Starting a Local Support Group: Good or Bad Idea?

[simco]

I live in a fairly small town where the only organized support group for people in recovery is NA (and AA, of course). Recently I've been missing the fellowship part of NA. As bad as my experience with 12-step programs was, I really did think it was helpful to have a group of people to talk to and listen to in a face-to-face setting, as well as a list of their phone numbers in case of emergency.

(Don't get me wrong, I love y'all on BL...but sometimes you want to see someone cry b/c they're frustrated...or you want someone to see YOU cry.)

So I've been thinking: hey, there's no reason NA should corner the market. I could start my own group!

I know there are alternative "programs" like SMART recovery. But I'm not so interested in that. I'd basically like to create something very informal. Kind of like the sharing part of an NA meeting, with all of the literature, the dogma, the shaming, and the God left outside.

I'm imagining that we might focus on a particular "theme" or issue each meeting, but mostly things would go where they go. Maybe people could suggest articles or book excerpts for folks to read in advance of a meeting to inform discussion. Probably in the beginning, it would fall on me to make sure we get some momentum and keep it. But I'm hoping eventually other folks might help.

I like this idea, and it makes me excited. But before I embark on anything like this, I want to think through any hidden dangers. Is this a terrible idea, and I'm just not seeing it? Obviously it might not work; I'm fine with that. But I'm curious if anyone out there has tried something like this in their own town.

 

[Jabberwocky]

It all depends on who you know. If you can get a bunch of people together to regularly meet for coffee at someones house or something, that would be an amazing start. Like choose a good book that deals with addiction and recovery and start yourself a book club. Now, granted, this is all easier said than done, so dont set your expectations too high.

For the present, especially given your recent slip, Id strongly suggest just focusing on bettering yourself and continue to improve your health and establish more strongly rooted healthy habits. Starting your own group ATM seems to me like putting to much food on the table. Now, that said, I personally find it sooooooo benefitial in recovery to stay busy and focused on positive endevors. So in that light it may be a great idea, just be careful and dont set your expectations too high.