Getting sober is the first step on your journey, but maintaining sobriety can be a challenge that feels overwhelming. For most people, staying sober isn’t simply about willpower, it’s about finding the right support system. One place to find this support is through like-minded individuals who understand the process of recovery – a sobriety support group.
Sobriety support groups are one of the most effective tools in helping individuals stay on track. Whether you’re fresh out of rehab or years into your recovery, these groups can offer the community, accountability, and encouragement needed to maintain a sober lifestyle.
What Are Sobriety Support Groups?
Sobriety support groups, or recovery support groups, are gatherings of individuals who share a common goal: staying sober. These groups provide a safe space where members can share their experiences, struggles, and successes without judgment. They are typically led by a facilitator who may be a peer in recovery, a counselor, or other addictions professional.
There are a wide variety of recovery support groups that come in different shapes and sizes. Some groups are focused on a particular type of addiction, such as AA groups for alcoholics, while others are more general.
Alcoholics Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous, are structured 12-step programs that often have a religious aspect focusing on a higher power. But this is just one type of group, there and many less structured support groups including many non-religious alcohol support groups. For those who have busy lives, like those in transportation jobs, there are even online AA support groups.
No matter what type of sobriety support group you’re looking for, there is something out there for you. And all groups share the same goal of supporting you to continue your sobriety journey.
The Benefits of Recovery Support Groups
Of course, the goal of recovery support groups is to help you stay sober. But here are the specific benefits of joining a group that can help you stay sober:
Accountability
Regularly attending a group with others who share a similar experience helps to keep you accountable. When you commit to attending regular meetings, you’re making a promise not just to yourself but to others in the group. Members can help each other stay accountable and provide gentle reminders when necessary.
Community
Sobriety can feel isolating, especially if you are surrounded by people who don’t understand your journey. Building a community of people who understand can help remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.
Building relationships with people in a sobriety support group can help you feel valued and validated and help you stay on track.
Emotional Support
While you may have supportive people in your life, no one understands the emotional journey of recovery like those going through it themselves. Having a safe place where you can express your emotions can be therapeutic and help with feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Celebrating milestones together is often a critical part of sobriety support groups. Whether you’re celebrating a week, a month, or a year of sobriety, these achievements deserve recognition. Celebrating together can build supportive relationships and provide motivation to stay on track.
Advice & Resources
Support groups are full of individuals who have walked the path of recovery before you. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and practical advice that you might not find elsewhere. Whether it’s tips for dealing with cravings, strategies for managing stress, or suggestions for avoiding triggers, the wisdom of the group can be a great resource.
How to Choose the Right Sobriety Support Group
With so many different types of sobriety support groups available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right sobriety support group for you:
- Do your research. Consider structured programs like AA or NA, or if you’d prefer a different structure. If you’d like to attend a group that’s specific to your addiction or more general. You’ll also likely want to consider group size.
- Location and frequency. Look for groups that are conveniently located (or online) and meet at times that fit your schedule. Remember that it’s important to attend regularly.
- Get recommendations. Talk to the providers in your DOT-SAP program, your therapist, family doctor, etc. for recommendation on support groups in your area.
You may want to attend a few different groups to figure out what works best for you. Additionally, it’s important to note that similarly structured groups may have a unique culture that may or may not be suited to you, so if you don’t feel that the first group you attend is the best fit, don’t give up.
You may also want to regularly attend a few different groups depending on your schedule and the frequency you would like to attend.
The Role of Sobriety Support Groups in DOT-SAP Programs
1. Compliance with Treatment Recommendations
In some cases, the Substance Abuse Professional may recommend participation in a sobriety support group as part of your treatment plan.
Sobriety support groups provide a structured environment where individuals can continue their recovery journey, which is crucial for meeting the DOT’s return-to-duty requirements. Regular participation in these groups can help people demonstrate their commitment to sobriety and adherence to their SAP treatment plan.
2. Providing Long-Term Support
The SAP process doesn’t end once an individual is cleared to return to work. Follow-up testing is often required, and ongoing participation in sobriety support groups can be a valuable part of continued care.
These groups offer a space for individuals to discuss challenges, share coping strategies, and receive encouragement from peers, which can be essential for staying sober and complying with DOT regulations.
3. Rebuilding Trust and Responsibility
Participating in sobriety support groups can help individuals in DOT-SAP programs rebuild trust with their employers. By showing a commitment to ongoing support and recovery, employees can demonstrate their dedication to meeting safety standards and maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle, which is critical for returning to safety-sensitive duties.
Take the Next Step with American River Wellness
Learn about the DOT SAP program here.