Support Organizations
Making the conscious decision to strive for recovery from a disease as all consuming as drug and alcohol addiction is a difficult one. The very essence of the disease is one of changed thinking patterns and lack of control. It is possible, through help and guidance, to break free of addiction’s clutches, however — if you know where to look.
Many organizations exist with the sole purpose to help addicts, alcoholics and their families to cope with addiction and discover a path to a new, happier life. It does not necessarily matter whether a person has undergone an inpatient or outpatient treatment program for their addiction. Many individuals make that first step to recovery simply by attending a support group meeting on a whim or with a friend. Others find their way into support groups after they have either started an outpatient program or graduated from an inpatient or residential program.
The important thing is that the meetings and organizations are there to help, whenever the addict or family member is ready to utilize them.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Perhaps the most well-known organization is Alcoholics Anonymous. Founded in the early part of the last century by two alcoholics who discovered that they needed each other in order to defeat their addiction to alcohol, this organization has grown into a worldwide, and rather informal, cross-section of the population. Most famous for their “12 steps” to gaining sobriety, this is a faith-based organization that does not prescribe to any one, particular faith. All are welcome to come through their doors and share their life experiences with others, provided they have a desire to stop drinking.
Once involved in this organization, the members are encouraged to help others in any way they can. This might mean simply providing a good example for newcomers, or it might mean taking on the role of sponsor for someone who needs extra encouragement. Recent studies have shown that those members of support organizations who provide extra help to others who share their disease are more likely to remain sober so the benefits of community are reciprocal.
Narcotics Anonymous
Just as Alcoholic Anonymous focuses on the recovering alcoholic, Narcotics Anonymous helps those suffering from drug addiction find peace on the other side of their disease. This support group also follows the 12 steps to recovery established by Alcoholics Anonymous. Because a great deal of their methodology is based upon people with like illnesses, and the concept that similar thoughts, feelings and experiences are necessary to help each other, an individual suffering from drug addiction may not be able to relate to someone who is addicted to alcohol. The opposite is also true in that someone suffering from alcoholism may be of great help to another alcoholic, but may not know quite how to deal with a drug addict.
Different types of drug addictions have different characteristics specific to abuse. Because of this, sub-groups of the “anonymous” method have appeared over the years. There now exist in different parts of the country groups such as Heroin Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous, and even Online Gamers Anonymous. The concept that one addicted person can help another, regardless of the type of addiction from which they may suffer is a proven one.
Al-Anon: A Companion Organization for the Families of Alcoholics
The friends and family members of alcoholics might have as difficult a time as their loved ones when it comes to understanding a disease like addiction. Because the alcoholic is often not thinking rationally or clearly, and because the addiction disease can cause the addict to say and do things they may not mean, tension and feelings of betrayal may be common within a family dynamic.
Al-Anon is a support system for the children, parents, and other family members or friends of an alcoholic. It doesn’t matter if the individual suffering from addiction is actively drinking, a newcomer to the recovery process, or fully engaged in a healthy and whole lifestyle. In fact, organizations such as Al-Anon need members and participants who have weathered the storm to offer support to those who are still in the worst part of their experiences.
Alateen: A Companion Organization for the Special Needs of Teen Children of Alcoholics
Studies have shown that the brain of a teenager reacts and thinks differently than that of an adult. Teens process emotions like fear differently than adults. Alateen is a support group specifically for teens whose parents or siblings suffer from addiction. The meetings give them a place where they can express themselves without judgment from others who have not been in their position. Al-Anon and Alateen work together, but the Alateen aspect of the support group focuses attention on the needs of some of alcoholism’s youngest victims.
Nar-Anon
Nar-Anon is the Narcotics Anonymous equivalent to Al-Anon. When the family members of drug-addicted individuals need a place to talk out their problems, socialize with individuals who understand what they are going through and seek shelter from the destructive influences in their lives, they can turn to this support group. Consisting of adult family members and friends as well as children of those suffering from drug addiction, the group welcomes anyone who feels the need to visit.
Like Al-Anon and Alateen, the current recovery status of the addicted family member is unimportant in terms of whether an individual can seek support for this group.
Local Churches
For many individuals, seeking help from a higher power can help them recover from the ravages of addiction. Some local churches actually provide training for their clergy in drug and alcohol abuse counseling and support, because so many of those afflicted with the disease of addiction turn to them for guidance.
The Salvation Army
Founded in the late 1800s in England by a gentleman concerned with the growing population of homeless men in the city, The Salvation Army has a long history of helping those who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction. The early pioneers of this organization discovered that many of the homeless were alcoholics, as well. They established programs to help the men stop drinking and return to normal lives, and this tradition has carried on. The Salvation Army now provides drug and alcohol treatment programs for those who can agree to their terms for admittance into the program. For instance:
- The individual seeking help must commit to at least six months in the residential program.
- The individual must be dedicated to their own recovery.
- They must be free of alcohol and drugs when they enter the program (The Salvation Army does not extend detox services at this time).
- The recovering addict must agree to follow the rules of the program.
What if I Am Not Religious?
Most of the support organizations that exist operate, on some level, with a belief in a higher power. At the same time, they conclude that spirituality and religion are two different things. When an individual seeking help for an addiction problem attends a Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the first time, he or she will not feel as though they are in church. They will find a group of individuals who have released a part of themselves to their spirituality and faith; however, their purpose is not to preach to anyone or “convert” anyone to a specific doctrine of faith.
Everyone is welcome at these support meetings, regardless of whether they have a religious affiliation or spirituality.
Where Can I Find These Organizations in My Local Community?
For more information on addiction and treatment, call us today. We can put you in touch with a program that can help you on the road to long-term sobriety.