For those who have addictions to alcohol, opiates, stimulants, cannabis, or other mind-altering substances, there are many support group options. These include peer support, self-help, and consumer groups. Some examples are:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: Founded in 1939, this layman self-help group uses the “Big Book” to help guide the recovery process. AA allows members of any age, race, culture, and education to join.
- Cocaine Anonymous: CA does not discriminate against anyone attending its meetings. This 12- Step program, however, requires that individuals have a longing to quit the utilization of any mind-altering substances. These meetings are free, though they do welcome contributions.
- Crystal Meth Anonymous: CMA supports their meetings via member donations. Anyone wishing to abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol is welcome to take part.
- Dual Recovery Anonymous: If you struggle with a mental health disorder as well as a substance use disorder, these meetings may help you find others with similar struggles. This group states that neither psychological or drug and alcohol disorders are the identified individual’s fault. DRA utilizes a 12-Step program.
- Marijuana Anonymous: MA takes a 12-Step approach towards a sober lifestyle, encouraging attendance of anyone wanting to maintain their recovery from mind-altering substances, especially cannabis.
- Narcotics Anonymous: NA began in 1953. This 12-Step group also does not turn individuals away. It utilizes contributions from members to continue with ongoing fellowship. They do not distinguish between any substances, including alcohol.
- SMART Recovery®: SMART is based on 4-Points®. It strives to instruct members on how to alter any self-defeating cognitions, feelings, and behaviors.
Are There Support Groups for Families?
Families also experience addiction. Siblings and parents may become enablers, engage in codependent behaviors, or take on a role to aid in helping to take the focus off the fact that addiction is happening within the family dynamic. Knowing you aren’t alone as a family member is crucial. Two renowned addiction family support groups are:
- Nar-Anon: This group specifically targets helping family members to heal from their loved one’s drug addiction.
- Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon strives to restore all aspects of healing for those who have an alcoholic family member.
There are even support groups for codependency (CoDA).
Alternative Treatment Centers Help in Conjunction with Support Groups
12-Step programs and support groups are helpful to you maintain your sobriety and recovery. It is also essential to collaborate with trained professionals, such as those at Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee. Developing a lifestyle that encourages your recovery requires a good support system. Our program helps you do just that. It serves as an outline for the life-sustaining components of a sober lifestyle: 12-Step recovery meetings, sponsorship, sustained work on the 12 Steps, and continued events and communication with our alternative treatment program.
Family is a large part of the recovery journey. Brothers, sisters, parents, and extended family also need to heal after being exposed to addiction. At Discovery
