What are the Different Types of Support Groups?

Overcoming a mental illness or substance use disorder requires a combination of detoxification, medication, therapy, counseling, and behavioral or habitual changes that promote a healthier lifestyle. The recovery process is different for everyone, but possible for anyone who accepts it.

With that said, addiction recovery is something that can’t be done alone. It takes a combined effort from friends, family members, loved ones, healthcare professionals, and much more. Without this unconventional support, the individual would struggle through the recovery process.

Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a reliable and dependable support group to help them stay motivated. The good news is that no one has to go through the recovery process alone. Even those without a support group can find what they need in local recovery support groups.

What is a Recovery Support Group?

A recovery support group is a gathering of like-minded individuals going through similar issues in life. The group shares their experiences with one another, giving all individuals an opportunity to both give and receive support. It’s meant to be a judgment-free yet emotional experience for all.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of joining recovery groups for drug addiction or mental health issues:

• They remind patients they’re not alone in their struggle
• Patients receive compassion and emotional support from others
• Patients stay motivated and inspired to continue their progress in recovery
• Patients learn new skills and earn a sense of self-confidence
• By supporting others in their fight, patients feel better about themselves 
• Many patients gain lifelong friendships with other support group members
• Recovery support groups help prevent relapse and reduce relapse rates

Recovery support groups offer a safe space for those learning to overcome their drug addiction or mental illness. Since many people feel alone or misunderstood – even by those close to them – a recovery support group provides that understanding they’ve been longing for their whole life.

What are the Different Types of Support Groups?

Support groups come in many different forms and types to ensure every patient has access to the care they so desperately need. While they all operate with similar intentions, the different types of support groups are designed to target and attract certain demographics of people. 

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of support groups available to patients today:

• 12 Step Programs – patients complete a popular and world-famous 12-step program designed to reduce dependency and promote sobriety through whole-body healing.
• SMART Recovery Groups – patients gain personal motivation, learn how to cope with urges, better control thoughts and feelings, and learn how to live a sober life.
• Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS) – also known as Save Our Selves, SOS is reserved for those that believe in self-empowerment, as opposed to a higher power.
• Women For Sobriety (WFS) – since women face different experiences than men when going through the recovery process, WFS takes those changes into account. 
• Celebrate Recovery – this type of support group is reserved for those that want a Christian-based support group. 

Recovery support groups aren’t the same as group therapy sessions with a professional therapist. While they might have the same goal and purpose, we recommend taking part in both group therapy and a recovery support group – though it might not be needed for all patients.

How to Find the Best Support Group to Fit Your Needs

It doesn’t matter where you live or what type of support group you’re interested in, and chances are you’ll come across a wide range of therapy options in your area. Navigating those options might seem like a chore, but you can quickly narrow them down by knowing what to look for in a group.

Don’t worry; we’re going to discuss some of the most prominent things to look for in a support group:

• Make sure the support group is accepting new members
• Make sure the support group doesn’t meet too far away
• Make sure you can be open and honest with other members
• Make sure you understand how often the group meets and when
• Don’t be afraid to ask what type of topics are discussed in meetings
• Ask around and get other people’s opinion of the group
• Do your research online and check any reviews or member testimonials

At the end of the day, you want to find a support group that you feel comfortable with. Since you’ll be expected to participate in sharing your experiences with the group, it’s important that you feel open and honest with those around you. When you find the right group, you’ll know. 

Finding Recovery Support Groups in Florida

Do you feel as if you’re going through the recovery process alone? Are you lacking the level of unconventional love and support needed to overcome addiction or mental illness? Are you looking for different types of support groups in Florida? If so, then you came to the right place!

At Prevail Recovery Center, we understand that there are levels to the recovery process, and we stay dedicated to helping our patients succeed at each stage of the process. We believe that with the right support and treatment, patients can seek a happier, healthier, and more rewarding life. 

Prevail Recovery Center is a South Florida rehab facility providing outpatient and dual diagnosis treatment in Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you need a detox program, 12-step program, integrative medicine, dual diagnosis treatment, individual or group therapy, support recovery groups, or aftercare programs, you can trust your friends at Prevail Recovery Center. Feel free to contact us today to learn more.