Finishing residential treatment is an incredible achievement. You leave with stronger bonds, healthier coping mechanisms, and a fresh sense of hope for the future. But it can take time to adjust to life at home after the structure and comfort of rehab. Good addiction rehab aftercare is one of the best ways to protect your progress and avoid relapse. One of the most proven parts of aftercare is joining a community support group.
We’ve created this article to explain how to find community support groups that really work – and how our free aftercare programme at The Hayne’s Clinic can be the ideal first step. With the right people around you, long-term recovery feels more possible every day.
Why support groups matter in aftercare
Addiction is often described as a lonely illness that thrives on isolation. Community support groups help break that isolation by bringing you together with people who have faced similar challenges and understand what it takes to stay sober or drug-free.
Being able to talk openly, listen to others’ stories, and realise you’re not alone can be a huge relief. Many people make friends for life through these groups – people who look out for each other, hold each other accountable, and celebrate every step forward.
During your rehabilitation programme, you will attend these groups daily, learning how to navigate the 12 steps and complete worksheets.When you leave rehab, it’s crucial to embed these meetings into your schedule, alongside addiction rehab aftercare, to keep you on track when faced with challenges.
Different types of groups
There are many kinds of groups to try, and you may find that one suits you better than others. Some people prefer well-known groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Others find that SMART Recovery, which focuses on practical coping strategies, is a better fit.
If you live far from a local meeting or need one late at night, online groups – especially global ones that accommodate different time zones – can be a good alternative. However, many people find that face-to-face meetings offer more support. Our rehab programme will introduce you to a range of different coping techniques and meetings, giving you an insight into which you want to continue alongside your aftercare programme.
How to find a support group that feels right
At The Haynes Clinic, we will recommend trusted groups in the area for you to attend as part of your aftercare. Your GP, local NHS drug and alcohol team, or charities such as Turning Point and Adfam can also help you find the right group.
Remember, you don’t have to stick with a group that doesn’t feel right. It’s perfectly normal to try a few before you find one where you feel comfortable. Many people discover that once they settle in, their group becomes a valued part of their weekly routine, so you need to pick one with people you find trustworthy.
The role of The Haynes Clinic’s Addiction Rehab aftercare group
When you leave The Haynes Clinic, you’re never left to cope alone. We offer an entire year of free aftercare, which involves returning to the clinic once a week for a full day of process groups, workshops, and activities. Many people tell us this aftercare group is one of the most essential parts of their recovery journey. Whether you’ve been with us for one week or nine, our aftercare service almost acts as a form of weekly outpatient sessions, extending your rehab programme and encompassing both inpatient and outpatient care over a year.
These meetings work so well because you already know the people from your time in treatment. You would have built trust, shared your experiences, and supported each other through tough moments, and our trusted staff are on hand to continue guiding your journey.
Coming back together helps keeps those connections strong and enables you to adjust to life at home. Eventually, you can take on the role of the most advanced recovery client in the room, helping new clients build trust and confidence in the recovery process.
These sessions are also a chance to share experiences of any new community groups you’ve joined and swap ideas if you feel unsure where to look next. It’s a safe place to check in, stay motivated, and remind yourself you’re still part of a community that understands and cares.
Getting the best from any group
When you join a support group, give it time and go regularly – especially on days when you don’t feel like it. While it’s important to listen to your body, addiction recovery takes work and the moments that you feel like isolating yourself are the moments that it’s most important to get involved in a community. Even if you don’t speak, being in this trust circle is a healthy coping mechanism that prevents you from slipping back into dangerous habits.
What matters is building up your support network over time. Many people find that combining aftercare at The Haynes Clinic with local support groups provides them with the strongest chance of staying well in the long term.
You are not alone
It’s not always easy to ask for help, but you don’t have to do this alone. If you’d like to know more about our aftercare programme or community groups near you, we’re here to assist.
Contact us today to find out how you can stay connected and supported throughout your recovery journey.