Support Groups

Support groups are available to help people who are dealing with alcoholism.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and specific steps for people recovering from alcohol dependence. The program is commonly called a "12-step" approach. There are local chapters throughout the United States.
• AA offers help 24 hours a day and teaches that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking.

AL-ANON

• Family members of a person with an alcohol abuse problem often need counseling. Al-Anon is a support group for partners and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism.
• Alateen provides support for teenage children of people with alcoholism.

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS

Several other support groups are available.

• SMART recovery teaches you have to change your thoughts and behaviors to help people with alcoholism recover.
• LifeRing recovery and SOS are two nonreligious programs that offer support for people with alcohol abuse.
• Women for Sobriety is a self-help group just for women.
• Moderation Management is a program for those who want to reduce how much they drink. It recommends abstinence for people who cannot do this.