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Addiction is a complex and chronic mental health issue. It can also be progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. The good news is it is treatable. One form of treatment for drug addiction is addiction support groups.
After a person completes a treatment program for drug or alcohol addiction, many people are encouraged to join an addiction support group (also known as a recovery support group) to maintain recovery and encourage lasting sobriety. Addiction support groups can be used in any phase of the recovery process, and these groups can offer a significant form of support to individuals in active therapy or during aftercare treatment. Addiction support groups have many benefits, making them an essential aspect of addiction recovery.
An addiction support group is an integral aspect of behavioral and mental health treatment programs, including recovery from addiction. Addiction recovery groups are intended to complement the effects of rehab.
During addiction recovery, recovery group meetings are led by a person in a role of leadership – either a peer leader, trained counselor, or social worker – to help others find understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging amongst those who are battling a similar struggle. Most people who make up addiction support groups share a common goal of rehabilitation after a problem with substance abuse. These groups may also be called recovery support groups or addiction recovery groups.
A problem that many individuals in substance abuse recovery face is isolation, which can contribute to the use of harmful and addictive substances. Support groups help to let each participant know that they are not alone and do not have to be disconnected from others.
Regular attendance at addiction support groups can offer the necessary structure to encourage a daily routine while offering interaction with like-minded people, giving a chance for the individual to feel connected with other people, and combatting feelings of isolation.
Support group members are not judged for their actions or choices. Support group members are committed to having open minds about others’ experiences, and they may even have similar experiences.
The exchange of information offered at recovery support groups can also shed light on coping strategies that other members might not have benefited from, which can aid in achieving future goals.
Support groups can also encourage accountability. This is important because even a person who has completed a rehab program successfully is in danger of relapse. Finding a group of people to help keep you on track is a vital asset in the addiction recovery process.
Some people recovering from addiction have few sober, supportive friends, making relapse more probable. The social bonds created in relapse recovery groups can increase your likelihood of avoiding relapse.
Several types of addiction support groups exist, including:
12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are commonly known 12-Step programs because individuals who participate in them are required to work through 12 steps to address and identify issues associated with their substance abuse.
Mutual support groups typically are organized by a trained facilitator, bringing together those with similar struggles to provide encouragement, healthy discussions, and community to those who might feel alone in their struggles.
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) meetings are an option for those who wish to participate in a support group that does not include any aspects of religion or spirituality. SMART Recovery helps individuals to:
Other support groups may be offered in clinical settings, such as outpatient clinics or hospitals. Online support groups, including forums on websites and social media support groups are also available.
If you or a loved one are going through addiction recovery and you recognize the importance of how a support group can supplement your rehab program, ask your current addiction rehab program leaders for advice.
Prevail Recovery is a Florida outpatient rehab center specializing in addiction and dual diagnosis treatment plans. Find out today why a Florida rehab is the best thing for your long-term recovery.
At Prevail Recovery, we understand that recovery takes a village. Our support groups are a great place to find other people who have struggled as well. Reach out to us today to learn more about addiction support groups that might help you or your loved one.
Prevail Recovery Center is a trusted drug & alcohol treatment program in Ft. Lauderdale, South Florida that offers individualized, evidence-based programming.
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