Addiction Recovery Support
Addiction support groups can be a vital part of the puzzle of recovery. These support groups offer a safe place to share the struggles of temptation and address the big and small life stressors that can contribute to dysfunctional behaviors and habits. Addiction recovery support group programs are not one-size-fits-all. Each individual meeting group will have its own energy and atmosphere. Keep this in mind as you explore different meetings and groups.
Anonymous
Groups that fall under the -Anonymous 12-step program can include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Codependent- Anonymous, Gamblers-Anonymous, Sex Addicts-Anonymous, and many more specific groups. These 12-step programs and meetings are based on the writings of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by these two gentlemen in hopes of finding and maintaining their own sobriety. The program has expanded internationally since then. Groups can be found worldwide, in nearly every city and village across the world. Most groups focus on the idea that addicts are powerless over their addictions and cannot hope to find freedom without help outside of themselves. Faith in a higher power is a cornerstone of the -Anonymous approach to recovery. Each step of the program is meant to help the addict build that step’s virtue or principle to better their lives and build sustainable sobriety.
Rational Recovery
Rational Recovery is an abstinence-based recovery program developed as an alternative to religious or faith-based 12-step programs. Rational recovery teaches the AVRT (Addictive Voice Recognition Techniques) Method that helps participants recognize and challenge the addictive urges with objective awareness. By dissociating from the addictive voice, participants can make a rational decision to maintain sobriety. Opposed to the -Anonymous principles, Rational Recovery rests on the premise that participants are in total control and anything but powerless against their addiction.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery, or Self-Management And Recovery Training, based on a 4-point program. Those four points include building and maintaining motivation for sobriety, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and living a balanced life. The program prides itself on growing and evolving as new, scientific-based research and practices emerge.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a Christian-based 12-step program that focuses on New Testament teachings that coincide with the 12 steps and the 8 Beatitudes. This program veers away from psychology’s addiction recovery models and relies heavily on faith and biblical teaching instead. Groups are led using only the bible and approved curriculum, written mainly by founder John Baker. Meetings are facilitated by trained group leaders, and meetings are much more structured than other 12-step and recovery programs.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
The SOS program places top priority on maintaining sobriety above all else. SOS operates as a nonprofit network of non-professional local groups and takes a scientific approach to sobriety and abstinence. The organization accepts no religious position and is not in opposition to any other recovery program. In fact, members are encouraged to explore different recovery pathways. SOS groups are rooted in the anonymity of their members and seek to create a safe space for those in recovery to find and share insights, information, experiences, and encouragement in recovery.
