Support groups for alcoholism play a crucial role in many people's recovery journeys, providing a network of understanding, experience, and encouragement. Here
are some of the most recognized support groups available for individuals dealing with alcoholism: - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): - Overview: AA is
perhaps the most well-known alcohol recovery program. It's a global fellowship of individuals who share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other
to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. - Method: The core of the AA program is the Twelve Steps, a set of spiritual
principles; completing these steps is meant to help participants achieve sobriety and maintain it. - Meetings: AA meetings are available in most
communities around the world, and many meetings are now also accessible online.
- SMART Recovery: - Overview: SMART Recovery (Self-Management and
Recovery Training) is a science-based program that uses non-religious, motivational, behavioral, and cognitive methods in handling substance abuse. -
Method: SMART Recovery focuses on four main points: building and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and
living a balanced life. - Meetings: Meetings are available both in person and online.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS): -
Overview: SOS is a nonprofit network of autonomous, non-professional local groups dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.
- Method: SOS takes a secular approach to recovery and respects diversity, encouraging each participant to use an individual recovery method. -
Meetings: They also offer meetings both online and in-person.
- Women for Sobriety: - Overview: Women for Sobriety is a non-profit organization
dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. It is the first self-help recovery program based on the unique emotional needs of women.
- Method: It focuses on building emotional and spiritual growth and is based on Thirteen Acceptance Statements which encourage emotional and spiritual
growth. - Meetings: There are online and offline meetings, as well as phone support.
- LifeRing Secular Recovery: - Overview: LifeRing is a
network of support groups for people who want to live free of alcohol and other addictive drugs. - Method: The organization provides a platform for peer-
run groups where individuals share practical experiences and provide mutual support to build sober, fulfilling lives. - Meetings: LifeRing meetings are
available in various physical locations and online.
- Al-Anon/Alateen: - Overview: Although not directly a support group for alcoholics, Al-Anon
offers support for family members and friends of alcoholics, which can be an essential aspect of the ecosystem supporting a person's recovery from alcoholism.
- Method: Al-Anon members share their own experience, strength, and hope to help others deal with alcoholism in a loved one. - Meetings: Meetings are
available globally both in person and online. Each of these support groups offers something unique, whether it’s a specific focus, methodology, or community
atmosphere. People seeking help can choose one or more groups that resonate with their personal beliefs, needs, and recovery styles.
