How to Find a Recovery Support Group

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Recovery Support Group

Now that you’ve recovered from your addiction, there’s no reason you have to continue this path alone. Here are some great recovery support groups to check out.

Have you just completed a rehabilitation program? If so, congratulations!

In a world where just getting your foot in the door at rehab is a struggle and takes an immense amount of personal strength, it isn’t easy getting through it all the way to post-recovery. And by post-recovery, we mean support groups.

Real recovery means extended recovery and support. So what are you waiting for? Check out these fantastic recovery support groups!

What Is A Support Group?

Recovery support groups, also known as self-help, mutual help, or mutual aid groups, are a very important part of lifelong recovery from addiction. A self-help group is a gathering of other recovering addicts where everyone is free to talk about how they are feeling and their struggles.

In addition to support from others that are recovering, most support groups provide a sponsor as well. When most people think of support groups, they think of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Research has shown that active, consistent participation in support groups significantly raises your chances of avoiding relapse. How awesome is that?

Finding the right support group may seem daunting, but there are actually thousands of amazing support groups out there that are centered around gender, specific addictions, religious affiliations, sexuality, and disabilities so that you can get the right support you’re looking for.

How To Find The Right Recovery Support Group

Finding the right support group for you is easier than you think.

Look Into Alcoholic Anonymous

If you are a recovering alcoholic, AA can be a good choice. One of the longest-running networks of support groups in the United State, Alcoholic Anonymous focuses on something called the 12 Step Program that helps build a foundation for lifelong recovery.

AA could be just what you need and is definitely worth a shot. However, unfortunately, it has been proven that many people tend to abandon the 12 Step approach to addiction recovery and AA– only 25-35% of participants stick to it.

Alternatives To AA

There are quite a few alternative support groups that don’t involve the 12 Step approach to recovery.

Women for Sobriety

WFS is a great place to check out if you’re a woman dealing with alcoholism or drug abuse.

Women for Sobriety’s founder was a sociologist with a detrimental drinking program that she eventually beat on her own by changing her thought patterns. Her program focuses on the unique emotional needs of women and can be a great choice.

SMART

SMART Recovery is a support group network that focuses on cognitive and behavioral methods of fighting addictions.

Many support groups have unchanging principles. SMART Recovery, on the other hand, intentionally changes their philosophies as new innovations in science come about.

If you’re looking for a support group that isn’t particularly religious and focuses on scientific approaches to fighting addiction, you should check out SMART.

Get The Support You Need

Was our guide to recovery support groups useful? Tell us what you think, along with your own addiction and recovery story, in the comments below!