Community Support Groups for Families and Addiction: Why They’re Important and Which One’s Right for You
The sun beat down on the dusty trail as Alex trudged along. He'd set out to hike the Appalachian Trail alone, a solitary journey to challenge himself and find peace. But as the days turned into weeks, he began to feel a growing sense of isolation. The silence of the woods was deafening, and the weight of his backpack seemed to grow heavier with each step.
One day, he stumbled upon a group of hikers, their laughter echoing through the trees. Hesitantly, he joined them, sharing stories and meals around the campfire. The camaraderie was infectious, and Alex found himself opening up about his fears and doubts. The others listened with empathy, offering words of encouragement and practical advice.
With renewed energy, Alex continued his journey, but this time, he wasn't alone. The group shared tips on trail navigation, first-aid techniques, and how to conserve energy. They motivated each other during difficult climbs, celebrated milestones together, and helped each other through setbacks.
Just as Alex's hiking journey was enhanced by the support of his fellow hikers, individuals struggling with addiction or the addiction of a loved one can benefit immensely from the power of community. Support groups offer a safe and understanding environment where people can connect with others who share similar experiences. By sharing stories, offering support, and learning from one another, members of these groups can build the strength and resilience needed to overcome addiction and family addiction patterns.
Recent studies have shown the positive impact of community support groups on addiction recovery. Research indicates that individuals who participate in support groups are more likely to:
· Abstain from substance use
· Reduce relapse rates
· Improve mental health outcomes
· Enhance social functioning
· Increase self-efficacy and motivation
By providing a sense of belonging, fostering social support, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, community support groups empower individuals to overcome addiction and other issues and lead fulfilling lives. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast four prominent community support groups for both people with addiction and those who love them: 12-step groups, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and Recovery Dharma.
12-Step Groups
Core Principles: Based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), 12-step groups emphasize a higher power, surrender, and a lifelong commitment to sobriety. These groups are based on the 12-Steps of Recovery and the 12 Traditions. Twelve-Step groups have options for people struggling with addiction and also for family and friends of people who struggle with addiction.
Approach: Individuals are encouraged to get a sponsor (mentor) and “work” the 12-steps of recovery. The steps include a spiritual approach that involves admitting powerlessness, seeking help from a higher power, and making amends. Twelve-step groups focus on building relationships within the community and using the meetings, step work and fellowship in the daily practice of recovery.
Meetings: Meetings are facilitated by a volunteer peer and follow a specific format. There is no identified group leader and meetings are organized and managed by the group members themselves. Meetings are typically issue specific (alcoholism, codependency, gambling, family member, etc) and are easily identified by the inclusion of the word anonymous in the group name.
Overall: Twelve-step communities are the largest and most far-reaching of all community support groups. They have been around since the inception of AA in 1935 and have many different types of groups that address all kinds of issues. AA itself boasts over 2 million members in 180 different countries. Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) has been directly studied and shown to be efficacious and positively influence sustainable sobriety.
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SMART Recovery
Core Principles: SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. It is a science-based approach that emphasizes self-empowerment, evidence-based strategies, and balanced living. SMART Recovery has meetings for people struggling from addiction as well as meetings for family members and friends.
Approach: SMART Recovery uses a rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach that focuses on changing self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. Family/friends meetings are based on the principles of Community Resource and Family Training (CRAFT). There is no spiritual or religious component included in SMART Recovery.
Meetings: Meetings are run by SMART Recovery trained facilitators and include a series of worksheets and assignments designed to help members learn coping skills, challenge irrational thoughts, and practice healthy behaviors. Meetings are either for someone struggling with an addiction (chemical or process) or for family and friends.
Overall: SMART Recovery was created in 1994 and currently has over 2500 groups in 23 countries. Scientific studies focusing on the specific efficacy of SMART Recovery are in the works, however there are many studies showing the efficacy of REBT, CBT, and CRAFT in the treatment of addiction and family addiction.
Celebrate Recovery
Core Principles: Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christian-based program that combines 12-step principles with biblical teachings. Celebrate Recovery offers groups to address addictions as well as groups for family and friends of addicted loved ones.
Approach: Individuals are engaged in a Christ-centered approach that emphasizes the Eight Principles of Celebrate Recovery and the 12 Steps of Recovery in order to break hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Although each CR group follows the same principles and steps, they also may reflect the specific culture of their host church.
Meetings: Meetings are run by a trained CR facilitator and follow a specific curriculum. They are also typically held in churches although they may be held in other places (community centers, schools, etc.) Regular meetings include members sharing their testimonies, studying the Bible, and participating in small group discussions. Meetings can be generalized to include people facing multiple issues and meetings are sometimes gender-specific.
Overall: Founded in 1991, Celebrate Recovery has grown to be part of thousands of church communities in at least 10 different countries. Although there are not specific studies on the efficacy of Celebrate Recovery, there are studies that show higher correlations between spirituality/religion and recovery than recovery rates of those with no spiritual or religious conection.
Recovery Dharma
Core Principles: Recovery Dharma (RD) is a Buddhist-inspired approach to addiction recovery based on the Four Noble Truths. Members follow the eightfold path (the 8 primary teachings in Buddhism). RD incorporates a trauma-informed approach to self-understanding based on the belief that the root cause of addiction is trauma and suffering. RD meetings can be for a person struggling with addiction or for family members and friends.
Approach: RD offers a mindfulness-based approach that focuses on cultivating awareness, reducing suffering, and developing wisdom. Use of Buddhist practices and principles to explore underlying causes of behaviors are a part of this trauma-informed ideology. Use of a meditation practice is included in the approach.
Meetings: RD meetings are facilitated by peer group members and follow a specific format. Meditation, reading and reflection are included in the meetings. Inquiry circles are specific meetings where members can explore underlying causes of addiction or suffering within themselves.
Overall: RD was established in 2019 and has over 16,000 members. Many of the members of the RD Nonprofit Board were originally associated with Refuge Recovery (another Buddhist recovery group) and split from that association after the founder was investigated for misconduct. RD has been studied scientifically, particularly in its approach using mindfulness and meditation to combat addiction – both of which are positively correlated with recovery.
Choosing the Right Group
The best community support group for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Your beliefs and values: Are you comfortable with a spiritual or religious approach?
Accessibility: Do you prefer online or in-person meetings? What groups offer meetings that you can attend based on your schedule?
Your preferred approach to recovery: Do you prefer a science-based or faith-based approach?
Your need for social support: Do you value a strong sense of community and peer support?
Your desire for structure and guidance: Do you prefer a structured program with clear steps and guidelines?
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a group where you feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to make positive changes in your life. Just like Alex on his quest to hike the Appalachian Trail, you are embarking on a journey of wellness and recovery. It’s likely to be a long, and sometimes arduous process. But having guidance and encouragement from others on the journey can make all the difference.
