Once addiction treatment has been completed, it does not necessarily mean an individual has been cured. Addiction is a lifelong condition. It can be tough for some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) to stay on track during recovery. Social support is a critical element in helping a person stay on track and maintain positive mental health. 12-Step and non 12-Step support groups at Avalon Malibu can be beneficial to those who are seeking additional support for long-term recovery.
The Importance of Social Support for a Sober Lifestyle
Social support is a vital component of sustained recovery. It is common for those facing challenges with SUDs to relapse within the first year after completing treatment. According to Substance Use & Misuse, individuals who develop a strong support system remain in treatment for longer periods. These people also tend to have better recovery outcomes. Social support has also been proven to decrease the likelihood of relapse as well.
Clinical studies have also found that having even just one supportive companion that supports a sober lifestyle creates a positive influence on an individual’s recovery journey. A person will be more successful when spending time with this sober support person rather than spending time with a less supportive individual who does not abstain.
What Are 12-Step Support Groups?
In another article published in Substance Use & Misuse, 12-Step groups are defined as mutual-help strategy programs. They can also be referred to as mutual-aid programs, where individuals share a common behavior. Those who identify their behaviors as undesirable can confide in peers. Doing so may assist them in proper mental health management and relapse prevention. Confiding in peers can also help eliminate complications while in recovery from substance abuse.
12-Step meetings are typically voluntary and widely available free of charge to the public. However, some individuals may resist 12-Step support. This can be due to the spiritual aspect, as 12-Step programs are more intrinsically faith-driven than other approaches.
What Does a 12-Step Support Group Consist Of?
A 12-Step program is designed with steps that require some sort of spiritual beliefs. However, most programs today are nondenominational. In other words, they are not specific to any religion or spiritual tradition.
12-Step programs are based on the principles of personal responsibility, spirituality, and mutual support. The principles focus on big ideals like humility, faith, honesty, repentance, and community.
The 12-Step support groups at Avalon Malibu help many individuals achieve lasting sobriety, peace, and healing. 12-Step principles that Avalon Malibu designed to encourage those in recovery to participate in discovering their personal higher power include:
- Acknowledging that one has a problem with addiction and they are powerless to overcome their condition without social support
- Becoming more open to developing a spiritual belief within oneself
- Accepting a higher power and receiving the support that a higher power may offer
- Acknowledging one’s past inability to weigh morality and increasing self-awareness
- Reconciling one’s actions and understanding how they affect self and others
- Accepting one’s path to recovery and staying committed to a sober lifestyle for ongoing progress
- Continuing to discuss different ways for improvement through spiritual means
- Creating a list of loved ones who have been harmed during active addiction
- Trusting oneself while seeking spiritual growth for increased strength
- Becoming fully immersed in recovery while following new strategies for improvement
- Believing one is capable of achieving a healthy recovery
What Are Non 12 Step Support Groups?
Non 12-Step support groups are “mutual help alternatives” to faith-driven 12-Step programs. A non 12-Step support group may provide other kinds of group meetings and therapies. Those who are seeking additional support to maintain stability for themselves may benefit from mutual help alternatives.
Therapists at Avalon Malibu prompt their clients to consider their success and take control of their recovery into their own hands. Some people may feel guided by a higher power to live a sober lifestyle and may decide to take personal responsibility for their current actions.
Although Avalon Malibu accepts people with any belief system, they support a non 12-Step approach. If therapists find that a client may benefit from a non 12-Step approach, they encourage it. This may still help the client overcome substance abuse forever.
What Should I Expect From the SMART Recovery Approach?
One popular alternative to 12-Step groups is smart management and recovery training (SMART) recovery. This is an abstinence-based support program that incorporates strategies used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The support program may also offer other evidence-based techniques to promote positive change for those with SUD.
These support groups are designed to assist clients in understanding their past behavioral experiences. A specialist will then encourage new healthy solutions. The goal is to address current and future obstacles that may occur during recovery from drugs and alcohol. Peer support can also provide further insight into a person’s behavioral and thought patterns to increase the odds of maintaining long-term sobriety.
Moving Forward With 12-Step and Non 12-Step Support Groups at Avalon Malibu
Both 12-Step and non 12-Step support groups at Avalon Malibu provide many mental health benefits to their clients. At Avalon Malibu, therapists never push a specific belief system on clients. The specialists at Avalon Malibu feel that the client gains the most benefit from choosing a group that suits them. No matter what a person believes, they can find a suitable route to healing. A therapist will respectfully place people in the right support group that reflects their unique preferences and values.
At Avalon Malibu, our therapists will help match you with a 12-Step group that meets your unique needs. The programs offered at Avalon Malibu are designed to work uniquely and seamlessly within your treatment plan. However, unlike other treatment centers, we offer the opportunity for continual modifications as your needs evolve. Our boutique approach, where we help you create a custom-fit treatment plan, is what makes our holistic recovery solutions so effective. While no two people heal from substance use and mental health concerns in exactly the same way, 12-Step support groups are a time-honored tradition that have helped many people achieve lasting recovery and peace of mind over the years. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 for support.
