Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)
All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 8th December 2023
Alcohol Addiction Support Groups
It can be difficult whether you believe you have an alcohol addiction or want to stop drinking. Deciding to avoid alcohol long term can be difficult and even isolating for many people.
We want you to know that you are not alone and that support options are available to you.
The best way to work towards long term sobriety and stop drinking for good is to join a support group. They can help you put in the work and show you that there is no shame in struggling and that you will always have people around who are ready and willing to help you.
What are Alcohol Addiction Support Groups?
Alcohol addiction support groups such as alcoholics anonymous are groups of people struggling with alcohol addiction working together to live a healthier life.
The groups are filled with people at various stages of their journey to long term recovery from every walk of life. No one kind of person uses these support groups. They are for everyone’s benefit.
The main goal of the support group is to help those who struggle with alcohol addiction to maintain sobriety. They do this with the help of existing treatment plans such as the 12 step program, which helps them reduce or stop their drinking.
They are a welcoming environment free of judgment designed to help people utilise the necessary tools to deal with their drinking problems.
How Beneficial are Alcohol Addiction Support Groups?
Many people find the best way to stop or reduce their drinking is by seeking support from alcoholics anonymous or other similar groups.
For some, the support groups will be all they need. The support network they create, which helps to teach those that are struggling with healthier coping mechanisms, can in some cases help to limit drinking before the drinking problems develop into an addiction.
Most commonly, however, support groups are recommended as part of an alcohol rehab treatment program and often act as follow up support once a person has left the rehab centre. This is normal for those dealing with alcohol addiction as they require detox to safely deal with their withdrawal symptoms.
Most support groups are also beneficial due to the SMART recovery system and the 12 steps.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery stands for Self Management And Recovery Training.
SMART Recovery is a service that provides support groups across the country for those living with a drug or alcohol addiction. It enables the support groups to exist and provide high-quality services from trained professionals.
The 12 Step Programme
The 12 steps as outlined by alcoholics anonymous are:
- Admit you are powerless over alcohol and alcohol abuse
- Acknowledge that there is a greater power that can help you take back control
- Decide to turn your power over to God and be put in their care
- Take a personal and serious moral inventory of yourself
- Admit to any of your wrongdoings
- Be ready for God to remove these shortcomings
- Ask for God to remove these shortcomings
- Make a list of all personal harm done to others and prepare to make amends
- Make amends where you can but never put yourself or others at risk.
- Continue with your self-reflection and be ready to admit to new wrongdoings when they happen.
- Meditate and pray to ask God to continue to help you
- Have a spiritual awakening that will empower you through your long-term recovery journey.
Different Alcohol Support Groups
When it comes to the group you decide upon, there are two routes you could take.
The first option available to everyone in the UK is an NHS-run support group. This can be a very good choice for those limited in the options available to them. The downside can be that there tends to be a long waitlist for any NHS services.
More often than not, there are also many people seeking help through the NHS than private, causing your support to be less personalised and one to one even when needed.
In comparison, you also have the option of an alcohol support group run privately.
This can offer you personalised one to one support with no waitlist in the way. It is a much more streamlined process, and the groups tend to be connected to the local alcohol rehab centre. This allows many to complete their treatment plan and then move directly to find a support group that works for them.
If you are interested in the admissions process, our team can go through everything with you over the phone at your convenience regarding rehab and aftercare support.
How to Access Alcohol Addiction Support Groups
There are many alcohol addiction support groups available across the UK. It should be easy to find one local to you.
It is important to do your research and be sure the support group you have decided upon is safe and can provide you will the care you need.
However, the best way to find one that will support your specific needs is to get a referral from a local rehab centre. They will be able to tell you what you need and what kind of support groups can help you.
At Cassiobury Court, we can ensure you only receive the best support and care not only during your stay but upon leaving rehab.
How Can Cassiobury Court Help With Alcohol Addiction Support groups?
Cassiobury Court has years of experience providing support options for those suffering from alcohol addiction and drinking problems. Be it through alcohol and drug rehab or through referrals to local support groups.
At Cassiobury Court, we take the time to get to know you and your specific needs. We do this to provide you with the information and the care you will need to achieve long term sobriety.
We are here to answer your questions and make this process as easy on you as possible and we send you in the right direction.
