Group counselling and support

How group counselling and support can help with your recovery.

Peer support

In addition to treatment services, attending a group run by and for people who have experienced the same difficulties with alcohol that you are going through can be tremendously helpful. Treatment agencies often host such groups. The two most well-known independent peer support networks in the UK are:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Lead by volunteers who share the need to maintain their sobriety. You can attend whether you are alohol-free or not. AA is sometimes also known as Twelve-step, after the twelve principles that members adhere to in order to stay sober.

SMART Recovery

Also lead by volunteers who are in recovery. It is based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and supports members to change their thinking and their behaviours around alcohol (or other drugs), with the aim of maintaining abstinence.