Whether upon discharge from addiction treatment as part of an aftercare plan or while attending counseling during treatment, most addicts new to recovery are encouraged to join a support group after treatment ends to help maintain recovery.
When many people think of recovery support groups or peer support groups, the first program that comes to mind is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). While Alcoholics Anonymous is indeed considered a hallmark staple in addiction recovery aftercare, it is by far not the only program that can be beneficial. Out of the inspiration of Alcoholics Anonymous, many other peer support programs have evolved to serve specific elements of addiction recovery communities.
If you are looking recovery groups in California, Destiny Recovery Center can help. Contact us today to learn more about our Redlands drug and alcohol rehab center.
What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous developed from the building blocks of Alcoholics Anonymous. The first NA meetings were held around Los Angeles, California. Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous started as a small organization. Within thirty years, NA had developed a presence in over a dozen countries, holding nearly 3000 regularly scheduled support meetings worldwide. Today, Narcotics Anonymous remains a strong and vital presence in 144 countries, with over 70,000 weekly group meetings.
When Narcotics Anonymous first started, many of the teachings and materials of the program provided to members were based on the content developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. Membership in NA is open to all addicts, regardless of their substance of choice. When Narcotics Anonymous initially adapted the “steps” to suit the recovery needs of their participants better, the word “alcohol” was substituted with “addiction” to remove references to a specific substance allowing more people to feel comfortable attending meetings.
How is NA Used?
Narcotics Anonymous was developed out of the need to support people in recovery from drugs other than alcohol. One of the most beneficial parts of using Narcotics Anonymous as part of a treatment and aftercare program is access to the community. Narcotics Anonymous is comprised of recovering addicts at all stages of their sobriety journey. Members of the group are encouraged to provide support, guidance, and even advice to other members.
Attending regular NA meetings helps provide a strong peer support structure to help an addict in recovery from drug addiction maintain their sobriety. It also enables you to make healthy (and safe) choices when faced with relapse triggers and other stressful situations that could lead to substance use. The community supports, and other benefits of NA provide recovering addicts with a structure they can follow (the 12 steps) while they continue to work on their sobriety. The community environment of NArcotics Anonymous also helps to ward off isolation and provides a group of like-minded peers to turn to when faced with challenges to their sobriety.
Are There Rehabs That Support NA Groups?
Support groups like NA are used in a variety of settings. Some inpatient rehabs in San Bernardino integrate support groups into your treatment program, and others include peer support groups as part of comprehensive aftercare planning. Still, other programs encourage peer support groups like NA throughout all stages of your recovery journey.
Millions of people recovering from substance use disorder find continued participation in a peer support group like Narcotics Anonymous is highly beneficial in helping maintain sobriety. These support groups consist of men and women of all ages who share their experiences related to addiction and provide a source of accountability for each other.
These meetings are generally free and frequently happen throughout many cities and towns. Group embers are encouraged to follow twelve steps for recovery that have proven effective for decades. The steps teach addicts in recovery how to cope with addiction, avoid triggers, and find peace in sobriety. Members are also encouraged to find a sponsor (another member further along in their sobriety journey) who can act as a mentor. Many members find their sponsor to be vital in avoiding relapse early on.
Finding a Rehab Program That Uses NA in Southern California
Support groups and the peer structure provided by attending group meetings is essential to many in recovery as meeting groups offer peer guidance and support during times of struggle. If you would like to learn more about the role addiction support groups like NA play in helping you achieve and maintain lasting recovery, contact us at Destiny Recovery Center for more information about our Southern California addiction treatment programs.