How Do I Choose the Best Drug Abuse Support Group?

A drug abuse support group can help you move past an addictive lifestyle and toward a drug-free life. Choosing the right group is not that difficult if you do some research first. Look for a drug abuse support group that offers the right type of program for your specific needs. A variety of organizations sponsor support groups. Look for a program that fits with your personal beliefs and that provides privacy. The personality of the group facilitator and the group members are also factors to consider. Feeling right about a particular drug abuse support group and the people in it is an important factor in choosing a group.

Finding the right drug abuse support group may be a challenge unless you already know someone in the group or have an invitation from a facilitator. Start by checking with the local organizations in your area to see if they sponsor any groups. If that doesn't produce a good result, try asking some friends if they or someone they know are part of a support group. Many churches will sponsor various support groups at their facilities during the week and some support groups advertise in local newspapers and magazines. Finally, check online for organizations called self-help clearinghouses which can provide information on local drug abuse support groups and group sponsors in your area, including groups not associated with any large or national self-help organizations.

Another big concern about getting help by joining a drug abuse support group is protecting and maintaining your privacy. Most support groups have a published privacy policy or statement that is easily attainable, and they are generally committed to keeping your information private. These privacy policies typically include the types of information collected and the extent to which they will ensure your privacy. These measures include taking proper action to prevent unauthorized or accidental disclosure of information through physical, electronic, and managerial procedures. If you are not satisfied with the privacy policy of a particular support group, it may be best to look for another group.

A facilitator should be able to counter resistance from group members when necessary and to help group members participate and engage one another in working through various issues. Good facilitators provide ways to circumvent hopelessness and negativity, involve as many group members as possible, and encourage the group and its members to work out problems on their own rather than relying on the facilitator for everything. This requires strong leadership qualities, proper training, and a certain level of credibility or authority, as is typically associated with professional therapists or physicians. The best facilitators will strive to make sure every member of their group feels as if they have benefitted personally because they attended a particular drug abuse support group meeting.