Generally, alcohol and drug addicts feel all alone in the world. In reality, nearly 20 million Americans are battling the same addiction disease. Nonetheless, you still feel utterly isolated. After all, substances have destroyed many or all of your closest relationships. Specifically, fights about drugs and your mood changes have pushed loved ones away. Perhaps your social circle only includes people who also use drugs or enable your addiction now. Therefore, you’re likely worried about getting sober on your own. Ultimately, you don’t have to though. Rather, you can find recovery support groups in PA. Support groups have meetings for like-minded addicts to help prevent relapse.
What Recovery Support Groups Do
According to the NCADD, recovery support groups are an essential part of every relapse prevention plan. The groups lower the risk of drug or alcohol addicts falling off the wagon. Expressly, support groups offer free assistance to anyone willing to stay sober. During the meetings, group members share their often similar experiences. Of course, voicing your struggles aloud will aid the internal healing process.
Peers work together on activities to build camaraderie and trust. Usually, newer members are even paired with sponsors who’ve been sober longer. Whenever necessary, sponsors are there to encourage you to stick with recovery goals. Indeed, building personal connections to others is the biggest benefit. There are many advantages to recovery support groups in PA, including:
- Providing feelings of acceptance
- Developing friendships that will last
- Letting out stress without judgment
- Giving a new perspective on life
- Learning strategies to stop relapses
- Making amends with hurt loved ones
Types of Recovery Support Groups in PA
Surprisingly, support groups come in several formats for substance abuse relapse prevention. First, 12-step programs are the most common. Namely, this includes Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Here, recovering addicts work through 12 steps together for personal growth.
Frequently, 12-step programs are very spiritual and develop faith in a Supreme Being too. Second, SMART Recovery is a 12-step alternative. In contrast, SMART Recovery groups focus on four points: emotions, behaviors, cravings, and motivation. Particularly, it encourages group members to become self-reliant with strong life skills. Third, some recovery support groups in PA are called moderation management. Uniquely, MM seeks to prevent relapse by not requiring abstinence. Rather, the groups learn to drink moderate amounts of alcohol responsibly.
Join Recovery Support Groups in PA Today
To begin with, individuals can find hundreds of recovery support groups in Pennsylvania. Presently, many church and secular organizations host them for free. By and large, they welcome anyone without lengthy signup. Although, some cater to specific demographics like teens, women, and LGBTQ communities. Hence, you can join whichever support group suits your needs and location right now. In fact, some programs like SMART Recovery even have online options. Additionally, look for groups that integrate services you seek, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness meditation
- Recreational therapy
- Social skills training
- Drug addiction education
- Stress or anger management
- Art and music therapy
Overall, don’t attempt sobriety all by yourself. Instead, search recovery support groups in PA and take a step towards a sober living Philadelphia. Notably, support groups expand your social network for emotional care at every stage. Whether you’re one week or one year sober, these groups will help you avoid relapsing long term.
