Support Groups
What happens after addiction treatment varies depending on a person’s needs and circumstances. However, most people will need to continue to receive support and treatment in order to maintain their sobriety.
This is where aftercare comes in. The goal of aftercare services is to help those who are in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder continue to receive support and access to resources that can help them maintain their well-being.
What Are Support Groups?
Recovery support groups are meetings of people who are recovering from addiction or other mental health conditions. They provide a safe and supportive space for people to share their experiences, learn from each other, and offer encouragement.
There are many different types of recovery support groups, but they all share the goal of helping people stay sober or in recovery. Some common types of support groups include:
- 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are the most well-known types of recovery support groups. 12-step programs are based on the idea that addiction is a disease that can be overcome with spiritual help.
- Secular support groups, such as SMART Recovery and Women for Sobriety, offer a non-spiritual approach to recovery. These groups focus on teaching people skills to manage their cravings and triggers.
- Peer support groups, such as Self-Help and Recovery Exchange (SHARE) and Recovery Dharma, are led by people who have been in recovery themselves. Peer support groups offer a unique perspective and understanding that can be very helpful to people who are new to recovery.
When participating in support groups during your recovery process, these programs can be essential for your ability to maintain long-term sobriety. Some of the benefits you can receive from participating in support groups include:
- Support and encouragement: Recovery support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging that can be essential during your rehabilitation process. It can be helpful to talk to other people who understand what you are going through and can offer support and encouragement.
- Accountability: Recovery support groups can help you stay accountable for your recovery. Knowing that you will have to answer to other people about your progress can be a powerful motivator to stay sober or in recovery.
- Education and skills: Recovery support groups can teach people skills to manage their cravings and triggers and to develop a healthy lifestyle. Groups may also offer educational workshops and other resources on topics related to recovery.
With these new skills and tools, it will be easier to not only maintain your sobriety in the long term but also to build and maintain healthy relationships and successfully reintegrate yourself into society.
We are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.
What To Expect During Support Group Meetings?
When participating in support groups during your recovery process, these programs can be essential for your ability to maintain long-term sobriety. Some of the benefits you can receive from participating in support groups include:
- Support and encouragement: Recovery support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging that can be essential during your rehabilitation process. It can be helpful to talk to other people who understand what you are going through and can offer support and encouragement.
- Accountability: Recovery support groups can help you stay accountable for your recovery. Knowing that you will have to answer to other people about your progress can be a powerful motivator to stay sober or in recovery.
- Education and skills: Recovery support groups can teach people skills to manage their cravings and triggers and to develop a healthy lifestyle. Groups may also offer educational workshops and other resources on topics related to recovery.
With these new skills and tools, it will be easier to not only maintain your sobriety in the long term but also to build and maintain healthy relationships and successfully reintegrate yourself into society.
Tips for Successful Support Group Meetings
If you are just joining a support group or have had a hard time adjusting to the way these meetings work, there are several tips you can follow to make your support group experience more worthwhile. When participating in a support group, it is important to:
Be respectful of all members
This means listening to others without judgment and avoiding gossip or criticism. It also means being mindful of your own words and actions and making sure that you are not dominating the conversation.
Be honest and open
Sharing your own experiences can help other members to feel less alone and more supported. However, you are not obligated to share anything that you do not feel comfortable sharing.
Be supportive
Offering encouragement and advice to other members and being there to listen when they need someone to talk to will help make sure that others are willing to do the same for you.
Be respectful of confidentiality
What is shared in the group should stay in the group, and it is important to respect the privacy of your peers by keeping their information to yourself.
The most important thing to keep in mind when participating in support groups is to simply be open. These meetings offer a unique chance to learn new skills and build a close system of like-minded individuals as you navigate your recovery.
How Do Support Group Meetings Work?
Support groups are gatherings of people who share a common experience or challenge. They meet regularly in a safe and confidential setting to provide each other with support, encouragement, and information. Support groups can be in-person or online, and they can be led by a professional or by a member of the group.
When participating in a support group, sessions will generally follow a pattern and schedule. First, members introduce themselves and share their stories. This is an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and learn about each other’s experiences.
The group then will move on to discuss a specific topic or theme. This could be anything related to the group’s shared experience, such as coping strategies, resources, or personal stories. During this time, members offer each other support and encouragement. This could be done through listening, sharing advice, or simply being there for each other.
Finally, the group ends with a closing activity, such as a reflection, a prayer, or a simple goodbye. Depending on your schedule and needs, you may choose to attend these meetings once or several times a week.
Support Groups at South Coast Behavioral Health
Now that you know what to expect from support groups, you may be wondering how you can get started in participating in these programs. At South Coast Behavioral Health, we incorporate support groups as an integral part of our addiction and mental health treatment approach.
We believe in following a whole-health approach to sobriety and strive to make sure our clients have access to every form of support they need. Our facilities offer a variety of treatment options, from residential rehab to partial hospitalization treatment and intensive outpatient care. All of our addiction treatment services, from one-on-one counseling and group therapy to psychoeducation and recovery support groups, incorporate evidence-based practices to assist you in achieving the lasting recovery you deserve.
Our support services seek to help you:
- Stay on the path to recovery
- Cope with triggers, cravings, and difficult memories
- Feel safe in talking openly about your recovery journey
- Connect with others who understand what you are going through
- Develop strategies for managing anxiety and depression
- Find purpose and meaning in your life
- Build a positive outlook on the future
During treatment at South Coast, we strive to create a safe space where you can be open about your experiences and find understanding and hope. For this reason, our support services are tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you are looking for group therapy, one-on-one counseling, or ongoing recovery support.
Inpatient Support Groups
During inpatient treatment at South Coast, we provide access to recovery support groups that can help you feel connected and less alone during times of difficulty. Our trained facilitators will guide the discussions and provide support in a safe, understanding environment. We understand the importance of feeling like you belong somewhere and that’s why we are here to help.
We hope that by connecting with others who have experienced similar situations, you will be able to find comfort and strength. Provided in 12-step and 12-step alternative formats, our inclusive support groups provide a welcoming space where you can connect with others during early recovery. Throughout these groups, you will be able to participate in conversations and ask questions that will help you find understanding and hope.
No matter which type of support group you choose to join, we are here to provide a safe space where everyone can feel comfortable discussing their struggles. We want to ensure that everyone is heard and respected in our space, so all conversations must remain respectful and kind.
Recovery Support in Aftercare
Aftercare can look quite different from one person to the next, as not everyone will require the same kind of assistance or reinforcement. With that being said, some of the most popular options for ongoing care include include:
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment provides support and treatment services to people who are living at home and attending school or work. Outpatient programs can offer a variety of services, such as individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and life skills training.
- 12-step programs: 12-step programs are a type of support group that follows a specific set of principles. 12-step programs are very popular and effective for many people in recovery.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT is a combination of medication and counseling that can be used to treat addiction to opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. MAT can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and it can also help people stay motivated in their recovery.
In addition to those listed above, another effective aftercare option is recovery support groups. These provide a safe and supportive environment for people in recovery to connect with others who understand what they are going through. Support can help people to stay motivated in their recovery, learn from others, and share their own experiences.
Get A Confidential Assessment From A Recovery Specialist
Addiction Recovery Support Groups in Orange County, CA
No matter what your substance use or mental health concerns may be, we have the treatment options and resources you need to successfully achieve and maintain long-term recovery. If you are interested in learning more about our programs or are ready to start your recovery, reach out to us today!
We provide support groups for men within our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Irvine, CA.
We offer support groups for women at our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Huntington Beach, CA.
We provide support groups for men within our residential inpatient facility in Costa Mesa, CA.
We provide support groups during our PHP and IOP programs in Newport Beach, CA.
