Can Online Support Groups for Addiction Recovery Help Me?

Addiction recovery is a difficult, painful, and often long process. People going through recovery should consider reaching out and trying different sources of help, deciding whether or not they are beneficial to them. While many individuals try formal rehab, online support groups can also be a source of comfort during this difficult time. But can online support groups for addiction recovery help you?

Ask Yourself

If you are considering an online support group, there are some questions you should ask yourself.

If you are considering an online support group as a part of your full recovery program, ask yourself these questions below and answer honestly.

• Do I want to stop abusing drugs?
• Am I already attending treatment and want want another kind of supplemental help?
• Do I feel comfort in talking about my experiences to other individuals and would I be willing to share them?
• Does knowing someone else shares my same experiences comfort me?
• Am I comfortable using the Internet and computer to find what I need or want?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you might be able to find help with an online support group. This type of support may not be as beneficial when used alone but could be a great addition to formal outpatient treatment.

What Do I Need Help With?

Depending on what you are looking for, online support groups could be beneficial to you. Ask yourself what you need help with, then proceed from there.

• Do you want to discuss your addiction and recovery with more individuals who have the same experiences as you? If so, online support groups could be a great resource for you.
• Do you want to know there will always be someone to talk to 24-7? One of the best aspects of online support groups is that they do not always meet at certain times. Often, there is always someone online that you can talk to, especially when you need it the most.
• Are you looking for supplemental treatment but unable to take on more expenses? Many online support groups are free of charge and allow people to receive more help and support without having to pay another fee on top of those they are already paying.
• Are you looking for a community of support but cannot leave the house for medical reasons? Online support groups are actually extremely beneficial in this case.

Joining an online support group could be helpful, but maybe you will decide it is not right for you. Still, if it sounds like a viable option there’s no harm in trying. According to the NIDA, “No single treatment is appropriate for everyone,” and you may decide you would rather attend meetings in person or choose another kind of treatment method.

The DHHS lists some of the online support groups that you may want to try, but remember that many people use this type of treatment as a supplement to behavioral therapy and medication which are two of the most commonly used and successful treatments available. Online support groups could aid many individuals who are in need of a specific kind of help, but you won’t know if its right for you until you try it.