In the latest Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, it’s pointed out that, “Remission from a substance use disorder can take several years and multiple episodes of treatment, recovery support services (RSS) and/or mutual aid.”[1]
The good news, however, is there are increasing numbers of mutual aid groups and newly emerging recovery support programs and organizations in the U.S. that are playing an essential role in the system of continuing care for those afflicted by substance use disorders.
In fact, the report indicates not only a wide range of RSS exists throughout the nation—including those in or promoted by treatment centers, schools, health care systems, housing and community settings—but also that scientific evidence is increasing to validate these recovery support services are indeed helpful to those seeking to sustain their recovery from a substance use disorder (a.k.a., chemical dependency or addiction).
Per the Surgeon General’s report:
- Well-supported scientific evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of 12-step mutual aid groups focused on alcohol and 12-step facilitation interventions; and,
- Evidence for the effectiveness of other recovery supports (educational settings, drug-focused mutual aid groups, and recovery housing) is promising.[2]
Why does the Surgeon General deem recovery support services so important?
Brain research pertaining to addiction has shown that since the brain often returns to health slowly following chronic drug use, the possibility of relapse is initially higher.[3] This finding underscores the importance and veracity of the common understanding in recovery circles: Successful, ongoing recovery typically requires substantial changes to a person’s life to create a supportive environment, particularly one that avoids substance use associations, cues or triggers. In many cases, this can mean making new friends, especially ones who support one’s recovery; finding a new job or housing; and participating in new activities, those that do not involve alcohol or drug use.
Per the Surgeon General’s report, “This is why ongoing RSS in the community after completing treatment can be invaluable for helping individuals resist relapse and rebuild lives that may have been devastated by years of substance misuse.”[4]
In the wake of a growing movement of people in recovery, treatment options for those with substance use disorders, and research about both addiction and recovery, a positive, hopeful message that recovery is possible is spreading.
It should be noted that recovery support services (RSS) are not the same as addiction treatment. And while a number of these services began long before the rising wave of evidence-based protocols wisely used by treatment centers—for example, both Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) 12 Steps programs have been around for more than 50 years—not all of them have been scientifically studied for their efficacy. (Note: Before utilizing a particular RSS, it is strongly recommended you do sufficient research regarding its history and background, including whether or not there are any studies to substantiate whatever claims are being made about it.)
The point is to seek out services that can demonstrate they’re effective at sustaining one’s abstinence and recovery, as well as advancing other beneficial long-term outcomes.
Some of the most well-known RSS, “mutual aid groups,” are the 12-step programs like A.A. and N.A. Mutual aid groups “link people in recovery and encourage mutual support, while providing a new social setting in which former alcohol or drug users can engage with others in the absence of substance-related cues from their former life.”[5]
As cited in the Surgeon General’s report, numerous studies have shown A.A. can have a beneficial effect in decreasing one’s likelihood of relapsing with alcohol.[6]
Most commonly, mutual aid groups like A.A. and N.A. are based on peer support and facilitated by those who share their own “experience, strength and hope” about the principles of recovery at the core of the 12 Steps.
It’s important to note that research indicates health care professionals (especially at treatment centers) often play a valuable role in linking patients to these groups, and encouraging their participation can increase their likelihood of success in ongoing recovery.[7]
The Surgeon General’s report concludes with an encouraging statement, based on increasing evidence: “People can and do recover.”[8] And the benefits cited above that are offered by recovery support services are there for the taking – one simply needs to begin by asking for help.
[1] “Recovery: The Many Paths to Wellness.” Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health.” 2016.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Humphreys, K. “Circles of recovery: Self-help organizations for addictions.” Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 2004.
[4] “Recovery: The Many Paths to Wellness.” Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health.” 2016.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Laudet, A. B., & Humphreys, K. (2013). Promoting recovery in an evolving policy context: What do we know and what do we need to know about recovery support services? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(1), 126-133.
[7] Walitzer, K. S., Dermen, K. H., & Barrick, C. (2009). Facilitating involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous during out‐patient treatment: A randomized clinical trial. Addiction, 104(3), 391-401.
[8] “Recovery: The Many Paths to Wellness.” Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health.” 2016.
