The role of support groups in long term recovery

May 26, 2025

9:00 am

Finding an alcohol treatment centre

Support for long term recovery is essential. A life of sobriety is not simply about staying away from drink and drugs. It is about starting life anew. Establishing a life that has meaning, purpose and value: A life that you want to live. This can be daunting and coupled together with the challenge of staying abstinent means temptation may lurk. Research shows that those who continue with support meetings, post treatment, are far more likely to stay sober than those who do not.  

Confidential, impartial and free advice is available to all at Find me a Rehab. If you have completed treatment and need drug misuse advice UK, call and speak to one of our experienced addictions clinicians. If you are in a residential rehab centre UK and are looking for onward support: Call, Find me a Rehab.  

Why are groups, after rehab, important?  

12 step/SMART groups do not judge: It matters not what you have done, to whom or to yourself. Everyone there attends for one reason: They are in recovery. It matters not if you are a school crossing patrol, a factory worker, company owner or billionaire. No one cares if you are white, black, gay, straight, trans, disabled, autistic, etc: All are there with a shared desire. While everyone’s history of addiction is different, the common threads bind the group together. There are different groups that people in recovery can attend: AA, NA, SMART, etc but the common shared experiences tend to be the same:  

  • A sense of belonging, purpose and understanding 
  • An opportunity to give support while also receiving it 
  • Heightened desire to stay abstinent 
  • Not being isolated 
  • Promoting accountability 
  • Emotional resilience 

Therapists will tell you that, by attending peer led support groups there are other positives, in addition:  

  • Role models: Sometimes, when it is difficult to speak in a group, or when you are feeling down, seeing and hearing from those who are thriving in sobriety. This can be a real boost to long term recovery 
  • Renewed commitment: Being part of a group with a shared desire can motivate someone to stay committed to the process and their recovery 
  • Emotional support: This can be essential, especially if someone is feeling like they might use.  
  • Sharing hopes and dreams: Hearing the experiences of others as they get new jobs, form new relationships, launch new ventures or take on new studies can help to keep you on track by sparking new ideas.  
  • Building new connections for long term sobriety 

In recovery, it is often clear that former associations are not going to be part of the trajectory. If a friend is in active addiction, then being around them is going to hinder, and potentially destroy, your recovery. Some family members, despite your best efforts, may not be able to accept you in recovery and this is where support groups come in. Peer support groups offer the chance to network with those who understand addiction and where there is a shared bond and respect. Imagine going to a social event with a group of people where none are using or talking about using and where there is zero expectation that you will use?  

During treatment in a residential rehab centre UK, you will be given the tools to support yourself. If you need additional free 24-hour addiction help it is available 24/7 at, Find me a Rehab. Call for drug misuse advice UK.  

How do I maximise the value of a peer support group?  

If you want to get the maximum benefit of attending a group there are a few things to consider: 

  1. Go, even when you don’t feel like it. 
  1. Don’t hold back when speaking. Talk about what is worrying you, what you fear and the little wins and major victories: You will be among people who understand.   
  1. Pay attention to others when they speak and offer encouragement. 
  1. VOLUNTEER! Make the tea, put out the chairs, lock up, greet new members.  
  1. Take it slow at the start: It can take some people a long time before they open in a group. It really doesn’t matter. If simply going and listening stops, you relapsing then the group is working.  

Free 24 addiction help is available to all at Find me a Rehab. If you have been in a residential rehab centre UK and are looking for onward support, call for drug misuse advice UK.  Support for long term recovery is out there: Call and speak to an experienced addictions clinician to find out how to arrange it.