Receiving support is so important when going through the recovery process. Sobriety and recovery are a lifelong process, and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. At Footprints of Serenity, we’re here to let you know that detox and addiction treatment (rehab) are just the first steps to take on your sober journey. Once you’re settled at home or in a new place, it’s imperative to stay connected with other sober people. Addiction support groups are a great way to do this.
What Is an Addiction Support Group?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, support groups can be an amazing source of recovery support. These groups can also provide a safe, encouraging environment, while individuals are going through the treatment process. They are also important to continue after treatment to prevent a future relapse. These programs generally follow steps or guidelines in helping an individual overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety. These programs encourage not only self-support but the support of others. Finding support is crucial in the recovery process, and joining a support group may be one of the most beneficial forms of support that an individual can receive when overcoming an addiction. Support groups promote abstinence and help to prevent a future relapse. These groups can help shed light on what the recovery process is like and how it is unique for each person.
Addiction Support Groups
There are many different support groups for addiction. Some of the more popular groups include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of both men and women who are suffering from a drinking addiction. This program is an international program that is multiracial and apolitical. AA is a self-supporting program that is nonprofessional but fully supportive. There are no requirements when it comes to age and education. AA follows the 12-steps of Alcoholic Anonymous for those who want to receive help for their drinking problem.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit society of men and women who are suffering from drugs. This program promotes abstinence of all drugs and sets specific guidelines/steps to follow when recovering from an addiction. This program is a global program which is multicultural and multilingual.
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA) – According to Cocaine Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women alike who have all shared the same sort of suffering from a cocaine addiction. It is important that each individual meets on one common ground so they feel equal within this group. Anyone who suffers from any addiction, not just a cocaine addiction, is welcome to join.
- Refuge Recovery – Refuge Recovery is a recovery program that is based on Buddhist principles. This program’s basic statement is that all of the individuals invested in this program have the power and potential to overcome the addiction that they are suffering from. This program supports the belief of training your heart and mind to live in understanding and free from addiction. You don’t have to practice Buddhism to be a part of Refuge Recovery.
These are just a few of the more well known addiction support groups. If you or someone you know is a family member or friend of an addiction, there are support groups for that as well. Al-anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and CoDa just to name a few.
How Footprints of Serenity Can Help
Here at Footprints of Serenity, we are a group of interventionists/ addiction specialists with over 20 years of experience in the recovery field. Our services include staging drug and alcohol interventions, sober companionship, recovery coach, detox placement, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the addiction treatment process, relapse prevention tips, etc.