Dr Linda Helps - Those trying to recover from substance use/abuse often want group support to help them along the way. Most people think that AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is the only self-help group offered. You might be surprised to learn that there are a number of alternatives to AA that have crept up in recent years.

Among the many programs, here are a few more you may hear about. It’s important for you to check out programs. Know what they believe and offer so you can wisely choose the best road for you.

1) Secular Society for Sobriety also known as Save Our Selves (SOS): This group adheres to the disease model of alcoholism but does not use a spiritual approach. James Christopher founded it in 1985. There are three basic beliefs:

· Addiction is a physiological need.

· Addiction is a learned habit.

· One must deny both the need and habit.

Obviously the appeal is to those who don’t want spirituality incorporated into their recovery.

2) The Calix Society: This is a group founded in 1947 to help Catholics with sobriety. The group uses the 12-steps of AA and combines prayer and spiritual growth concepts to recovery.

3) Overcomers Outreach (OO): These groups are structured similar to AA but use Bible versus along with AA concepts. Evangelical Christians founded the group.

4) Red Road: This is a Native American guided group that uses the spirituality of the Native American culture to direct recovery. Along with AA concepts, the Medicine Wheel provides a cultural context for direction and change. Language is culturally adapted and designed to help Native Americans towards sobriety.

Although there are a number of options for self-help support, Christians need to find groups that will allow the integration of Christianity and sobriety. Your faith is a source of tremendous support for recovery. It is also what can transform your life from a drunk to a new creature. Healing involves much more than staying sober. It requires an alignment of behavior, a renewing of the mind and a turn from bad habits. You still need to do the work, but with God’s help, nothing is impossible.