Getting help and support for dependence or addiction starts with reaching out to others for help and intervention. It is vital to begin to talk about what you are going through right now, and while this may feel difficult, it gets easier once you start.  

A strong recovery plan in the first 90 days should include a good support network, self-care and establishing sobriety. One of the main support interventions is recovery self-help support groups. These take place in every addiction rehabilitation treatment centre around the country, in your local community, and now also online. This guide to addiction recovery self-help support groups in Ireland is part of the Day One recovery series blog helping those seeking treatment for addiction and to start recovery.

‘Meaningful new relationships and friendships develop through support groups – none more remarkable than the one you will create with yourself.’ 

You can attend a self-help support group without a referral, and everybody is welcome. All that is required is a motivation and desire to stop drinking, drugging, gambling, acting out, etc. Many group meetings are open, meaning you can attend as you wish without prior arrangement.

Attending a support group often is strongly advised in the first year of recovery and has many benefits. Attending self-help support group meetings such as the 12-Step Programme meetings, Smart Recovery or Lifering connects you with other recoverees in every stage of recovery. Meaningful new relationships and friendships develop through support groups – none more remarkable than the one you will create with yourself. 

Take the first positive step in your recovery and start group support.

Check the individual websites for specific meeting times, resources, self-assessment information, literature, contact details and family support information. Many organisations, such as Marijuana Anonymous (MA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), have downloadable apps for Apple and Android for a smartphone and tablets, with a meeting finder option.

It is normal to feel uneasy about attending support groups in the beginning; remember everyone there had their first meeting and understands how you might feel. There will be volunteers and facilitators there to welcome newcomers, provide tea & coffee and help you get settled.

If you feel apprehensive, consider contacting the support group helpline and talking to their advisor, who can answer your questions and provide information and reassurance. Every new step you take is a positive step in the right direction towards recovery and builds your confidence.

Self-help Recovery Support Groups in Ireland and Online

Smart Recovery – Science-based addiction recovery support group for alcohol and substances – www.smartrecovery.ie

Smart Recovery Org – Science-based self-help addiction recovery international for alcohol, substances and gambling – www.smartrecovery.org

LifeRing – Self-help support group for overcoming addiction to alcohol and substances – www.lifering.ie

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Twelve-step support group for alcohol and alcohol use disorder – www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie

Cocaine Anonymous Ireland (CA) – Twelve-step support group specifically for cocaine use – www.caireland.info

Food Addicts Anonymous – Twelve-step support group for food-related addictions –www.foodaddictsanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) – Twelve-step support group for compulsive gambling and gambling problems – www.gamblersanonymous.ie

Marijuana Anonymous (MA) – Twelve-step support group for marijuana and cannabis use – www.marijuana-anonymous.ie

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Twelve-step support group for all substances and drug abuse – www.na-ireland.org

Overeaters Anonymous – Twelve-step support group for food addiction – www.overeatersanonymous.ie

Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) – Twelve Step self-help support group for sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction, hypersexuality and pornography addiction – www.slaaireland.org

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA Ireland) – Twelve Step self-help support group for sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction, hypersexuality and pornography addiction – www.saireland.com