Recovery isn’t one path, it’s many. Our role is to help find the one that may fit. 

It’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery and recovery support, as each individual brings their own unique experiences, beliefs and goals to the process. While some patients choose harm reduction, or medications as part of their process, many seek additional support. 

Although many are familiar with the traditional 12 step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) there are many other pathways that may feel better aligned to a person. Below are just a few options and links to each website. Many have groups available in person or online, and may offer apps to download to your phone. 

• SMART Recovery is a science based approach that uses four points as a framework: building and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors and living a balanced life.

• Refuge Recovery is rooted in Buddhist principles and focuses on meditation, compassion and self awareness. 

• Peer Recovery Centers, such as Hope for Holyoke, function on the principle that people need human connection, community inclusion and peer support. These peer led spaces located in multiple communities throughout MA, offer a welcoming, supportive space for individuals or their families to seek support, education or linkages to care. 
• Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP/IOP), like the one at HMC, provide outpatient, intensive support to adults with issues related to behavioral health and substance use. Groups can focus on a variety of topics such as relapse prevention and developing effective coping strategies.

Support for families and loved ones is equally as important, as families often feel alone when their loved one is struggling with their substance or alcohol use. 

• Learn to Cope is a peer led support network for families dealing with substance use or recovery. They have chapters throughout the country, and locally have a space here in Easthampton, MA. Meetings are available via zoom or in person. Meetings are also available in Spanish.

• Al Anon offers support to families and friends of someone with alcohol use disorder, and Alateen provides support to teens and younger people who have been affected by someone’s alcohol use. 
• SADOD (Support After Death by Overdose) provides support to individuals who have been affected by the death of someone they care about from substance related causes. They offer groups, or one one support. 

Human connection and support are at the heart of each of the organizations mentioned above. Expanding our knowledge and understanding of the different kinds of recovery supports, allows us to better support our patients and strengthen our non-judgemental approach to collaborative care planning.