Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health

Close-up of People Bumping Fists. Showcasing the Importance of Support Groups.

Websites to Find a Support Group

When building a house there are many moving parts but we know that the frame is key. However, in order for the frame to be functional, we need support beams. In this case, an addiction treatment program is the frame but support is the beams that hold everything in place. This is why the importance of support groups can not be ignored. Continue reading to discover our recommended websites to find a support group.

What Are Support Groups

A lot of support groups utilize the “helping helps the helper” mentality. This means that the members who host the support group are people who’ve previously had experiences with the issue at hand and hope to help those with their personal experiences. By helping other people members tend to feel rewarded and gain even more from the group experience.

Common support groups are alcohol anonymous, narcotics anonymous and cocaine anonymous. These are self-help support groups that use a 12-step program, consisting of principles that help manage the addiction. 

Benefits of Support Groups 

Coming from an evolutionary standpoint, one purpose of humans is to feel like they belong, whether it be in their tribe, in their family, in their group of friends or at work. Having that feeling of belonging can penetrate the human soul and heart, which can lead to having a better life.  The beauty of joining a support group is that it allows the individual to have this sense of belonging (it may take some people a long time to have this sensation in comparison to others).

They realize they aren’t the only ones with addiction and that other people go through the same things they do.  By having this connection they may be more open to taking responsibility for their own behaviours. They can also feel like they have a safe space to share their experiences with people who won’t judge them. 

Being around and learning from others who have overcome their own addiction can truly provide a perspective shift of what their own life can transition to. They can learn from others how to manage cravings and triggers as well as change negative thoughts that can deter them from recovery. Some people might create a strong bond and a lifelong friendship could develop. 

Website Recommendations to Find Local Support Groups

Whether you’re looking for a support group for those recovering from addiction or you’re the loved one of someone struggling with addiction, psychology today has an amazing resource to find what you’re looking for.

Although support groups aren’t optimal without an additional treatment program, they provide the individual with a sense of belonging that is needed when healing from something as painful as addiction. Not only do support groups provide support but they have the potential to help humans become better humans. 

Here at Simcoe, we have established a vast network of service providers to ensure you can continue to receive high-quality care during and after your rehab treatment with us. For additional support and aftercare programs, simply reach out to someone on our team and we’ll gladly provide you with service providers we trust in your areas.