Recovery Support Groups: Alternatives To AA And 12-Step

SMART Recovery is a program rooted in the self-empowerment of its members. The group offers in-person meetings but also has a strong online presence. Online support provides daily meetings, chat rooms, and discussion forums. Members have access to these features 24/7. Recovery support follows a four-point program:

• Obtaining and maintaining motivation
• Learning to manage urges
• Handling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
• Finding and striking balance in life

During group support sessions, members focus on one of the four support points. Members receive homework or projects to complete during the week. The group is secular and nonprofit. Group members focus solely on the four points and supporting each other as each works through them.

This group concentrates on the emotional needs of women focused on achieving and maintaining sobriety. The support group bases itself on the belief that addictions begin as a response to stress, loneliness, frustration, or emotional deprivation. Women for Sobriety is a self-help program, supplemented with online meetings. Meeting attendance includes six to 10 women, all working through their own addictions. Each woman supports the others and works through the 13 statements of acceptance.

Group members read the acceptance statements each morning, choosing one to practice daily for a week. Individuals work through each of the 13 statements with the support of other group members. The goal is to make each of the acceptance statements part of everyday life and promote self-enhancing behaviors.

SOS is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting one another through group meetings. The organization does not have a formal structure. Rather, SOS is a loose-knit organization allowing anyone to start a group. If there are no in-person meetings available to individuals in need, the organization provides online support systems also.

The organization is based solely on group support. Unlike other recovery organizations, it does not have a set of rules or standards for members. Instead, the group environment encourages members to share experiences, insights, and scientific information. The group prides itself on being secular and not having “hidden agendas.” The group offers support for those suffering from any addictions, including drugs, alcohol, food, and sex.

LifeRing Secular is a worldwide network of members suffering from addiction to alcohol or non- prescription drugs. The organization’s philosophy is to strengthen the Sober Self and weaken the Addict Self. Meetings occur in person and online and allow members to connect with others for support. LifeRing encourages members to only accept aspects of treatment that work for them and choose a path to fit individual needs.

The group has three fundamental principles, known as 3-S. The 3-S model is the focus of conversation and recovery for members.

• Sobriety: Basic membership in LifeRing requires members to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol. Sobriety is the number one priority of LifeRing members.

• Secularity: Religion is not an aspect of recovery, nor is it discussed during meetings. LifeRing prides itself on remaining secular. The group also encourages members to attend 12-step meetings, if they feel doing so would be helpful.

• Self-Help: Individual motivation and effort are the keys to recovery. The group is available to support the individual’s recovery and abstinence efforts, regardless of approach.

This organization devotes itself to individuals in the beginning stages of problem drinking. Moderation Management works to prevent members from going from problem drinking to developing a full-blown alcohol dependency. The group promotes the recognition of risky drinking behaviors, teaching members to drink in moderation. Moderation Management believes drinking in moderation is a more achievable goal than complete sobriety. The group holds members to five standards:

 

• Members take personal responsibility for their recovery from a drinking problem.
• People helping people is the strength of the organization.
• People who help others to recover also help themselves.
• Self-esteem and self-management are essential to recovery.
• Members treat each other with respect and dignity.

 

Only those with non-physical dependencies should consider Moderation Management.

As a Christian recovery group, Celebrate Recovery is based from the 12-step program. The program is not associated with AA and works out of churches across the country. The program itself is free but does require members to purchase books and literature on the recovery steps. Supporting literature includes in-depth steps, Biblical comparisons, and eight principles of recovery based on the beatitudes.

Nearly all towns and cities provide local support groups for those recovering from addictions. Those seeking nationally chartered or private groups can find them through an online search of their local areas. After finding a local group, visit websites or review group documentation to ensure the values align with your own. There are many wonderful, supportive groups available that do not have formal organizations.