Addiction is a complex condition that requires compassionate treatment and sustained commitment. Long-term recovery depends on developing new skills, receiving medical and mental health support, and more.
Support groups are critical to a long-term recovery plan. People in recovery must find ways to stay engaged, learn new coping skills, and have social support. A support group provides a safe place for people with addiction to process feelings, develop more skills, and connect with others in recovery.
This article will explore the role of support groups after addiction treatment. You will learn:
- How to use community-based support groups in recovery
- Different types of recovery support groups
- The benefits of support groups in recovery
- Where to find addiction treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, find the support you need at The Living Room. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our intake team today.
What is the Role of Support Groups in Addiction Recovery?
Support groups typically meet at a regular time and place. Some organizations host weekly meetings and allow attendees to come as often as they would like. Community-based support groups are typically free to attend.
Support groups provide a safe, dedicated time and place for people in addiction recovery to gather. People with addiction and their family members can connect with others, learn new skills, process feelings and experiences, and more.
Attending support groups can be valuable to a person’s recovery plan. They provide structure and can increase accountability. During rehab, people may begin to create an aftercare plan. Their treatment teams may refer them to community-based support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Friends and family members of people with addiction may also benefit from attending recovery support groups. These groups provide comprehensive information about addiction and recovery. Attending them may help loved ones create a safer and more supportive environment for an addicted person.
Exploring Different Recovery Support Groups
Several types of support groups can help people recover from addiction. Here is an overview of some of the most popular recovery support groups.
1. 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:
- Managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors without using addictive substances
- Learning to cope with cravings
- Increasing motivation to change
- Developing habits that support a healthy lifestyle
SMART Recovery members may attend in-person or online group sessions. This group uses evidence-based behavioral therapies proven to be safe and effective. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that can increase motivation to change.
2. Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) is a 12-step program designed to help people with co-occurring conditions (a mental health condition and addiction). People can attend in-person meetings or join online sessions. During meetings, attendees share their stories, learn new coping skills, and support each other.
3. LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery is an alternative to 12-step programs. This recovery support group encourages members to identify their recovery goals and helps them create a program that meets their needs.
LifeRing groups focus on:
- Self-help
- Sobriety
- Secularity
One of the pillars of this group is acknowledging one’s “two selves.” This organization teaches that people have a “sober self” and an “addicted self.” It encourages people to empower their sober selves as they work toward lifelong sobriety.
4. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most popular recovery support groups in the United States. This organization provides free support meetings for people in addiction recovery. It is a 12-step program that encourages people to:
- Admit powerlessness against addiction
- Give their lives to a higher power (as defined by each person)
- Make amends to people they’ve hurt
- Take personal inventory
- Accept responsibility for their actions
People may also attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Marijuana Anonymous (MA), and other 12-step groups.
5. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is an international organization. It provides regular recovery support groups that focus on empowering and educating members. This group uses evidence-based techniques to help members:
- Acknowledge their substance use
- Accept their substance use disorder (SUD)
- Prioritize sobriety
This group maintains a supportive, non-religious space where members can share their experiences in recovery and support one another.
The Benefits of Attending Support Groups in Recovery
Attending regular support groups can have many benefits. Some of the most significant benefits of attending recovery support groups include:
- Reduced isolation and loneliness in recovery
- Structure that supports recovery
- Accountability to a group
- A community of peers and professionals focused on long-term sobriety
- Non-judgmental support and guidance
- The opportunity to develop new coping skills
- Better communication skills
- Less shame and guilt in recovery
- Connection to community resources
Support groups can be a valuable part of a long-term addiction recovery plan. Including support groups in an aftercare plan after rehab is important to ensure people have the continuing support they need throughout recovery.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or are in recovery, find support at The Living Room. Our intake specialists can give you more information about our programs or help you schedule appointments. Contact us today to take the next step of your recovery journey.