Where to Find Addiction Support Groups (Other Than AA)

Addiction Support Groups – Alternatives to AA

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs in as many as 15.1 million people in the United States, according to a NIAAA report for 2015. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is perhaps the most well-known program for alcohol abuse and addiction. However, it puts a heavy focus on Christianity to achieve its results, which doesn’t work for everyone. Thankfully, AA is not the only one of the successful addiction support groups available.

In this article, we will explore some of the support groups available for those that want an alternative to the popular AA program.

The Need for Alternative Addiction Support Groups

Studies have found that roughly 25 to 35 percent of addicts who went to the 12-step meetings became regular members. In most cases, recovering addicts would attend meetings for the first few months of their recovery then stop going, only to return when they felt the need for addiction support groups. However, it is altogether difficult for some people to get behind some of the methods and ideals that the 12-step program has, and therefore they do not benefit as much as some people do from going to meetings.

It boils down to choice as most support groups have similar success rates. As such, several other support group alternatives were created to give addicts options when it comes to treatment. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and without alternatives, many people would not be able to benefit from treatment.

Alternative Addiction Support Groups Near Me

If you are in search for alternative addiction support groups near me, then you’ll be pleased to find out that there are several options, all of which are effective forms of treatment. The alternatives provide much of the same benefits such as providing a non-judgmental space to talk about emotions and thoughts surround addiction, a place to meet people who are going through similar experiences and helping to build a recovering addict’s self-esteem. Addiction support for families can also be found at these alternatives. Addiction support for families is achieved by family members joining the recovering addict in their meetings to learn about addiction and provide support to the addict.

The following explores some of the best alternatives to AA for addiction recovery.

• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) – SOS was created by an addict who wasn’t comfortable with turning to a God for answers to his drinking problem. The program focuses on personal responsibility and self-reliance to achieve its results.
• SMART Recovery – The Self-Management and Recovery Training program is one which has a focus on empowering its members to create the kind of positive lifestyle they deserve. It is a structured program with steps and goals. It combines all of the new research-based techniques for beating addiction with the structure of AA.
• LifeRing Secular Recovery (LSR) – LSR uses the principals of self-help, sobriety and secularity to achieve its success. It gives people in the program a non-judgmental, positive atmosphere to help with their recovery. The program uses motivation to promote self-help.
• Moderation Management (MM) – MM is similar to AA in that it has 7 steps to achieve sobriety. It offers peer support and helps to bring about a behavioral change in its members. It can help to gradually reduce the level of drinking until the person reaches full sobriety.
• Women for Sobriety (WFS) – Women often have different needs when it comes to addiction treatment. WFS offer this in the form of a women-only support group. It focuses on empowerment, self-affirmation and the reduction of negative thinking and behavior.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.