The Recovery Research Institute states that “mutual-help organizations focus on the socially supportive communication and exchange of addiction and recovery experience and skills.” Many people think 12-Step programming is actually addiction treatment. This isn’t the case. Again, like managing other chronic diseases, medical intervention provides essential treatment. Then, to maintain your health, peer support is crucial to provide fellowship, understanding, and access to other resources.
This is why, since 1939, AA and similar 12-Step programs have provided millions of people in recovery with the guidance and structure necessary to stay the course. Here are some different options that might boost your sobriety efforts.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families: This organization, founded in 1987, helps people use the 12 Steps to address trauma and encourage healing.
- Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups: Established in 1951, these programs are designed for families and friends of alcoholics, including teenagers, trying to understand addiction issues with the 12-Step philosophy.
- Cocaine Anonymous: Although AA and CA aren’t affiliated, this organization has followed the basic principles since 1982 to help people with SUD.
- Co-Dependents Anonymous: This group started in 1986 to help individuals acknowledge codependency and develop healthier relationships. Its structure is an adaptation of AA’s 12 Steps and Traditions.
- Co-Sex Addicts Anonymous: Founded in 1980, this group uses a 12-Step approach to help people affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior.
- Crystal Meth Anonymous: In 1994, founder Bill C. started this program with a 12-Step structure to help people affected by methamphetamine dependence.
- Fentanyl Anonymous: Established in 2023, FA’s mission is to “provide a sanctuary of support and empowerment for individuals grappling with addiction to fentanyl, opioids, and other substances.”
- Marijuana Anonymous: This organization was created in 1989 using a 12-Step process to provide support to people with marijuana dependency.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Founded in 1971, this program is similar to Al-Anon in that it supports the family members and friends of people with drug addiction.
- Women for Sobriety: Although it doesn’t use the exact principles of AA or NA, it does offer a systematic approach to maintaining recovery through New Life Acceptance Statements—a method that’s worked well since 1975.
Other peer support groups rely on a 12-Step structure to address additional issues, such as:
- Clutterers Anonymous
- Debtors Anonymous
- Depressed Anonymous
- Dual Recovery Anonymous
- Emotions Anonymous
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Overeaters Anonymous
- Undereaters Anonymous
- Workaholics Anonymous
Visit their websites to learn more.
Turn to Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire
When you make the brave decision to choose sobriety, you need assurance that a facility is fully equipped to provide progressive medical care and extensive resources. The Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire has three treatment centers with board-certified professionals offering an evidence-based approach to wellness:
- The Antrim House in Antrim, a detoxification and residential treatment facility for men and women.
- Recovery Mountain in Tilton, a residence for Veterans and first responders as part of outpatient programming.
- The Lakes Addiction Treatment Center in Laconia, which offers inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs for men and women.
Trust in our ability to provide you with thorough, individualized treatment and recovery support options. In addition to 12-Step meetings, we offer comprehensive relapse prevention planning, the non-secular SMART Recovery mutual aid program, and the Essence of Being Real peer support group for people moving past trauma. Call our admissions team today to learn about additional resources we offer.