The Role of Support Groups for Recovering Alcoholics

Once you have gone through a successful alcohol detox and rehab program, your life of living alcohol-free begins. But outside of our comfortable, medically supervised detox facility, the realities of life can drag you back toward the drink. For that reason, we have previously discussed tips for staying sober after detox. This time, we take a look at some of the support groups available for recovering alcoholics.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Of course, the most well-known such group is Alcoholics Anonymous, or more informally, AA. Since 1935 Alcoholics Anonymous has provided a support network for people with a desire to stop drinking. Through sharing strengths and weaknesses with each other and using the Twelve Steps for recovery from alcoholism, AA helps its members achieve and maintain sobriety while maintaining an atmosphere of anonymity. According to the AA website, there are over 2,000,000 members worldwide and 114,000 groups. Membership is free to find a group in your area.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

If you are uncomfortable with the religious content found in the 12-step program used by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups, Secular Organizations for Sobriety may be a good alternative.

Launched in 1999 in Los Angeles, California, SOS is now a nationwide recovery program. Face-to-face meetings are usually weekly and there are groups in every US state. The core philosophy behind SOS is that you alone can keep yourself sober. Materials and support are provided, but the responsibility lies within you.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is another support group designed to help to recover alcoholics (as well as drug addicts and those struggling with substance abuse.) One of the biggest differences between SMART Recovery and some of the other groups is the emphasis on scientific research and recent studies. Like SOS, SMART Recovery also teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance over divine intervention.

There is a variety of meeting options, including face-to-face meetings, daily online meetings, and an online message board and chat room.

Women for Sobriety (WFS)

As the name suggests, Women for Sobriety is a female-only support group network. WFS focuses on self-help and recovery from addiction, including alcoholism and drug addiction.

Like the other groups, confidentiality is maintained for all WFS members. Groups are usually 6-10 women and are held at least once a week for no more than an hour. The core principles of WFS are positive thinking and reinforcement.

No group works for every person, every time. Therefore, in order for you to be successful on your road to recovery, it is important to find a support group that fits you and your personality.

There are professional rehab centers as well that provide alcohol and drug detox services. If you or your loved one are suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other substance abuse, and they need help, contact addiction rehab centers to discuss the customized treatment that is the best program for you. Be assured that rehab facilities value your privacy, and all your information will be kept strictly confidential. So, contact a reliable one today and take the first step toward your addiction rehab and recovery.

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