When it comes to addiction, recovery does not end once you complete a treatment program. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), the addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%.[1] Because relapse is incredibly common among individuals recovering from addiction, you must learn how to maintain sobriety outside of a rehab facility.
One of the most important parts of maintaining long-term sobriety is having a recovery community to receive support and advice. The best way to cultivate one of these communities is to join an addiction recovery support group. Thankfully, there are tons of choices when it comes to substance abuse support groups.
The 5 most popular addiction recovery support groups in South Florida include:
1. 12-Step Support Groups
The most popular type of addiction support group in South Florida is a 12-step recovery program. If you are a recovering addict, you have probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These are the two most common 12-step recovery groups that people attend.
12-step programs like AA and NA have a set of principles that help people recovering from addiction stay sober. These support groups have 12 steps of action that their participants engage in to develop a strong foundation of sobriety and right the wrongs of their past. These steps involve admitting powerlessness over alcohol or drugs, finding a higher power to rely on, and making amends for past wrongdoings.
In addition to working the 12 steps, individuals in AA and NA share their stories, provide each other with advice, and support one another throughout their addiction recovery journey.
2. SMART Recovery
While 12-step groups are the most popular support groups for addiction, some people do not like the spiritual and religious aspects of AA and NA. Because of this, other addiction support groups like SMART Recovery were created.
SMART Recovery is a secular alternative to 12-step groups that views substance abuse as a dysfunctional behavior that you have the power to control. These support groups use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches that help people overcome negative behavioral patterns.
This support group operates under a 4-point program, which includes:
- Building and maintaining the motivation to change
- Learning how to cope with triggers and urges to abuse substances
- Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without turning to substances or harmful coping mechanisms
- Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life
3. Alumni Support Groups
Another great way to build a recovery community for yourself is to attend alumni support groups. Alumni support groups are recovery meetings run by the addiction treatment facility you attended. These gatherings provide you with a safe space to discuss addiction, recovery, and all of the challenges that come with being sober.
In addition to weekly meetings, alumni support groups tend to have monthly outings where you can engage in fun activities with your peers. This might include going to a sports game, volunteering in your community, or going to the beach. In other words, alumni support groups provide you with an opportunity to make lasting friendships based on common goals and understanding.
4. Women for Sobriety
Women for Sobriety is an addiction recovery support group for women that was created by a sociologist in 1976. This support group operates on the idea that addictive behaviors in women are a symptom of common issues that this population experiences like trauma, gender inequality, and abuse. The goal of Women for Sobriety is to tackle underlying issues or traumas that contributed to the development of your addiction.
Women for Sobriety focuses on behavior change through:
- Positive reinforcement
- Group and community involvement
- Cognitive approaches
- Taking care of one’s mind and body
5. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S) is an alternative to 12-step programs for people struggling with alcohol, drug, or food addiction. This recovery support group was created for non-religious individuals and believes that people can stay sober based on personal integrity, values, and beliefs.
S.O.S. operates under the motto “sobriety priority”, which just means that anyone can maintain long-term sobriety if they make it their priority in life. This recovery group encourages its participants to:
- Acknowledge that they are an alcoholic or addict
- Do whatever is needed to make sobriety a priority in their life
- Refrain from substance abuse no matter what and accept that life is uncertain but very good
- Know that each person is responsible for their own life and sobriety
- Share with confidence as sober individuals
Start Your Recovery Today
If you are suffering from a substance use disorder, attending a professional rehab program can provide you with the education, treatments, and tools you need to maintain long-term sobriety. At Mandala Healing Center, we believe in the importance of having a recovery community to rely on. Because of this, we offer our current and former patients access to an alumni support group where they can connect, offer support, and receive advice.
To learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab program, contact Mandala Healing Center today.