Find Support Groups For Addiction in Colorado

Addiction is a public health challenge. In 2022, 20.4 million people in the US were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Recovery from addiction can be challenging. Consequently, apart from going through the treatment plan recommended by an expert, utilizing support groups during recovery is essential. Addiction recovery support groups are important for maintaining sobriety; therefore, people with addiction are always encouraged to join support groups while still receiving outpatient treatment such as medications and counseling. There are different types of support groups, and there is no one-size-fits-all.

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What Are Addiction Support Groups?

Support groups for addiction recovery bring together persons living with addiction and allow them to share their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and information that may be helpful for other group members. A trained counselor, a social worker, or a peer leader may lead an addiction support group. These groups are not intended to replace rehabilitation but are rather complementary. Substance use support groups are also helpful for people managing other mental health illnesses.

Groups for addiction recovery play significant roles in restoring optimal health. Having a community of persons who get you and have similar experiences fosters an atmosphere that facilitates recovery. While addiction recovery support groups are critical for recovery, you also need to be an active member to optimize a support group fully.

Benefits of Addiction Recovery Support Groups

Addiction recovery and substance use support groups have tremendous benefits for members. Some of the benefits of being a member of addiction support group include:

• Addiction recovery support groups create a climate of recovery by helping you find a community of people willing to work towards sobriety and being clean.
• Substance use support groups also allow you to learn life skills that will enable you to cope with and manage triggers and life events that may predispose you to a relapse. Skills needed to help manage the cravings for the substance you are addicted to are also learned in addiction support groups.
• Groups for addiction recovery also create a safe space for accountability. Having a community of empathetic people who share similar struggles enables the culture of accountability that most persons with addiction need to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.
• Being a member of an addiction support group also serves as a form of encouragement and motivation for persons with addiction. Dealing with addiction may be challenging, but being a part of a support group encourages you to keep fighting.

Common Addiction Recovery Support Groups

The most common addiction recovery support groups are the 12-step programs. There are other different programs, with some having religious affiliations. Here are some common addiction recovery support groups.

12-Step Recovery Groups

The 12-step recovery groups are the most common addiction recovery support groups. Common examples of the 12-step programs are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Marijuana Anonymous (MA), etc. The 12-step programs prioritize anonymity, as suggested in the names. The core principles of the 12-step programs include:

• Admitting you cannot control your addiction
• Comparing your mistakes with others’ experiences
• Learning to change your life by adopting new behaviors
• Helping others who live with addiction

Some 12-step substance use support groups also include programs for relatives and friends; they also have avenues for outreach programs where persons with addiction can reach out to others who struggle with addiction.

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery)

The SMART program is a 4-point-based program alternative to the 12-step program. It is an educational mental health program that seeks to address the behavior. It does this by addressing the thinking patterns that lead to undesirable behaviors. It uses the principle of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). The four key areas addressed are motives, goals, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.

Moderation Management (MM)

This support group is specifically for alcohol use, and members must be of the legal drinking age. This addiction recovery support group program is for you if you are willing to regulate your alcohol use and not necessarily abstain totally.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

This substance use support group program is designed to address numerous kinds of addiction, including compulsive behaviors such as food addiction. The SOS uses a secular approach to achieving sobriety and emphasizes the personal empowerment of persons with addiction.

Other examples of addiction support groups include Rational Recovery, Women for Sobriety (WFS), Dual Recovery Anonymous, Jewish Alcoholics, and Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others (JACS). Support groups are also specific to different populations to make the experience more palatable.

Finding Support Groups for Addiction in Colorado

Joining an addiction recovery support group has excellent benefits in speeding up recovery when struggling with an addiction. Finding a substance use support group program that suits you and meets your demands is essential.

At our Colorado alcohol addiction treatment center, we offer support group programs tailored to your needs to facilitate your recovery alongside our state-of-the-art outpatient rehabilitation services. If you struggle with addiction or know a loved one who does, contact us today to explore our addiction support programs.