There are many different types of addiction, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to recovery. Which support system you choose will depend on your specific needs, the type of addiction you have, and what works for you personally. One often overlooked part of the recovery process, however, is the support group you choose after you’ve begun recovery.
Some people find that they need to attend a support group when they first begin recovery in order to get the emotional and psychological help needed. This is especially true if you have an addiction that stems from some sort of mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. Other times, it may be helpful for family members and loved ones who are concerned about your wellbeing to attend a support group.
Regardless of your situation, the recovery process is long and will take not just you, but those around you to make a difference as well.
Here are some places where people can find support in their recoveries in the state of Maryland:
12-step programs
12-step programs are the most well-known type of support group in the United States and are extremely common for alcoholics. Many 12-step groups have their own unique cultures, however, there is a general outline that many share. This includes regular meetings where members discuss problems or concerns with addiction recovery along with personal or spiritual development and read from related literature. This is an especially popular option for those who participate in a faith-based religion.
In Maryland, Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most prevalent 12-step programs. It was founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith when they discovered that their alcoholism was not unique – there were many other people struggling with it as well. In order to help, they designed a program that would provide support and solutions to those struggling with alcohol. Since then, Alcoholics Anonymous has grown into an international organization that provides the same service for people around the world who are dealing with addiction in various forms.
Other 12-step programs include Narcotics Anonymous (for drug addicts), Overeaters Anonymous (for those struggling with food addiction), and Gamblers Anonymous (for people who have a gambling problem).
In-person support groups
An in-person group is another option for those searching for help. In Maryland, there are many places where you can find such an opportunity, such as the Anne Arundel County Recovery Center in Londontown, Maryland, or the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse support groups at their main campus in Annapolis.
Although 12-step programs are extremely popular and common, some people may prefer to attend an alternative community group. For example, there is a Recovery International chapter that meets for a weekly group therapy session together.
Online support groups, forums, and resources
Many people find it easier to talk about their problems with addiction in a more anonymous setting rather than one where they have to physically show up. In online settings, you can share your experiences and struggles without worrying as much about stigmatization from those around you. There are also many forums and resources online that can provide additional information or support for those who are dealing with addiction.
Treatment centers like Ashley Treatment Center also have resources available as well as online directories that could point you in the right direction.
Secularized support groups
Some people may not feel comfortable participating in a support group that requires certain spiritual beliefs. T For these people, there are support groups available that focus on addiction recovery without requiring participants to share their beliefs.
An example of one such group is SMART Recovery Maryland. This organization was designed for those who prefer an alternative approach when it comes to dealing with addiction through science-based techniques.
There are many options for finding addiction recovery support, including 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups emphasize that you must admit the problem in order to get better and rely on other members of the group for emotional support through your journey. You can also find more secularized forms of this type of support in a variety of different formats, such as SMART Recovery.
Regardless of your addiction or severity, improve your chances of staying away from it by finding the right people to surround yourself with. Continue your research today!