Addiction is a serious condition that affects many people today. It can have devastating consequences for addicts, as well as their family and friends. The American Psychiatric Association defines addiction as a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with substance disorder often have distorted thinking and behavior. It’s defined as a brain disease is because drugs change the brain’s wiring and causing people to have an intense craving for the drug.
What are the Benefits of Addiction Recovery Programs?
They are many different types of addiction recovery programs available. Some employ the 12 step philosophy first established by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935. Typically, there are no professionals, such as therapists, at meetings. It’s a fellowship of individuals with similar experiences coming together for support. The steps focus on admitting one has a problem and taking steps to make changes. These programs also encourage long-term friendships and support among the group members. Other programs don’t employ the 12 steps but may have more of a religious or scientific focus. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods has shown that most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.
Recovery Support Groups to Consider:
- AA – Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements and membership is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking. AA has the expectation that the addict admits he is addicted and accepts that he is powerless over the addiction. The steps are to be a practiced way of life and therefore can help the addict to overcome the addiction.
- NA – Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 and currently is in over 130 countries. NA is a nonprofit fellowship of recovering addicts that meet regularly to support each other in recovery. They require that a person has a desire to stop using all drugs. They have no fees or dues, no pledges or contracts. They don’t require the addict to make any promises. The program has a set of simple principles that are intended to be followed in a person’s daily life. They want the addict to attend meetings because experience has proven regular attendance is effective.
- Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12 step program. It was created in 1991 by Saddleback Church. They believe they are part of a movement to bring the healing power of Jesus Christ to those hurting from addiction. Their participants have to complete Step Studies.
- Refuge Recovery – Refuge Recovery is a non-profit organization based on Buddhist principals and practices. Their approach is that all people have the powers to free themselves from addiction. They believe in the power of Dharma to relieve suffering and creates a path of recovery from addiction. This program trains the heart and mind to see clearly and respond to life with understanding.
- Women for Sobriety – Women for Sobriety is another non-profit organization dedicated to women and the disease of addiction. Founded in 1975, the program is based on thirteen acceptance statements that encourage growth. They have online and in person support groups led by certified moderators. They offer one on one phone support.
- LifeRing Secular Recovery – LifeRing is an abstinence-based program is worldwide offering peer to peer support to encourage empowerment and growth. One can walk into any meeting, or join the online community via online meetings, and email.
Find Your Path to Recovery Today
Due to the intense hold drugs can have over a person, support is necessary in order to help an addict stay clean. It’s by forming new relationships through these recovery programs that those addicted can find a way to break their habit. If you are looking for more than support groups, and believe that medical care is necessary please don’t hesitate to reach out to Multi Concept Recovery. We are an addiction treatment program in the Burbank area of Los Angeles that offers you the power of choice when it comes to treatment. Our customized treatment programs ensure that each client receives the proper treatment plan and therapies that will assist in achieving long-term recovery from addiction. Call us today at 1-866-816-7598 if you need help. We accept most major insurance policies and are in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Beacon Health Options. Don’t wait for tomorrow. When it comes to active addiction, tomorrow may not happen.
