It’s Time To Talk About

Self-help meetings are good resources for those who are in need of support, accountability, and building a group of friends that are in recovery. These support groups are not treatment or “rehab” as is a common misunderstanding. These meetings provide community support by linking individuals with specific problems to others who have some recovery time. These recovery groups also offer some form of “program” in which an individual can work.

Some familiar meetings are Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al Anon, Nar Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Codependents Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous. As is evident by their names, these meetings use anonymity as means to ensure privacy and discretion when a member is seeking support for their problems.

Most meetings abide by a 12-step philosophy and include a “Higher Power” in their doctrine. This can be off-putting or even harmful to some who are non-religious, agnostic, atheist or secular; however, there are meetings available without religious approach, such as Smart Recovery, LifeRing, and WeConnect + Unity.

These aforementioned recovery groups are free and available to anyone who is looking for help. These self-help and recovery meetings are found in most communities, online, and by phone. There are many types of self-help meetings out there. Searching “self-help meetings” or “support groups” online will reveal a plethora of resources to all kinds of meetings. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, online meetings have become safe alternatives to in person meetings.

If you are a person who is struggling, please know that there are others who have experienced similar issues and want to help. There are resources in your community and online. You are not alone; there is a way forward.

This is an ongoing series by Sarah Mears-Ivy regarding substance use disorders and the social and legal issues stemming from them. Sarah knows a thing or two about addiction and recovery. Daughter, sister, and friend to many wonderful people who have battled substance use disorder, codependency, and mental health stigma. Survivor. Advocate for those who are not yet ready to fight alone.