Drug and alcohol addiction are complex conditions. They impact every part of your life and have deep roots in your genetics, history, behaviors, and more. Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) requires treatment, patience, and ongoing support.
Support groups can be a valuable aspect of your recovery plan. Participating in an addiction recovery support group can help you develop healthy coping skills. It can help you build a community that supports your long-term recovery from addiction.
This article will explore the role of support groups in addiction recovery. You will learn:
- 5 types of addiction support groups
- The benefits of attending support groups in addiction recovery
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
Addiction treatment and recovery support are available at First Step Behavioral Health. Our specialists are ready to answer your questions. We will help you find the right programs to support recovery or schedule an intake appointment. Take a step toward a healthier future by contacting us today.
5 Types of Addiction Support Groups
There are several types of support groups that can help people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Some of the most popular are:
1. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known recovery support groups in the United States. This organization provides free, regular support meetings for people in recovery from alcohol abuse and addiction.
AA offers a 12-step program. Members work through 12 steps of recovery. The 12 steps encourage members to focus on:
- Admitting powerlessness against addiction
- Giving their lives to a higher power
- Making amends to people they’ve harmed
- Taking personal inventory
- Accepting responsibility for their actions
Alcoholics Anonymous encourages people to turn their lives over to a higher power. It teaches that this is necessary before people can begin the healing process.
You can also find Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Marijuana Anonymous(MA), and other similar 12-step groups.
2. Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
SMART Recovery is a program that can help people achieve abstinence. The program empowers people to make choices that support long-term sobriety.
The four pillars of the SMART program include:
- Developing motivation to seek change
- Learning to cope with cravings
- Managing your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without using drugs or alcohol
- Developing habits that support a healthy lifestyle
SMART Recovery members may attend in-person meetings or participate in online group sessions. This group uses evidence-based behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help people make meaningful changes.
3. Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) is a 12-step program. It is designed to help people with substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health condition. People can attend in-person or online meetings. During sessions, members share their stories, learn healthy coping skills, and support one another.
4. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is an international organization providing recovery support groups. This group focuses on empowering members with science and evidence-based therapies. It encourages members to:
- Acknowledge their substance abuse
- Accept their substance use disorder (SUD)
- Prioritize sobriety
This group maintains a safe, non-religious space where members can share their experiences throughout recovery.
5. LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery provides an alternative to 12-step programs. This organization encourages members to identify their own goals and create a recovery program to meet their unique needs.
LifeRing focuses on:
- Sobriety
- Secularity
- Self-help
It advocates that people with addiction have two selves: the sober self and the addicted self. During support group meetings, members work to empower their sober selves and encourage others to embrace a sober lifestyle.
What are the Benefits of Addiction Recovery Support Groups?
Research shows that recovery support groups benefit people working to overcome addiction. Participating in support groups can be beneficial in many ways, including:
- Reducing loneliness
- Providing structure
- Creating accountability
- Providing a supportive community
- Non-judgmental support
- New coping skills
- Improved communication
- Access to community resources
Support groups can help people feel connected to others in meaningful ways. They provide people with a safe place to process their experiences, thoughts, and feelings throughout recovery. Joining a recovery support group can help people stay on track in recovery, even when it feels challenging.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one needs support during recovery, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
