There has to be something after addiction treatment. People in recovery need a way to stay on the path of recovery. Coping skills can undoubtedly help a recovering addict avoid triggers, but they need to be doing something positive as well. Most reputable treatment facilities, Beaches Recovery included, offer exiting patients access to aftercare programs. One of the most critical aftercare options is addiction recovery meetings. While group therapy meetings have value, it’s 12 step meetings that seem to offer the most to those in recovery.

About Addiction Recovery Meetings

Two women sharing at addiction recovery meetings helps them stay soberIn 1935, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith shook hands for the first time in Akron, Ohio. Little did anyone know this handshake would become the cornerstone of every 12 step recovery program meeting in the world. All Smith and Wilson wanted to do was talk about their addictions. They agreed to meet again and eventually they invited others to join. The result of these meetings was Alcoholics Anonymous or AA.

The charter at AA is very simple. Members place all of the focus on two things–staying sober and one recovering addict helping another. The results 83 years later have been amazing. Not only has the program helped millions of alcoholics stay sober, but it also gave rise to other addiction recovery programs. These other programs (Narcotics Anonymous, Gambler Anonymous, etc.) have helped millions of other individuals with other addictions stay clean or sober. Take that in for a moment. It’s compelling.

The Benefits of Participating in Addiction Recovery Meetings

Most addiction recovery meetings revolve around the “12 Steps of Recovery,” hence the name 12 step programs. The 12 steps of AA form a roadmap to help members find recovery and stay on the straight and narrow path. Without a doubt, the first step is the most important one. Without successfully clearing the first step, the recovering addict faces the prospects of relapse and frustration. Here is the first step: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Not only does the first step prompt success in a 12 step program, it also matters for recovery. Until an addict can admit defeat, the idea of seeking help is remote.

Perhaps the greatest benefit one receives from membership in addiction recovery meetings is support. Every person in recovery encounters times when the ground under their feet gets shaky. Imagine entering the real world again after spending time in an adult or teen drug rehab programs. All the temptations are out there looking for a moment of weakness. Now imagine there’s a brother-in-arms standing there ready to lend support. That’s it, one recovering addict helping another. Drugs and alcohol are the enemies to both, and they can fight the battle together.

Recovery Offered by Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery, we are very proud of the success we have had treating thousands of patients. We believe the secret to our success is being flexible. Because we understand each patient needs custom treatment programs, our counselors have a lot of flexibility in how they provide treatment. Our menu of treatment options includes detox programs at Tides Edge detox facility, followed by therapy programs. We build our therapy programs around one of the following structures:

After treatment, our patients are welcome to participate in aftercare programs like sober or transitional living and the meetings as mentioned above. Before you suffer through another day of substance abuse, consider getting help. Your life has potential and promise. All you need is the strength to admit defeat and reach out for help.

Here at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, we can offer you that help. From detox to participation in aftercare addiction recovery meetings, we can move you towards a lasting recovery. You can start the process by calling us at 866.605.0532. It’s one phone call you will remember for the rest of your life. Here’s to hoping it’s a sober one.