Clinically Reviewed by Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist)
All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 24th March 2022
Freephone: 0800 001 4070
Local: 01923 369 161 Text HELP To 83222
Clinically Reviewed by Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist)
All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 24th March 2022
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.
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.
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 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 steps as outlined by alcoholics anonymous are:
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.
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.
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.
Raffa Bari - Author Last updated: 4th April 2022
Raffa manages the day to day caring services here at Cassiobury Court. Dedicated to the treatment and well being of our visitors she is an outstanding mental health coach registered with BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists). Raffa has outstanding experience in managing rehabs across the country and is vastly experienced at helping people recover from drug and alcohol addictions.
Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist) - Medical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 24th March 2022
MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified
Dr Lapa graduated in Medicine in 2000 and since this time has accrued much experience working in the widest range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds in inpatient, community and secure settings. This has been aligned to continuation of professional development at postgraduate level in clinical research which has been very closely related to the everyday clinical practice conducted by this practitioner as a NHS and Private Psychiatrist.
He is fully indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.
Dr Lapa is approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (1983)
Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)
Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures
Just enter your phone number here and we’ll call you right back. The process is completely confidential and simple. Admissions can be arranged immediately and we offer 24/7 support.
We are committed in helping individuals, families and communities achieve full recovery and freedom from drug and alcohol addiction.
We shadow our clients on their journey to recovery; understanding their addiction history and working in unison to create a new future – sustaining recovery and changing lives for all of our clients.