One of the most important things anyone needs when struggling with addiction is support.
It can get you through the difficult times, great for celebrating the achievements, as well as giving you plenty of advice and education to set you on your way to a successful recovery.
Going through drug or alcohol rehab is a tough process, but one that can be hugely beneficial to a person’s health on a physical, mental and emotional front. Joining various groups for support can be essential for that.
So, if you are going through addiction recovery, whether it be alcohol, drugs or any other form, here are five types of groups you should consider joining…
12-Step Programmes
Of course, you may well have heard of the 12-step programme, with it being popularised by Alcoholics Anonymous. However, there are programmes designed for all forms of addiction and are built around guiding people through the recovery process.
It involves accountability, spiritual growth, peer support and regular meetings. These are held daily in local town centres and have helped thousands upon thousands of people over the years as part of their recovery routine after rehab.
SMART Recovery
We’ve all heard of SMART goals in the workplace but they can be taken into everyday life and part of your recovery too. This is a science-based alternative to the likes of the 12-step programme and involves the teaching of coping strategies via cognitive behavioural therapy.
SMART recovery is structured around four key points: building and maintaining motivation, copint with urges, managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and living a balanced life. This is especially appealing to those going through recovery who prefer a non-religious path to recovery.
Peer Support Groups
Sometimes the best option can be learning from other people’s experiences and seeking support in a less structured environment. These can be much more flexible and inclusive, catering to a variety of interests and demographics.
For example, you may find that there are groups designed especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community or young people, people of a certain cultural background and so on. This can reduce isolation as well as connecting more with the experiences of others.
Therapy Groups
Therapy groups are found regularly in rehab and encouraged by councellors as they provide a professional approach to your recovery. They have the added benefit of peer support, as you are in a group, but they are guided by someone who is trained to help people address underlying issues, traumas and the various pressures that can lead to addiction.
Within these sessions you might find cognitive behavioural therapy groups, dialectical behaviour therapy groups, family therapy, and even the likes of art and music therapy, all of which can be beneficial to a person in recovery.
Holistic and Wellness Groups
Holistic and wellness groups approach recovery from a comprehensive standpoint, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Activities in these groups might include yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, art therapy, or nature-based therapies.
These groups focus on overall health and well-being, which can be crucial for sustaining long-term recovery. By engaging in holistic practices, individuals can learn to manage stress, improve their mental clarity, and develop a healthier lifestyle. The sense of community and shared peaceful activities can also provide a soothing counterbalance to the often intense process of addiction recovery.