Self-Help Groups
If you’re trying to stop drinking, peer support groups can be an invaluable source of guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Groups are very helpful, not only in maintaining sobriety, but also as a safe place to get support and discuss challenges.
Connecting with others who know first-hand what you’re going through can help reduce feelings of isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Staying motivated and positive is much easier when you have others you can turn to and lean on to help you get through tough times.
Al-Anon Family Groups: The Al-Anon Family Groups consist of relatives and friends of alcoholics who, by banding together, can better solve their common problems. Both before and after the alcoholic joins A.A. or if they do not seek help, there is a great deal that the families can do to help themselves and the alcoholic.
The purpose of Al-Anon are threefold: to welcome and give comfort to the families of alcoholics; and to give understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic and to grow spiritually through living by the 12 Steps of Al-Anon.
Attendance is limited to relatives and friends, those affected by close contact with the alcoholic.The general public and professionals working with the alcoholic may inquire about open meetings by contacting the Information Services.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most well-known and widely available self-help group for alcoholics in treatment and recovery. AA uses fellowship and a set of guided principles—the 12 steps—to help members achieve and maintain sobriety. The goal is total abstinence from drinking.
A key part of a 12-step program is choosing a sponsor, a former alcoholic who has time and experience remaining sober. A good sponsor helps you understand and work the steps to alcohol recovery and provides support when you are feeling the urge to drink.
AA members attend group meetings facilitated by other members—all recovering alcoholics. Meetings take place on a regular basis, at various times, and in many different locations around the world. Members are free to attend any of the many meetings held each week.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is an international organization that takes a science-based, self-empowerment approach to abstinence and recovery from alcoholism.
SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training) SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a program that aims for abstinence from alcohol or drugs through self-empowerment and self-directed change.
Women for Sobriety is based on the New Life Program, a series of 13 statements (such as: I have a life-threatening problem that once had me. I now take charge of my life. I accept the responsibility. I am what I think. I am a capable, competent, caring, compassionate woman.)
Premises and structure of WFS:
Connecting with others who know first-hand what you’re going through can help reduce feelings of isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Staying motivated and positive is much easier when you have others you can turn to and lean on to help you get through tough times.
Al-Anon Family Groups: The Al-Anon Family Groups consist of relatives and friends of alcoholics who, by banding together, can better solve their common problems. Both before and after the alcoholic joins A.A. or if they do not seek help, there is a great deal that the families can do to help themselves and the alcoholic.
The purpose of Al-Anon are threefold: to welcome and give comfort to the families of alcoholics; and to give understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic and to grow spiritually through living by the 12 Steps of Al-Anon.
Attendance is limited to relatives and friends, those affected by close contact with the alcoholic.The general public and professionals working with the alcoholic may inquire about open meetings by contacting the Information Services.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most well-known and widely available self-help group for alcoholics in treatment and recovery. AA uses fellowship and a set of guided principles—the 12 steps—to help members achieve and maintain sobriety. The goal is total abstinence from drinking.
A key part of a 12-step program is choosing a sponsor, a former alcoholic who has time and experience remaining sober. A good sponsor helps you understand and work the steps to alcohol recovery and provides support when you are feeling the urge to drink.
AA members attend group meetings facilitated by other members—all recovering alcoholics. Meetings take place on a regular basis, at various times, and in many different locations around the world. Members are free to attend any of the many meetings held each week.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is an international organization that takes a science-based, self-empowerment approach to abstinence and recovery from alcoholism.
- A network of independent meetings with an alternative recovery method
- Promotes abstinence and provides support from others struggling with the same issues
- Encourages self-empowerment approaches to recovery for those who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of AA
- Takes the approach that sobriety is a separate issue from religion or spirituality
- Credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his or her own sobriety, without reliance on any Higher Power
SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training) SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a program that aims for abstinence from alcohol or drugs through self-empowerment and self-directed change.
- Emphasizes self-empowerment, self-reliance, and self-directed change
- Based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Teaches specific tools and techniques within a 4-point program:
- Enhancing and maintaining motivation to abstain
- Coping with urges
- Problem solving (managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors)
- Lifestyle balance (balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions)
Women for Sobriety is based on the New Life Program, a series of 13 statements (such as: I have a life-threatening problem that once had me. I now take charge of my life. I accept the responsibility. I am what I think. I am a capable, competent, caring, compassionate woman.)
Premises and structure of WFS:
- The psychological needs of female alcoholics are different than for males
- Weekly meetings in small groups of 6-10 women, with a structured format for confidential discussion
- Based on thirteen positive statements to encourage emotional and spiritual growth, with emphasis on:
- Positive reinforcement (approval and encouragement)
- Cognitive strategies (positive thinking)
- Letting the body help (relaxation techniques, meditation, diet, and physical exercise)
