Types of Alcohol Support Groups

Most support groups for alcohol and other drug addictions are 12-Step Groups. Twelve-Step Groups are a worldwide fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism and other drug addictions. These groups typically meet weekly in a local church or community building.

Recovery is not something one is able to do their own, so people often seek the support of others such as relapse prevention treatment and drug support groups like (Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous). A counselor can also work with addicts to find ways to cope with life situations without having to use drugs and strategies to manage situations, feelings and people that seem to trigger thoughts and urges to use drugs.

Rehabs are generally live-in programs that provide both group and individual counseling support and an opportunity to stay in a supportive drug-free environment with others with similar problems. This provides additional security and time to be able to relearn coping strategies and address issues that may be contributing to the on-going drug use. Studies have shown that the longer one stays abstinent from drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to relapse. Emotional relapse will take place first, and consists of having feelings that are not directly related to using drugs. With mental relapse, the former user will begin to think about the drug they used to take. Physical relapse is characterized by physically going to area that one used to use drugs or alcohol in, such as a bar, or a dealer's home. Often people also suffer from a dual diagnosis, meaning that they experience an addiction such as alcoholism or prescription drug abuse, which compounds the problem.

Relapse prevention treatment only works for those who truly desire to rid themselves of their drug habits. But if they cannot truly commit to wanting to be free of their drug habits, then it is, sadly, a lost cause. A Relapse prevention plan is the key to a happy and healthy life without drugs.

Alcohol Recovery Support groups are more often for those that have already kicked their substance abuse to an extent. Support groups generally meet on evenings during the week so as to not interfere with the daily lives of those that attend. These support systems are in place to not only provide those battling drug addiction with the means in which to help themselves, but also to provide a community and sense of belonging. Find yourself a drug support group that's right for you. Look for one that addresses all aspects of your life. Don't bottle things up, that's the worsted thing you can do and don't be embarrassed to talk about your feelings, after all, we are all only human.

There are of course, many alternatives to traditional 12 step programs, of which I am a proponent. Many believe the best solution is to address the underlying issues of the alcohol and drug use. It is generally accepted that the underlying issues lie with the addicts thinking processes and learned behavioral deviations from what Societal Norms would dictate. Quite often this begins as rebellion to authority as an adolescent, accompanied by the desire to fit in with peers they associate with as being the in crowd. This is coupled with the impulsiveness that usually accompanies puberty. The poor decision making begins to compound itself. Soon this becomes ingrained their brain, as over time they reinforce their value judgments again and again. Alternative therapy and counseling seeks to undo these detrimental thinking and behavioral patterns and educate the addict as to the correct way to think and cope.

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