Gay-friendly Addiction Support Groups

People who attend an addiction support group meeting choose to attend the meeting. They take time out of their day, find a location and get to a meeting. Some people feel that their attendance at an addiction support group meeting is the one constant in their life that helps them stay sober. Some people feel that they would put themselves at significant risk if they did not attend these meetings daily. During a meeting people share experiences and new information. They collectively share in the victories that people have achieved. They offer a sense of community and support to anyone and attempt to guide each other and themselves to maintaining their sobriety.

Benefits of Addiction Support Group Meetings

There are several benefits to attending an addiction support group meeting, and these benefits include the following:

• Learn from others. You are in a room filled with people who are fighting the same battle you are fighting, who are surviving and who are succeeding.
• No judgment. Since everyone has walked a mile in the same shoes, support group members understand that judgment is counterproductive to sobriety.
• Sense of community. Support groups are a community of people who choose to be there, who want to give you their support and who are willing to receive your support.
• Networking. Support groups provide opportunities for new business contacts, new social events and new friends that will not put their sobriety at risk.

Gay-Friendly Addiction Recovery Support

Even though a majority of the people you meet with at an addiction support group meeting truly have no judgment about your sexual preference, you still may believe that you will feel more comfortable in a support group meeting that is considered gay friendly. Everyone, straight or gay, can understand and appreciate the importance of group support in recovery from addiction. However some believe that a predominantly heterosexist society puts additional pressures on gay men and lesbians. In addition many gay men and lesbians are estranged from their families and are often not welcomed in some organized religions, making their need for support from recovering peers high. Because of these increased challenges, gay men and lesbians benefit greatly from a support group that gives them a sense of empowerment and control over their addiction. Within this safe and welcoming environment a person can express strong emotions and share intimate experiences.

How to Find a Gay Friendly Addiction Support Group

There are several resources you can use to find a gay-friendly addiction support group:

• Check with your physician
• Ask your gay and lesbian friends for suggestions
• Talk to a drug rehab center in your area
• Look online for gay and lesbian support groups
• Call a recovery helpline

Learn More about Support Groups

If you are interested in finding a support group or learning more about gay-friendly addiction recovery options, call our toll-free helpline today. We are here to help 24 hours a day. You can get clean and stay clean, and you can do it with the support of professionals and peers.