More than 2,900 people in New Jersey died from confirmed drug overdoses in 2019.1 This unsettling statistic continues a trend that has been growing for decades. The need for treatment and support has never been greater in The Garden State. Finding rehab or an addiction support group in New Jersey does not have to be challenging if you know what to look for.
BlueCrest Recovery is dedicated to providing high-quality addiction treatment and support for individuals in New Jersey. Our group therapy and support program combines evidence-based therapies with holistic modalities to help clients address the physical and psychological aspects of their addiction. Get started in our support group in New Jersey by calling 888.292.9652.
What Is an Addiction Support Group?
A support group is an opportunity for individuals to share feelings and experiences related to a particular issue. The topic is often a medical or mental health diagnosis or problem. Sometimes, the purpose of the group is to provide mutual support before or after surgery or help people deal with the stress of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, such as cancer. In support groups, people who have experienced similar issues provide comfort, encouragement, and hope to those in the process of coping with their challenges.
Support groups are important in the recovery process but are not meant to provide treatment. Instead, individuals are expected to participate in the group by sharing their stories, celebrating each other’s successes, and sharing coping strategies that would be helpful in both their journey and that of others.
Types Of Support Groups
12-Step Support Groups
12-step support groups are the most well-known support group in use today. A 12-step program is a program for individuals addicted to alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors. Alcoholics Anonymous first established it, but since then, it has been adopted by many other organizations to address various issues and needs. The 12-step program requires participants to admit that they have lost control over their addiction. They understand they must change and commit themselves to eventually achieving that change.
Many people who attend support groups are not addicted to alcohol and drugs, but they may still suffer from other mental health issues or medical conditions. They may be experiencing homelessness, living with a disability or chronic illness, or aging and feel threatened by the prospect of losing their home or ability to care for themselves. Many demand change that does not allow for much true self-growth. 12-step support groups offer a place for such people to confront their feelings about the same challenges that threaten their survival while also supporting them in changing themselves.
Mutual Support Groups
Mutual support groups are set up to assist clients through times of stress. Members usually share similar concerns or problems and offer each other support and information to help them cope with these difficulties. Many of these groups are based on religion, culture, or ethnicity, but they do not always have an affiliation.
These groups are peer-led. Facilitators receive training, but they don’t give advice or act as professionals. They are generally long-term and meet regularly over some time, usually in the same place. They often have a specific structure, but each meeting is open-ended. People can bring up topics that they feel affected by for the day if it applies to the group’s purpose.
Therapy Support Groups
Therapy support groups are structured around the therapeutic process. The group aims to create a safe place for clients to talk about their feelings and experiences, expecting that these will lead to a healthier life.
A professional therapist brings several people together who live with similar conditions and provides treatment to them as a group. The therapist decides on the format of the topics to be discussed and answers any questions about the process. The support group is usually a supplement to other forms of therapy, but it is used as the primary form of treatment in some cases.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups are an easy way to get help. There is no need to attend or participate in a face-to-face meeting. Instead, individuals can connect with other people online and talk to them directly. Online groups often do not require a fee for services but cannot recommend a therapist either.
Although online groups seem like an easy option, there are some risks associated with them, including:
- Anonymity may lead to inappropriate or disrespectful comments or behaviors
- Sharing potentially sensitive information without the guarantee of confidentiality
- High cost of connecting with or maintaining online sessions
- Lack of accountability through providers, staff, and moderators
- Communication by written text might lead to misinterpretation
How to Join a Support Group
If you are looking to find the best support group, the information you might need should be available from the following:
- Your doctor or mental health professional
- The clinic or hospital where you were diagnosed
- Organizations that advocate for certain medical conditions
- Websites for particular illnesses and conditions
A referral from your doctor or therapist is sometimes required for a support group, especially if it has a fee. In this case, you must make sure the provider is licensed and in good standing with the relevant authorities. After finding an appropriate support group, it may be helpful to attend several sessions before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
Finding the Right Group for You
Finding a support group is only the beginning of your recovery. Many factors can influence how well a person will do in a support group, such as age, life experience, and the environment, but here are a few questions you should have the answers to before deciding you have found the right support group:
- Do you have some background knowledge of your disorder?
- Is the meeting guided by a facilitator or moderator?
- Is the physical environment, including the size of the meeting room, comfortable for you?
- Are there charges to attend?
- Is the facilitator a professional?
- Is a mental health professional in the group?
- Does the meeting structure of the group suit your needs?
- Are there any rules for participation?
- What are the guidelines for confidentiality?
After you find a support group that’s right for you, remember to keep an open mind and be willing to accept support from others. There are a few things you can do to get the most from a support group.
Getting the Most From a Support Group
It can be intimidating to meet new people. But joining a support group can make you feel less lonely and more connected to others who experience similar challenges. Connection should not be your only aim. It would be best if you got the most out of your support group experience.
Here is what you should take note of:
- Focus on attending often
- Have a positive attitude about your situation
- Be sensitive to others in the group
- Participate in sharing your experiences with others
- Evaluate if a group is a correct fit
As you continue your recovery, addiction support groups can help you maintain sobriety and achieve your goals.
Support Groups at BlueCrest Recovery
At Blue Crest Recovery Center in New Jersey, we understand mental and physical health disorders. We treat our clients with respect, compassion, and individuals rather than as a diagnosis. We have a unique treatment approach that combines evidence-based practice with 12-step principles.
Start an addiction support group in New Jersey at BlueCrest Recovery. Our center is just down Valley Road from Montclair State University. Call us at 888.292.9652 or complete our online form today, and our skilled clinicians will help you answer any questions and find the right support group to help you overcome addiction.
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