When most of us think about addiction, we think about a person going into rehab and getting treatment for their addiction, or we think about things like withdrawal and detox and how it affects people. One thing that is sometimes overlooked is the role that addiction support groups play in the process and the different types of addiction support groups that exist for both the person suffering from addiction and the families and friends of that person. Often an addiction support group is a crucial component of the recovery of the addict and the family unit.
At Hillside Mission, a luxury rehab in Mission Viejo, part of what we do is help bring people back together and heal the wounds that have been caused by addiction. Part of that is giving clients and their loved ones the tools and support they need to combat addiction and move forward toward a clean and sober life. In this post, we are going to discuss recovery support groups, the different types of support recovery groups that exist, and how to find them near you.
What is an Addiction Support Group?
The first thought that typically comes to mind when a person thinks about an addiction support group, is one of the more prominent groups that exist, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This is because they have widespread recognition. While these are indeed two of the major addiction support groups, there are many more, and they come in different forms for both those with addiction and their families.
Addiction support groups allow those with addiction to share their experiences with people who have been through similar struggles that can offer help and support. It can range from moral support to peer counseling to even helping those with issues like anxiety and depression deal with the underlying causes of their addiction while they get back on their feet.
While many of the groups are designed for those with an addiction who are going through treatment or who have been through treatment, there are also support groups that work with family members of those addicted and serve a similar purpose, such as giving family members a place to air out their grievances and learn how to deal with the struggles of living with someone addicted.
What Are the Different Types of Addiction Support Groups
While there are dozens of support groups under many different names, they can be broken down into a few different types, some of which have more specific purposes depending on who is part of the group or the type of support that the group offers.
Some of the most common types of groups are 12-step programs. These programs typically focus on things like the accountability of past actions and reconciliation while offering support and mentorship from former addicts to those new to the program. These programs offer a lot of structure and support for those who need it and help to improve the chances of a person successfully staying sober.
There are also more specialized types of support groups, such as ones that focus on self-empowerment and rebuilding a person’s life after addiction has caused so many problems for the individual. There are also specific religious support groups that focus on spiritual support and guidance to help those suffering from addiction. There are also gender-specific support groups that help to give men or women a place where they can talk about issues that they may be uncomfortable dealing with around the opposite sex.
Lastly, family support groups are similar in nature to the other types of groups we’ve talked about, but are directed towards the families of those suffering from addiction. This gives them a place to find support from people in similar positions, as well as a place to talk about their unique situations and realize they are not alone.
How to Find Addiction Support Groups Near Me
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, one of the best ways to not only find addiction support groups, but to find the right ones for you is by checking with your local addiction treatment facility like ours here at Hillside Mission Recovery.
As part of our treatment process, we offer aftercare services in Southern California, which include helping clients and their families get the support they need once treatment is complete. We can help find the right support group for you and your loved ones to help maximize the chances of recovery.
We offer luxurious inpatient residential care in the Mission Viejo area that focuses on treating the root causes of the addiction, not the drug or alcohol. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, give us a call today.
