After treatment, joining a mutual aid group is a good way to continue in recovery. Attending regular meetings is a good way to reaffirm your commitment to recovery and review the lessons you learned in treatment. It’s also a great way to build a sober network. A strong sober network is one of the best predictors of long-term sobriety and attending mutual-aid meetings is a great way to make friends who share your commitment to recovery. The most well known groups are 12-step programs but there are other programs, including SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and LifeRing that have been shown to be equally effective. Some women may prefer a meeting that is just for women. Although substance use disorders affect men and women about equally, women often have different issues related to addiction. For example, women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, leading to substance use. Women are also more likely to start using drugs because a partner does, which can complicate recovery. Women are far more likely to be victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, both of which may lead to substance use. It may be hard to talk about these issues in mixed company and so some women prefer meetings of only women. Fortunately, there are mutual-aid meetings for only women. A women’s 12-step meeting will probably be the most convenient. Most people are somewhat familiar with 12-step programs like AA and NA. They are abstinence-based programs that rely on introspection, making amends, volunteering, and putting your life in the hands of a higher power. Many people have trouble with the higher power part, but agnostic and atheist members often find they can take what works and leave the rest. Engagement with a sober group is what really matters, but if you find you’re too at odds with the spirit of the group, you may have try a different meeting or a different program. Women for Sobriety, or WFS, is another group just for women. WFS is not as well known as 12-step programs, but there are meetings all over the country and online. WFS is a holistic program specifically designed to meet the needs of women trying to recover from substance use disorders. Whereas 12-step programs are loosely organized and run by volunteers, WFS meetings are run by certified moderators. The program is based on the idea that addiction is often the result of depression, guilt, or low self-esteem, and that recovery requires rebuilding feelings of self-worth. The WFS New Life program promotes behavior change through positive reinforcement, cognitive strategies, physical wellness, and group involvement.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
