If you’re looking for a way to connect with others who are in recovery, consider joining a support group. They may help you feel less alone, develop recovery coping skills, and enhance your motivation.
There are many different types of groups available, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Al-Anon. Find a group that meets near you.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery, or Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a form of peer support that can help those struggling with addiction find a healthier way to live. It is a free program that is offered online and in-person.
It is a non-spiritual, evidence-based alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs. It focuses on self-empowerment and long-lasting behavior change.
The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program, which is the basis of the program, helps participants learn how to change their behavior, thoughts, and feelings. It also teaches them how to manage their emotions, build their motivation to change, and learn to live a balanced life.
The main goal of SMART Recovery is to empower people to overcome addictions using rational thinking. This approach is especially helpful for those who may not have had the best opportunities in life or are facing emotional and mental health issues.
LifeRing
LifeRing is an abstinence-based network of people who want to live drug and alcohol-free lives. It is a secular group that focuses on individual efforts and motivation rather than religion or spirituality, and offers in-person meetings, online chat rooms, and other resources for those who want to develop their own recovery programs.
In addition, LifeRing members are able to share their stories in a safe space, which may help them gain extra confidence and support from fellow members. This community, which is also geared toward queer, trans, and questioning people, is another great option for those who are looking for an alternative to 12-step meetings.
To examine the relationship between group involvement and recovery goal, we conducted a cross-sectional study with participants 18 years or older with a lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD). Data were collected at baseline; 6 months; and 12 months.
She Recovers
If you want an alternative to 12-Step support groups, She Recovers is a women-focused community that provides online support and meetings. They believe that early recovery is better than a hard, low bottom, and they focus on individual strengths instead of weaknesses as a way to inspire change in their members.
The SHE RECOVERS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and a global grassroots movement serving more than 325,000 women in or seeking recovery from life challenges including trauma, substance use, grief and loss, eating disorders, burnout and moral injury, love addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
We reduce the stigma associated with women and recovery, empower women to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves, and help other women to do the same. We do this through our virtual platforms and in-person community networks, resources and supports, #MentalHealthMonday educational series, and a growing library of Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes created by SHE RECOVERS creator Taryn Strong.
First Things First
Whether you have just started or are looking for a new way to meet people in recovery, online meetings can be an excellent resource. They’re easy to find and can be attended from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Many people in recovery struggle with isolation and social withdrawal, and having a community to call home is a key part of long-term success. Message boards, chat rooms, and Facebook pages allow people to interact with others 24 hours a day.
The anonymity of online support groups can also encourage people to share their experiences with addiction and recovery. This can be very beneficial to the recovery process and can give members hope and inspiration.
Some online meetings focus on speaker groups, where a member shares their recovery experience or discusses specific topics. Others allow everyone to talk freely at any time during the meeting.