Mutual Aid

Substance use can be very isolating, and it can be hard for people who have not experienced it to understand what you are going through.

Mutual aid groups – like Alcoholics Anonymous – allow you to meet with others going through the same thing. These groups are free to attend and have members at different stages of recovery, from those who have been drink or drug-free for years to those just taking the first steps of change.

Mutual aid groups and treatment services are similar in that they both help you change your relationship with drinking or other drugs. However, there are some differences.

In treatment, you are supported by a professional for a limited length of time – usually until you have reached your goals – whereas mutual aid groups are run by others in recovery. This means you can build a network of friends and keep attending for as long as you find it helpful.

People who participate in mutual aid groups tend to relapse less than those who don’t.

We have access to groups that you can attend for support. Find out more about them using the links below:

• Alcoholics Anonymous groups
• Narcotics Anonymous groups
• SMART Recovery groups