If you’re trying to quit alcohol, you might wish you had a supportive community to help you during your journey to sobriety, or just people you could complain about the daily struggle with, who understand what it’s like. Without meaningful connections and guidance, it can be difficult to get through it on your own. The good news is that you can find plenty of other people going through the same thing as you. There are many benefits to quitting drinking with the help of online support groups, including anonymity and 24/7 support.
Reddit Support Groups
Many people are finding solace on Reddit. There’s a decent chance if you use the internet you’re already on reddit for entertainment purposes. There are multiple subreddits dedicated to those wanting to reduce their dependence on alcohol, including /r/stopdrinking and /r/cutdowndrinking. These communities are growing as people find a welcoming place for advice and help. The /r/stopdrinking subreddit has over 64,000 readers alone. Many subscribers say that the subreddit is their sole source of recovering from alcoholism.
Other Online Communities
There are so many online groups out there outside of Reddit that you can consider joining. For example, smartrecovery.org has webinars, online meetings, message boards, and a 24/7 chat room. SMART Recovery is based on a 4-Point Program with special tools and techniques for recovery. Recovery.org also has an online forum for people like you seeking advice, support, and encouragement.
Support and Understanding
The key word in “online support group” is “group.” This means that there are others who are going through the same struggles as you. An online group setting reiterates the fact that everyone shares the common goal of overcoming alcoholism. While mentors and moderators are important and involved, one of the most important aspects of recovery is mutual support. Sharing your experience with others and hearing about their experiences can give you new perspectives, insights, and tips.
Online support groups are more than just sharing with others. They are also great sources of inspiration and guidance. If you have a specific goal you want to attain, others will be able to give you positive feedback and continuous support. Leaders and moderators can give you specific tips for how to stop drinking and overcome your addiction.
Immediate Accessibility and No Stigma
Traditional support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous work great for some people and definitely have their place. The blend of peer-group therapy and sponsorship is beneficial to many seeking recovery. Sometimes it’s not easy to get to an in-person meeting, however. People who live in rural areas or don’t have access to transportation may find it difficult to find a group like this. Online groups give people immediate access to a large community. This convenience makes it less scary and intimidating.
One of the other unique aspects of these online communities is the ability to only talk about your struggles behind your computer screen. Too many people are uncomfortable or afraid to go to an in-person meeting due to the stigma associated with alcohol. Unfortunately, alcohol addiction is still seen as a failure in morality in society. Online support groups give people complete anonymity with the ability to connect with others directly from computers and smartphones.