Different types of support groups for alcoholism recovery
Being addicted to alcohol is miserable, as it is a complex vicious circle that leads to mental problems besides physical damages. Those who are alcoholics will need more than just treatment. Treatment will be meaningless if the addict starts drinking again and so, in addition to therapists, there are many other health institutions that offer viable outpatient treatment programs. The institutions can be quite effective if the patient is willing to get rid of this addiction and also has family support. Recovering addicts that do not want twenty four hour supervision, can opt for counseling to help cure them of this mental disease.
Also apart from counseling, support groups have proved very effective in the recovery process. One should note that this is not a single part process that works in exactly the same way for everyone. Lots of individuals have different reasons for this addiction and if the cause is addressed properly then it becomes easier to treat this disease.
Finding the contact information for interactive support groups and other similar programs on the internet is easy. These programs are excellent choices for those in rational recovery especially for those who are heavy drinkers. The really good programs can help you at any given point within your recovery process. The whereabouts of such groups can be found easily.
At times during group therapy sessions, a group could be moderated by professionals. There are also support groups that hold self help or support meetings free of charge. Either of the two cases, the group therapy sessions are very helpful for the patients suffering from addiction.
These meetings can also be a part of clinical therapy where patients having the same problem as you, share their issues regarding addiction.usually it is through thses discussions that alcoholics realize that there are a lot of similarities as to how you and other members of the group suffer addiction. This method helps them learn different coping strategies from each others’ experience.
Right there in the support group, there are people who have come a long way through the recovery process. It is through these meetings, that you would realize that someone initially might have had the same problems as you might be having now. Knowing this will boost your hope and give you an incentive to stay in the recovery and it will take some time before you can completely get rid of this addiction.
And so you are presented with a platform where you can get some of the things off your chest for example, if you never had a family with whom you could share your problems then this is the place where you can say it all. Most times though, it is not so easy for your family to understand problems of your addiction but the people who had the same experience as you, would be able to comprehend it in a better way. Those who belong to a group where they can share their troubles find their burdens easier to bear.
And so thisp is the process of alcohol addiction recovery but unless you, yourself, are not willing to improve your condition, nothing can be done to help you. But if you are are determined to rid yourself of this habit, there are some of the best group sessions offered by local professional or rehab programs that have an outstanding reputation.
Types of Support Groups
One can find several kinds of support groups and recovery programs. Lots of individuals begin participating as part of a structured addiction treatment program and continue attending the same groups after treatment concludes. Below are examples of the most common recovery support groups include:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most well-known recovery support groups, AA is a self-help peer support organization open to anyone who battles alcohol abuse concerns and wishes to remain abstinent. Alcoholics Anonymous program follows a 12-Step format that asks its members to admit that alcohol has been in control of their lives and to turn themselves over to a higher power. For those who decide to follow with the 12 Steps, members will list their faults and apologize to those who they may have wronged on their path to redemption. Once you are done with the 12 Steps, members are then encouraged to share their journey, offering their service to others in recovery, potentially as a sponsor for someone else who is new to the program. Avoiding alcohol completely is the only requirement for membership in AA. Alcoholics Anonymous support group accepts all people of all religions, genders, races, and ages, and is open to all who wish to remain sober. You should note that AA is highly spiritual, although it is nondenominational and nonprofessional. Joining the group is free, and privacy is protected; all groups are anonymous and do not share membership information with others. It is reported to have 2 million members and more than 100,000 groups meeting in 181 countries, AA is a massive organization with various different groups, meeting formats, and options available to support recovery.
SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery
This group is a non-12-Step program, SMART Recovery focuses on a Four-Point Program that helps individuals to build motivation; manage cravings, emotions, and behaviors; and learn how to live a well-balanced life. It is known that SMART helps people to become self-reliant and uses researched-based techniques to foster and sustain recovery. Those who want to participate can join a local group and attend face-to-face meetings as well as receive online and virtual support. This group is a nonspiritual alternative to AA, SMART Recovery programs help individuals learn and develop skills for positive lifestyle changes to aid in sustaining recovery and sobriety.
Moderation Management (MM)
Known as a support group that takes a different approach to recovery, which is different from many support groups as it does not expect full abstinence but, members are able to continue to drink alcohol in moderation. Moderation Management aims at eliminating problematic drinking and negative behaviors associated with them through the Steps of Change. Those who join are asked to keep a drinking diary at first and then to undergo a 30-day period of complete abstinence from alcohol. When the 30 days have elapsed, individuals are then able to reintroduce alcohol in a responsible manner. MM holds the belief that not drinking at all may not be practical for everyone and holds that drinking in moderation may be acceptable. They provide members with tools for managing problem drinking and how to control it. This group can cinduc both virtual and face-to-face meetings as well.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
This support group is a nonprofit organization, SOS hosts both online and in-person recovery support group meetings for individuals seeking sobriety and those in recovery. Joining this group is free and anonymous with the sole goal being for members to support each other in sustaining sobriety. This support group is autonomous, free, and open to anyone who wishes to achieve and/or maintain abstinence. They're not religious in nature and therefore not attached to any religion or spiritual group. They are also not governed or connected to any outside groups or organizations.
Women for Sobriety (WFS)
WFS is one nonprofit organization focused specifically on the needs of women in recovery, WFS hosts a New Life Program that uses 13 acceptance statements to help women modify self-destructive thoughts and behaviors for a full and healthy life free from alcohol and drugs. Those who join are to spend time each morning and each evening thinking about the 13 acceptance statements and how they apply to their lives. These purpose of these statements is to help women to think more positively about themselves and to help them take ownership of their own lives and recovery. Their meetings do provide peer support and aid in changing negative thoughts to more positive ones, thus helping to make changes for the better. They believe that by providing a better understanding of the one, a person can then have a more full and balanced life. Participants are taught coping skills and stress management through a WFS recovery support group program.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon, is not really for alcoholics, but is a support group for family members of alcoholics. The effects of alcoholism usually results in emotionally destructive behavior, and spouses and children often endure the bulk of these outbursts. Although there may be no abuse, it can be extremely difficult to watch a loved one spiral out of control. This group tries to offer a supportive environment to discuss and share feelings about this painful disease. Alcoholic support groups and programs can be highly beneficial in sustaining sobriety and helping to minimize relapse. Research data shows that actively participating in AA makes a person twice as likely to remain abstinent. Because there are a lot of support groups out there, people can choose one that fits them best. Getting membership to these groups can provide a sense of belonging to help dispel the isolation that addiction can often instill. Belonging to a sober community is important in recovery, and it can be very helpful to surround oneself with others who share similar experiences and goals for the future. At the end of the day, recovery support groups provide a nonjudgmental environment for fellowship and healing.