For many people, addiction is a chronic struggle which is characterized by abstinence periods and relapse on an intermittent basis. Seeking effective format treatment might be the best first step to take when taking care of an addiction, however, ensuring that sobriety is maintained on a long-term involves much continuous work which goes on after treatment completion.
Taking part in a proficient recovery support program has been shown to enhance the prospects of remaining sober for a longer period of time. Example of recovery support alternatives include: self-help meetings, community supports, private therapy, sober living communities.
Studies have shown that, individuals who took part in the sober living communities options, were able to reduce the substance abuse rates, and also the chances of incarceration, alongside with significant increase in their monthly income. Social support has also been seen to be a firm indicator of outcomes of sobriety.
Out of the available recovery support program alternatives, the most popular is the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), it was developed in the mid-1930s, and its main purpose was ensuring that the program centered on sobriety and the integration of spiritual ideologies into life.
Asides Alcoholics Anonymous, there are other 12-step programs which make available, strong sober support network, which are safe places that issues can be openly discussed, alongside with relapses, successes and the likes.
These 12-step programs which are essential for addiction recovery, will advise members to seek a sponsor or someone who has a certified period of sobriety, so that they can provide extra support and lead them through the 12 steps.
- Narcotics Anonymous makes a safe place available for anyone who is addicted to drugs or any substance abuse.
- Marijuana Anonymous is basically for those who abuse marijuana.
- Cocaine Anonymous places focus on cocaine addiction.
- Heroin Anonymous is a new group which focuses on addiction to heroin and recovery as well.
- Crystal Meth Anonymous is for crystal meth addiction and abuse.
- Al-Anon/Alateen is for teenagers who are addicted to alcohol.
- Nar-Anon provides support for substance abuse users.
For those who do not want the 12-step support service for addiction recovery, there are other support services such as: Women for Sobriety, SMART Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, LifeRing Secular Recovery and Celebrate Recovery.