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Drug and Alcohol Addiction Support Groups

In the battle against addiction, sometimes the best source of help is not trained clinicians or counselors, but everyday people - everyday people who have gone through the same trials and tribulations as you. This type of help is often found through support groups.
To speak with a person in recovery call now 877-417-6237.

Why join a support group?

Whether you are battling addiction or are suffering because of a loved one's addiction problem, chances are you've felt uncomfortable or perhaps embarrassed about how unstable your life has become. This shame can sometimes cause a reluctance to talk about your life experiences, for fear of being judged. The beauty of support groups is that they are a non-judgmental, safe place to share your thoughts, experiences and feelings. Addiction creates a wall surrounding our emotions, but that wall must come down, or your recovery journey will fail. Support groups can be extremely helpful in tearing down these emotional barriers.

Dr. William Morrow, a licensed marriage and family therapist, put it this way when writing a column in the Fort Myers News-Press: "The truth is, coping with addiction requires a support group, whether you are the designated addictee or a family member. Support groups wonderfully generate the healing power which meets head-on the devastating and painful power of addiction.-

That being said, supports groups are no substitute for alcohol rehab or drug rehab. Rehab offers important services that support groups do not, such as detox. For help in finding the right rehab facility, call Treatment Solutions Network today at 877-417-6237.

The 12 Steps

Many, though not all, support groups follow a 12-step treatment model that has decades of proven success behind it. The 12 steps function under a structure of anonymity, meaning that what is said during support group meetings is not repeated outside of those walls.

Other aspects of the 12-step program include personal accountability, but not self-pity or excessive guilt. The 12 steps teach members to recognize and understand their past failings, and correct them, but there is no sense crying over the spilled milk of the past.

A key benefit of 12-step programs is that they offer help to their members not just during the hours that meetings are held. Members typically exchange phone numbers and can call on each other during difficult times - when an addict needs help with relapse prevention, for example.

Support groups sometimes gather for social events - providing members an opportunity to have fun in a healthy, nurturing atmosphere. Battle Creek, Michigan's "Alano Club- - which hosts 12-step meetings for a variety of addictions - has staged an "Off The Hook- BBQ festival, featuring live music. In between bands, recovering addicts told the crowd their stories in sad, passionate, and funny ways.

"It's important to give addicts something to do socially, without alcohol and drugs,- Tony, a recovering addict, told the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Alcohol support groups

Perhaps the best-known 12-step support group is Alcoholics Anonymous - a program of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope so that they may together recover from alcoholism. There are no membership dues in AA, and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA groups support themselves financially through voluntary member contributions.

Drug support groups

There are also12-step programs geared specifically to recovering drug addicts. Narcotics Anonymous is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, with the main difference being its members are working to overcome an addiction to drugs, not alcohol. Cocaine Anonymous is a support group tailored to those with cocaine or crack addictions.

Other addiction support groups

In addition to helping those whose lives have been touched by substance abuse, the 12-step model has also been incorporated into support groups dealing with other types of addictions. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program for those addicted to gambling; Overeaters Anonymous aids those who suffer with eating disorders; Codependents Anonymous helps men and women recover from dysfunctional relationships.

Family support groups

Addiction is truly a family disease, and those who have been affected by the addict - regardless of whether that person is still using - can benefit greatly from their own support groups.

Al-Anon is a support group that serves not alcoholics but their spouses and friends. Like AA, Al-Anon meetings have no required dues or fees, and are guided by the 12 steps of recovery. Al-Anon also includes a separate category of meetings just for younger members, called Alateen. Nar-Anon is similar to Al-Anon, but offers its support, guidance, and understanding to the friends or family of drug addicts.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance - we can help you find a local drug or alcohol addiction support group. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury drug treatment.