Recovery from alcohol abuse is a challenging journey. Accessing support through addiction recovery communities can be a lifeline for many going through this process.

Throughout your battle with alcohol, you may well have lost connection with people and activities from your life before addiction. The strain on relationships is often too exhausting for either side to manage. Joining a support group can give you the guidance and company you need to stay rooted in recovery, reducing isolation and loneliness at the same time. There are many benefits of taking part in meetings and events with others on a similar journey as yours. Those at the beginning can take hope and advice from those further ahead, and those who are further down the line can provide positive inspiration for newcomers.

There are a number of support groups in the UK if you are looking for advice about alcohol addiction. If you or somebody you know is struggling with alcohol use, there are communities out there that can help. Whether you are looking for face-to-face meetings, or you are more interested in virtual sessions, we look at some options below.

SMART Recovery

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This approach to addiction recovery is about self-empowerment and building strength to move towards healthier life choices. Addiction can make you feel powerless and empty, often causing a perpetual cycle of abuse. SMART Recovery focuses on overcoming addiction through education, skills-building, and increased self-esteem. This method is rooted in the most up-to-date addiction and recovery research, and has been practised for over twenty-five years.

In a similar way to AA, SMART participants will include individuals who have successfully come through their addiction using the programme. This is a brilliant inspiration for those at the start of their journey. SMART Recovery sessions are run by experienced facilitators and take a formulaic structure. Although there is some variation between meetings, they are typically run weekly and last for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Sessions tend to work on addictive behaviour more generally, rather than the specific substance itself. There is a focus on the present and future, setting personal goals which encourage healthy behaviour. Unlike some other support groups, SMART does not focus on the past. Newcomers are encouraged to come along even if they are not ready to participate. It is common to find individuals observing and listening for the first few weeks until they feel ready to contribute with their personal experiences.

SMART fuses cutting-edge addiction science with compassionate experience to create a comprehensive recovery programme for individuals ready to tackle their substance abuse. Meetings are held both online and in person, with participants involved in creating their own recovery plan. It is thought that this close involvement creates a more purposeful recovery journey. SMART Recovery does not only focus on the individual who experiences the addiction, but they also provide resources for those around them. This is an extremely valuable and well-received output from the organisation.

Support for Families

Support groups do not only work with individuals living with alcohol addiction. There are many communities supporting and advocating for the wellbeing of family members of addicted individuals. One such group is Families Anonymous (FA). This is a community that exists to support the needs and hopes of family members who live with an addicted loved one.

FA is not a religious-based community, though it has spiritual values. It is open to anyone regardless of their faith system. Families Anonymous is an inclusive space that is not affiliated with any specific religion or political party. Sharing experiences and advice to others who have a loved one in a similar situation can be extremely helpful for what is otherwise an often isolating experience.

Through this community, it is possible to find the confidence and strength to manage the effects of your loved one’s drinking. Meetings take place in person and online. Virtual meetings are increasingly popular due to the flexibility and accessibility of them. Similar to other support groups, Families Anonymous is run by volunteers and is funded by voluntary contributions given at meetings. There is no prescribed meeting fee.

One of the fundamental pillars of this group is in the name, anonymity. All community members must agree to and abide by this value. All members should feel confident and safe in what they share, and what is said in meetings must not be repeated outside of the space.
During these meetings, there is no onus on anybody to contribute, it is possible to observe and listen to those who feel comfortable sharing.

Support for Children Affected by Alcoholism

Support groups such as the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) exist to support the needs of children who are growing up in households where one or both parents or caregivers are living with a substance addiction. Recent research found that 1 in 5 children are living in homes affected by their parent’s alcohol abuse.

There are four main goals of NACOA, and these include:

• Offering information, advice, and support to the children of alcohol-addicted parents
• To build support networks for these children with the professionals who work with them
• To raise awareness of their situation
• To increase research into the problems faced by this group and prevent alcoholism from developing in this vulnerable group

If you, or someone you know, is living with alcohol addiction, seek help as soon as possible. Alcoholism is a serious disease and professional help is always advised. Support groups can provide an excellent sense of support and inspiration, but medical advice is often necessary as well. Don’t suffer in silence; reach out today.