risk is worth it.

That means if any of these objections have been keeping you from joining a support group, it’s time to challenge them. Because the discomfort of stepping into something new is nothing compared to the pain of staying stuck.

Healing happens in relationships and growth happens in connection. 

And freedom happens when we stop believing the lies that keep us isolated.So if you’re on the fence about joining a support group, take the leap and try one. You might just find that what you feared most is actually the very thing that leads to your freedom.

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