Addiction recovery or support groups provide a great help to some people in overcoming alcohol and drug addictions. These are groups of individuals who come together for support and sharing while working through a substance abuse problem. Active members in these groups say that it helps them in their addiction recovery. However, research has shown that less than 5 percent of people stay involved in a group long-term. Addiction recovery groups may be helpful, but the vast majority of people dealing with drug and alcohol problems also need more extensive treatment from a rehab facility.

The nature of the meetings for addiction recovery groups can vary widely. Alcoholics Anonymous and some experts recommend attending a meeting every single day for a few months in the beginning of the recovery process. Frequent meetings are also helpful to avoid a relapse, or just after one. Other smaller groups may only offer meetings once or twice a week, or even less. The actual format of the meeting can affect how comfortable an addict is attending one. Individuals might want to try out two or three addiction recovery groups to find one that fits best.

Other aspects of support groups vary, also. Some are very focused on religion or spirituality, while others are secular. There are many 12-step programs out there, but this isn’t the only option. People who aren’t interested in the 12 steps should seek out other types of addiction recovery groups, perhaps at a hospital.

Many people suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction must deal with mental illness as well. It is common for someone to have a substance abuse problem along with an anxiety disorder, depression, schizophrenia, or other mental illness. The combination of these two conditions is called a dual diagnosis. Individuals with these issues in their lives could benefit greatly from seeking out support groups for mental health.

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