Substance Use Blog Series: Mutual Aid Groups Part 1
Today’s substance use blog post is part 1 of mutual aid groups for substance use recovery, which are also called peer support groups. These groups are usually entirely led by peers or have a strong peer-based element. Attending peer support groups has been found to result in higher rates of recovery than those who do not, and reductions in relapse rates [1]. While services such as one-on-one counselling can be very beneficial, peer support addresses a sense of belonging and community in a unique way, because you are connecting with others personally experiencing similar struggles as you. This is especially helpful regarding substance use because recovery often involves rebuilding community and finding different ways of belonging that are not dependent on drugs and alcohol.
We have briefly described SMART recovery and 12-step groups before in a number of posts, but have not gone into them in detail.
Each separate peer support group targets different values and approaches, which is great because recovery is so personal, and finding a group that matches your own personality and values could greatly contribute to your own recovery.
This post is a three-parter – we discuss SMART Recovery and 12-step programs in this post, and explore other options in the coming weeks.
SMART Recovery
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups, and uses science-based coping strategies to help individuals cope with their substance use. The program is built around 4 points. SMART Recovery does not use labels like “addict” or “alcoholic.” Some people find this makes seeking recovery support more accessible because they feel less judged or tied into a category, but at the same time, some people prefer calling themselves an “addict” in 12-step meetings (described below), because it serves as a personal acknowledgement of the severity of their problem and/or need for change. This comes down to personal preference, so it is great that we have access to various options where different needs can be addressed.
SMART groups are volunteer-run, and oftentimes, after someone becomes familiar with the program and reaches their recovery goals, they become a volunteer in order to help others recover.
The program focuses primarily on the present rather than the past, unless there is something specific from the past that someone feels they can learn from.
The 4 points are as follows:
- Building and maintaining the motivation to change
- Coping with urges to use
- Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in an effective way without addictive behaviours
- Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life
SMART Recovery Meetings
Meetings are free, and begin with the facilitator giving a group welcome, a quick overview of the program, and then starting check-ins. This is the time when people can describe what they are currently struggling with in regards to their recovery. After this, the group discusses the evidence-based coping tools learned from the program that can be helpful to each other (SMART Recovery).
Because the program is based on evidence-based strategies, it holds the belief that the power to change addictive behaviours exists in each individual and does not depend on surrendering to any spiritual viewpoint. As a result, spirituality is not discussed in SMART meetings, and those who do not identify with a religion or sense of spirituality may find belonging in this program. The following video provides a summary:
Most meetings are currently online, and you can search for one based on your schedule here.
12 steps
The 12-step program is the most commonly known of peer-based meeting programs and the most widely used. The program originated in 1938 and was founded by Bill Wilson, who wrote the steps based on his own experience with alcoholism. The basis of this program is the belief that people can help one another achieve abstinence from their problem substance or behaviour. The only requirement to attending the group is having the desire to decrease your substance use/problem behaviour (American Addiction Centers).
12-step meetings
12-step meetings are free, and begin with a chairperson introducing the intention of the program, and then leading the Serenity prayer which everyone can choose whether to recite or not. The chairperson then reads the 12 traditions, and perhaps some other literature. After this, the chairperson asks if there are any newcomers who would like to introduce themselves. Sharing is the foundation of the meetings, and at this point attendees are invited to stand and share their experience, beginning their statement with “Hi, my name is ____ and I am an addict (or alcoholic, depending which meeting you are at).” While you share, other members listen and then share themselves. (Very Well Mind).
The program was founded on Christian principles and continues to use its original language. However, its delivery is not specific to Christians, and is open to any and all faith presentations and spiritualities.
While these principles are flexible between spiritualities, many of the steps do involve belief in a higher power and a surrender of ultimate control over substance use/problem behaviour. While this element can be powerful for some, some people who identify as Atheist or do not find empowerment through spirituality do not find the same kinship in the program.
Meetings are available daily in many locations. This accessibility is part of why the program is so popular, as people often choose to attend a meeting immediately when a craving comes up. Meetings can be found here. Using the search bar and “type” category you can specify types of groups based on demographics such as sexual orientation, gender, language, etc. if desired. Most meetings are over zoom currently, although some are still in person. This has actually been shown to be beneficial in some ways. For example, if you would like to attend a specific meeting in terms of demographic, there is no guarantee that there will be one close to you within your time constraints. The service delivery over the internet has reduced this barrier to access.
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References
[1] Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. P. (2016). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Subst Abuse Rehabil, 7, 143-154. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047716/
