Choosing the Right Peer Support Group

Treatment centers in Hawaii can help you choose the right peer support group to have the best chances of recovery success. If you have undergone treatment, a 12-Step program may be an excellent consideration for your aftercare plans. Understanding the pros and cons of these different programs can help determine if one is a right fit for you or if another type of peer group program may be a better fit.

12-Step programs are designed to help patients recover from drug or alcohol use. They allow a person to rely on others in recovery to sustain long-term abstinence. A 12-Step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provides a person the ability to have a place to go outside of a treatment center that still follows many of the same principles. 

Many treatment centers in Hawaii will use 12-Step programs to help individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). It is a typical program found in treatment, and many patients find it beneficial to add to their aftercare plans.

12-Step programs help individuals participate, engage, and stay responsible for their commitment to a substance-free lifestyle. 12-Step programs in Hawaii help patients understand that life with substances is difficult to manage on their own. However, the program helps identify important ways to build a greater sense of self and a stronger spiritual connection to avoid relapse. Because the program is working for so many, a person sees that there is hope when it comes to living a healthier and sober life.

A 12-Step program includes a variety of meetings, during which there are discussions and readings on emotions, situations, and spirituality. These elements help a person admit and accept the habits that were formed before recovery and how to address them moving forward. 12-Step programs help a person in recovery make amends, manage unhealthy habits, learn from mistakes, and continue on their path of sobriety. Additionally, 12-Step programs help motivate and inspire a person to help their peers do the same.

Some people may feel that 12-Step programs are not right for them. Hawaii’s treatment centers use many other techniques and modalities to help patients find new meaning and direction in life. In addition to 12-Step programs, there are alternative peer group programs that can help you on your recovery journey. 

Since one individual’s situation is different from the next, someone may find another type of program that is less strict and more flexible may be more suitable for their needs. Such programs – including SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery – provide more flexibility to support each patient and their specific situation. 

There are various reasons someone may choose not to attend a 12-Step program. For example, if a particular habit is difficult to break, a non-12-Step program will implement multiple options to help break the cycle. In 12-Step programs, on the other hand, the options are more strict and not as flexible for those who need a more specific approach. Non-12-Step programs are more modern than the original 12-Step programs, but the point of both programs is to help people live a happy, meaningful life free from substances.

All peer support groups address substance or alcohol abuse, as well as the importance of being honest. Since triggers to drink or use are a concern for patients following treatment, having options to remove or identify them is important. Both non-12-Step programs and 12-Step programs can help in this matter.

For many individuals, choosing a non-12-Step program or a 12-Step program in Hawaii for their aftercare plans can help support their commitment to a substance-free lifestyle. Many individuals without such a program in their aftercare will not have the tools and support to avoid triggers and may relapse. 

In order to not fall back into unhealthy habits, a solid aftercare plan is essential. Those who want positive changes in their lives and a successful recovery will need to take full advantage of a drug rehab center’s guidance and professional experience to help them make the right choices for their treatment and aftercare plans.

If you have been to a treatment center in Hawaii, adding a 12-Step program or a non-12-Step program to your aftercare plan can give you the best chances of recovery success. You deserve to have recovery results that are achievable and successful and that are suited specifically to you. Implementing a non-12-Step or 12-Step program in aftercare plans can encourage patients to continue attending meetings and managing their cravings. 

If you feel a 12-Step program, with a more structured approach, or a non-12-Step program, with a tailored approach, will be a good choice for your aftercare, Hawaii Island Recovery can help you determine which one is right for you. We understand addiction is not a failure, and we are here to help you see that a healthier lifestyle is possible. You can continue and sustain a lifestyle free from substances. We provide a variety of services, all to meet our patients’ individual needs. If you have been through treatment and still struggle with triggers and cravings, we want to help you today. At our luxury rehab in Hawaii, we will provide you with therapeutic and educational elements to help install new, healthy habits into your life. For more information on how you can choose the right aftercare program after you leave our treatment center, reach out to Hawaii Island Recovery at (866) 390-5070.