Getting sober and moving through the experience of recovery might be a daunting task, but there’s no question that there is ample support for anyone wants it. In fact, most experts say that without support, a person may not make it long without relapsing. It’s the support from friends, family, and sober communities that help a person change their way of life. This article will provide a list of self-help groups as well as provide some resources to call upon for support during your recovery.
Most people are aware of 12-step meetings, developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). And those may be incredibly helpful and provide the kind of support you’re looking for. However, in addition to 12-step meetings, the following are other self help groups to consider:
LifeRing Secular Recovery (LifeRing or LSR)
LifeRing Secular Recovery is a secular and peer-run (similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous community) program for those who wish to recover from an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. The program can also serve those who are in relationship with someone who is an addict or alcoholic. LifeRing emphasizes to its members that they should experiment with a variety of approaches to maintaining abstinence and they can incorporate ideas from other recovery methods.
Rational Recovery
Rational Recovery is an alternative to the 12-step method that is made up of counseling, guidance, and direct instruction for addicts. Much of the program is offered free on the Internet as well as through books, videos, and lectures. The idea behind Rational Recovery is that a user has both a desire to quit and a desire to keep using, causing great ambivalence. In fact, this ambivalence is the definition of addiction according to Rational Recovery. To solve this ambivalence, Rational Recovery provides a wide range of techniques and tools for users to implement in their lives.
Moderation Management (MM)
Moderation Management is a path to sobriety that is secular and based upon relationships with others who are struggling with addiction, similar to the method of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, unlike the AA and 12-step method whose goal is abstinence from alcohol and drug use, MM allows members to set their own drinking goals as they feel appropriate. MM encourages members to follow particular drinking guidelines, limits, goal setting techniques, and a nine-step program for change.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a path to sobriety that is secular and scientifically based. It uses non-confrontational yet motivational methods which strive to change behavior as well as unhealthy thoughts of those who are still using drugs and alcohol. Those who attend SMART Recovery meetings, whether online or at a local community meetings, learn recovery methods that have been used in evidence-based addiction treatments.
Women For Sobriety
Women For Sobriety is a unique organization that was developed to treat addiction. It is an organization of women for women. They are not affiliated with any other recovery organization and stand on their own principles and philosophies. WFS offers a variety of recovery tools to guide women in developing coping skills which focus on emotional growth, spiritual growth, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle. Their vision is to encourage all women in developing their personal growth and continued abstinence through a program they call the New Life Program.
These are a list of self-help support groups that anyone in recovery can utilize. You can see that each are unique and provide a variety of tools, techniques, and philosophies to help a person move past addiction and create a new life for themselves.