Many who are struggling with addiction or working to maintain their sobriety experience isolation and feelings of being misunderstood. As much as others may try to help, it’s difficult for them to grasp what addiction feels like and the pull it can have over an individual.
Fortunately, those battling opioid addiction are not alone. There are people from all backgrounds fighting similar battles and looking for people who can relate to their experiences.
Connecting with these people is simple thanks to an array of addiction support groups online. To reap the many benefits of joining opioid support groups, individuals need to find a place where they feel comfortable and welcome.
Below are five online addiction support groups that bring community and encouragement.
Young People in Recovery
Young People in Recovery (YPR) was founded in 2010 to provide the skills and encouragement that allow young people to enjoy a long term recovery from addiction. The program is designed for people ages 18-30 but has grown to serve people of all ages and in different recovery stages.
There are 40 YPR chapters across the country that provide free community workshops and strive to break the stigma around addiction recovery. Beyond online recovery meetings, YPR hosts engaging online activities like trivia night and virtual book club. When it comes to addiction support groups online, YPR offers meaningful connections.
SMART Recovery
Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART) takes an empowering approach to addiction recovery. The program focuses on evidence-based techniques informed by current scientific research. As such, SMART recovery is welcoming to those who are pursuing medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an approach backed by science that is clinically proven to aid in overcoming addiction.
With a holistic focus on motivations, beliefs and behaviors, SMART equips group members with the knowledge and tools they need to stay sober.
SMART offers in-person groups as well as addiction support groups online. Using the local online meeting finder, you can search for a group near you that meets via video chat. There is also an online community of SMART group members that you can connect with via online addiction support forums.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is based on the 12-step model and has local groups in every state in the U.S. This style of addiction recovery teaches that the individual must first acknowledge the fact that they are powerless in the face of addiction. Then, by seeking the help of something greater and outside of themselves, namely God, the path to true recovery begins.
The program draws in a diverse group of people because it focuses on treating the disease of addiction rather than zoning in on a specific drug.
Be aware: NA is an abstinence-based program that is not always welcoming to those undergoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT). As mentioned above, MAT is a science-based addiction treatment. Each NA group is run independently and some are welcoming to those taking medication for their recovery. So take time to consider if your local NA is the right group for you based on your treatment plan.
You can uncover available gatherings near you and online meetings with the NA meeting search tool.
Life Ring Secular Sobriety
Next on the list of addiction support groups online is Life Ring Secular Sobriety. As its name suggests, LifeRing takes a non-religious approach to addiction recovery. The program is founded on the belief that the power to overcome addiction and stay sober is within the individual.
Be aware: Life Ring is also an abstinence-based program that asks participants to commit to a substance-free way of life when joining the group. If MAT treatments are in your plan, consider whether this group is ideal for you.
Life Ring teaches that in each person, there is a battle between the “Sober Self” that is striving to be clean and the “Addict Self” that wants to return to destructive habits. The program is all about taking steps to weaken the “Addict Self” and strengthen the “Sober Self.” In addition to an online chat room available 24/7, Life Ring also offers online support meetings each day. The most common meeting format is the “how was your week?” or HWYW where participants share their recent triumphs and or challenges on the recovery path.
Find Healing and Support at MATClinics
Thanks to addiction support groups online, individuals can find a community that understands and motivates one another. While support is crucial in the recovery process, it is only one element.
At MATClinics, we take an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment, combining medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to give each patient the physical and mental aid they need. Patients also have the option to pursue group counseling to connect with others and find strength.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact MATClinics today.