What are the Top Reasons to Join a Recovery Support Group After Rehab?

After you’ve completed a drug and alcohol rehab program, you may be tempted to think that you don’t need continued support; that as long as you stay away from alcohol or drugs you’ll be fine. Unfortunately, this is the type of thinking that leads straight to relapse and away from long-term sobriety.

Peer support is an essential part of maintaining a sober lifestyle and regardless of how dedicated you are, you’re going to need some help along the way. Studies have shown that sober living homes and participation in 12-step programs following drug rehab provide many positive outcomes and benefits for people in addiction recovery.¹

Enrolling in a sober living program is an excellent way to continue your personal growth and maintain your sobriety, as these homes provide safe, sober living environments, structured living, peer support, and educational and career assistance. In addition to that, joining a local recovery support group in your community can also provide many additional benefits that will complement a sober living program. Groups like Al-Anon and Alateen even exist to provide continued support for your loved ones and family members as they journey with you through your addiction recovery.

Whether you’re already enrolled in a transitional living program or you’re thinking about enrolling, here are six great reasons to join a recovery support group as well.

6 Reasons to Join a Recovery Support Group

1. You are more likely to continue prioritizing your recovery after rehab. Recovery support groups help individuals prioritize recovery on a daily basis. Instead of spending your time thinking about your cravings and struggling to avoid alcohol or drugs, you’ll consistently be surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging individuals who are fighting the same fight you are. By attending regular meetings, you’ll be actively working towards your sobriety goals and taking strides to maintain your sobriety on a daily basis.
2. You’ll meet other people who are recovering from addiction like yourself. After rehab, it can be difficult to connect with other sober people and start rebuilding a network of peers who do not abuse drugs and alcohol. Transitional living programs provide plenty of opportunities to connect with sober peers, as do recovery support groups. Even after you complete a sober living program, a recovery support group will continue to provide additional opportunities to make new friends and connect with more sober people in your community.
3. You’ll have an outlet to discuss the personal issues you’re facing. You may find it difficult to discuss personal issues related to your sobriety with some friends or family members. If you join a recovery support group, you’ll always have a group of supportive people to talk to about your struggles, concerns, and successes. This can be especially therapeutic in difficult times of transition.
4. You’ll have the opportunity to encourage and mentor others in their recovery. People in addiction recovery have the unique ability to mentor others who are also suffering from addiction. These types of mentorship relationships can provide a deep sense of understanding, camaraderie, support, and hope that cannot be found elsewhere. Research also shows that peer support promotes a sense of belonging within a community and helps individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives.²
5. You are less likely to relapse. One study found that participation in peer support programs such as sober living homes and recovery support groups significantly reduced the rate of relapse in individuals recovering from addiction.³ This may be because people who are involved in peer support groups are encouraged to develop a sense of self-efficacy, gain helpful tools and strategies to deal with sobriety challenges, and typically find more enjoyment and fulfillment in a life of sobriety.
6. It’s free. Joining a local recovery support group is absolutely free so it won’t cause any unnecessary financial strain on you or your family. All it requires is an investment of time and dedication.

Types of Addiction Recovery Support Groups

A quick Google search will most likely reveal several addiction recovery support groups in your area. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) does recommend several different options for individuals in recovery.⁴ They include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
• Crystal Meth Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Dual Recovery Anonymous

If you live in a particularly remote area, there may be online addiction recovery support groups that you can join or you may want to consider relocating to a new location to enroll in a sober living program and an in-person support group.

Online 12-Step Meetings

Online Recovery Group Meetings (Non-12-Step)

Recovery Support at Eudaimonia Recovery Homes

At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we provide sober living homes and supportive living environments that foster personal growth, life skills, and ongoing recovery. Recovery support groups can provide many additional benefits for sober living clients both during and after they have completed their transitional living programs.

For more information or to enroll in a Eudaimonia sober living program in Houston, Austin, or Colorado Springs, please call our admissions team today.

References: 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047716/ 
2. https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery/peer-support-social-inclusion 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18844242 
4. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/locator/link-focSelfGP