PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group
Welcome to the CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group, a program of CHOICES in Healing & Recovery, Inc. Both CHOICES in Healing & Recovery, Inc. and the Trauma Informed 12 Steps are independent; we have no affiliation with AA, NA or any 12 step program or entity.
The CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group welcomes adults 18+, living with substance use disorders whether you choose abstinence, moderation or harm reduction from alcohol & drug use; medication assisted treatment for substance use such as methadone, suboxone or vivitrol; or take prescribed psychiatric medication for a mental health diagnosis.
CHOICES! In name and mission.
Some of us have histories of trauma which impacted the development of our substance use disorders. In this group, naming the type of trauma we have experienced is welcome and honored. For example while sharing, if we are comfortable doing so we may share: “I am a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, a war veteran or survived a hurricane.” As survivors of trauma, we engage gently with ourselves and others by holding the sharing of specific details of our trauma, and of our substance use, for outside of this group with a trusted professional, loved one or friend. In the group we focus on our feelings versus specific details. CHOICES promotes healing in recovery.
THE TRAUMA INFORMED 12 STEPS
1. Admitted we were addicted to alcohol and/or drugs- that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could help us to become empowered.
3. Made a decision to let go of our attempts to control and asked: What would my Higher Power want for me today?
4. Made a list of our behaviors and patterns that had caused us and others harm, at a pace that was emotionally safe for us.
5. Admitted to our higher power, to ourselves and to another human being our list of behaviors and patterns that had caused us and others harm, at a pace that was emotionally safe for us.
6. Became ready to allow our higher power to guide us in releasing behaviors that no longer serve us.
7. Humbly asked our higher power to help us accept our human imperfections.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing internally to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them, others or ourselves.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and responsibility for our mistakes, and promptly admitted them.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with the higher power of our understanding, asking ourselves: What would my higher power want for me today? And the empowerment to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to share our stories to support others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
(CHOICES in Healing & Recovery, Inc. and the Trauma Informed 12 Steps are independent and have no affiliation with AA, NA or any 12 step program or entity)
2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could help us to become empowered.
3. Made a decision to let go of our attempts to control and asked: What would my Higher Power want for me today?
4. Made a list of our behaviors and patterns that had caused us and others harm, at a pace that was emotionally safe for us.
5. Admitted to our higher power, to ourselves and to another human being our list of behaviors and patterns that had caused us and others harm, at a pace that was emotionally safe for us.
6. Became ready to allow our higher power to guide us in releasing behaviors that no longer serve us.
7. Humbly asked our higher power to help us accept our human imperfections.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing internally to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them, others or ourselves.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and responsibility for our mistakes, and promptly admitted them.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with the higher power of our understanding, asking ourselves: What would my higher power want for me today? And the empowerment to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to share our stories to support others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
(CHOICES in Healing & Recovery, Inc. and the Trauma Informed 12 Steps are independent and have no affiliation with AA, NA or any 12 step program or entity)
GROUP FORMAT
Trauma Informed:
As we share our experiences with substance use, we recognize the impact of our words in a group setting. We engage gently with ourselves and others by holding the sharing of specific details of our substance use or our trauma, for outside of this group with a trusted professional, loved one or friend.
Feedback:
Sometimes we share our feelings & thoughts with a need to simply be listened to and feel heard. Other times, we share and need feedback from others to gain perspective or feel supported and understood. Utilizing an open discussion format in this peer support group gives us the opportunity to practice stating our emotional needs in the moment at the end of our share by stating: I’m open to feedback or I don’t need feedback today. When we are providing feedback we use "I statements" and speak from our own experience.
Time:
At times the facilitator may need to gently interrupt discussion, to ensure there is enough time for all who want to share. – Note to Facilitator: A timer can also be used for time management, each group decides their preference.
Introductions:
We will each have the opportunity to introduce ourselves in the group before we move into sharing and discussion. The language we use to introduce ourselves is entirely our choice. Some of the many possibilities are:
I’m Jane and…
I’m in recovery;
I’m working on recovery;
I’m a woman/man/person in long term recovery;
I have an addiction to cocaine, alcohol, etc;
I’m in harm reduction recovery;
I’m recovered;
I’m an alcoholic;
I’m a former addict;
My recovery goal is alcohol moderation,
or simply, I’m Jane.
Our recovery, our introductions, our CHOICES!
We will now each have the opportunity to introduce ourselves. -- Note to Facilitator: please introduce yourself first to model by example; “My name is Jane and I’m *insert your own language choice.”
We are now open for sharing and discussion. Sharing is always voluntary and optional.
Closing: Group closes with the reading of the Trauma Informed 12 Steps.
2024 Schedule: CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Groups
Mondays @ 6:30pm - 7:30pm Eastern (Zoom)
Here
GROUP FORMAT
Trauma Informed:
As we share our experiences with substance use, we recognize the impact of our words in a group setting. We engage gently with ourselves and others by holding the sharing of specific details of our substance use or our trauma, for outside of this group with a trusted professional, loved one or friend.
Feedback:
Sometimes we share our feelings & thoughts with a need to simply be listened to and feel heard. Other times, we share and need feedback from others to gain perspective or feel supported and understood. Utilizing an open discussion format in this peer support group gives us the opportunity to practice stating our emotional needs in the moment at the end of our share by stating: I’m open to feedback or I don’t need feedback today. When we are providing feedback we use "I statements" and speak from our own experience.
Time:
At times the facilitator may need to gently interrupt discussion, to ensure there is enough time for all who want to share. – Note to Facilitator: A timer can also be used for time management, each group decides their preference.
Introductions:
We will each have the opportunity to introduce ourselves in the group before we move into sharing and discussion. The language we use to introduce ourselves is entirely our choice. Some of the many possibilities are:
I’m Jane and…
I’m in recovery;
I’m working on recovery;
I’m a woman/man/person in long term recovery;
I have an addiction to cocaine, alcohol, etc;
I’m in harm reduction recovery;
I’m recovered;
I’m an alcoholic;
I’m a former addict;
My recovery goal is alcohol moderation,
or simply, I’m Jane.
Our recovery, our introductions, our CHOICES!
We will now each have the opportunity to introduce ourselves. -- Note to Facilitator: please introduce yourself first to model by example; “My name is Jane and I’m *insert your own language choice.”
We are now open for sharing and discussion. Sharing is always voluntary and optional.
Closing: Group closes with the reading of the Trauma Informed 12 Steps.
2024 Schedule: CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Groups
Mondays @ 6:30pm - 7:30pm Eastern (Zoom)
Here
Secular/Non-Spiritual
SMART Recovery - www.smartrecovery.org
"We believe that the power to change addictive behaviors resides within each individual and does not depend upon adherence to any spiritual viewpoint. The use of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices in recovery is a personal choice and not a part of our program." Read SMART Recovery's 4 Points to learn more.
Lifering Secular Recovery - www.lifering.org
"Secularity: LifeRing Recovery welcomes people of all faiths and none. You get to keep whatever religious beliefs you have, and you are under no pressure to acquire any if you don't. Participants' spiritual or religious beliefs or lack thereof remains private. Neither religion nor anti-religion normally comes up in meeting discussions...LifeRing supports recovery methods that rely on human efforts rather than on divine intervention." Read Lifering's 3-S Philosophy to learn more.
AA-Agnostica - www.aaagnostica.org
"A space for AA agnostics, atheists and freethinkers worldwide. The word 'Agnostica' is derived from Chapter Four, 'We Agnostics,' of Alcoholics Anonymous...When we use the word 'agnostic' in relation to AA – or words like 'atheist' or 'freethinker' – we are simply referring to the specific wisdom of groups and individuals within the fellowship who understand that belief in a 'God' (of any understanding) is not a necessary part of recovery." Read a collection of Agnostic/Secular 12 Steps to learn more.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) - www.sossobriety.org
"S.O.S. welcomes the attendance of religious, as well as nonreligious persons, and offers a support group and method in a secular setting. S.O.S. credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his/her own sobriety." No god at the Bottom of a Glass is a short documentary film that tells the story of S.O.S.
SMART Recovery - www.smartrecovery.org
"We believe that the power to change addictive behaviors resides within each individual and does not depend upon adherence to any spiritual viewpoint. The use of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices in recovery is a personal choice and not a part of our program." Read SMART Recovery's 4 Points to learn more.
Lifering Secular Recovery - www.lifering.org
"Secularity: LifeRing Recovery welcomes people of all faiths and none. You get to keep whatever religious beliefs you have, and you are under no pressure to acquire any if you don't. Participants' spiritual or religious beliefs or lack thereof remains private. Neither religion nor anti-religion normally comes up in meeting discussions...LifeRing supports recovery methods that rely on human efforts rather than on divine intervention." Read Lifering's 3-S Philosophy to learn more.
AA-Agnostica - www.aaagnostica.org
"A space for AA agnostics, atheists and freethinkers worldwide. The word 'Agnostica' is derived from Chapter Four, 'We Agnostics,' of Alcoholics Anonymous...When we use the word 'agnostic' in relation to AA – or words like 'atheist' or 'freethinker' – we are simply referring to the specific wisdom of groups and individuals within the fellowship who understand that belief in a 'God' (of any understanding) is not a necessary part of recovery." Read a collection of Agnostic/Secular 12 Steps to learn more.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) - www.sossobriety.org
"S.O.S. welcomes the attendance of religious, as well as nonreligious persons, and offers a support group and method in a secular setting. S.O.S. credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his/her own sobriety." No god at the Bottom of a Glass is a short documentary film that tells the story of S.O.S.
Women
Women for Sobriety (WFS) - www.womenforsobriety.org
"WFS is an organization whose purpose is to help all women find their individual path to recovery through discovery of self. We share experiences, hopes, and encouragement with other women in similar circumstances. We are an abstinence-based, self-help program for women overcoming challenges with alcohol and other drug use. The New Life Program acknowledges the needs women have in recovery – the need to nurture feelings of self-value and self-worth, and the desire to discard feelings of guilt, shame, and humiliation...WFS welcomes all expressions of female identity and our peer-supported resources are available to all sisters from the LGBTQIA community." Read Women for Sobriety's 13 Acceptance Statements to learn more.
She Recovers - www.sherecovers.org
"We believe in a world where all women in or seeking recovery are celebrated, supported, and deemed essential to healthy communities. We accomplish this by inspiring hope, reducing stigma and empowering women to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves, and help other women to do the same." Read She Recovers Intentions & Guiding Principles to learn more.
Women for Sobriety (WFS) - www.womenforsobriety.org
"WFS is an organization whose purpose is to help all women find their individual path to recovery through discovery of self. We share experiences, hopes, and encouragement with other women in similar circumstances. We are an abstinence-based, self-help program for women overcoming challenges with alcohol and other drug use. The New Life Program acknowledges the needs women have in recovery – the need to nurture feelings of self-value and self-worth, and the desire to discard feelings of guilt, shame, and humiliation...WFS welcomes all expressions of female identity and our peer-supported resources are available to all sisters from the LGBTQIA community." Read Women for Sobriety's 13 Acceptance Statements to learn more.
She Recovers - www.sherecovers.org
"We believe in a world where all women in or seeking recovery are celebrated, supported, and deemed essential to healthy communities. We accomplish this by inspiring hope, reducing stigma and empowering women to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves, and help other women to do the same." Read She Recovers Intentions & Guiding Principles to learn more.
Social Justice
16 Steps - nadinegaye.tripod.com/16steps-2.htm
"The 16-Steps for Discovery & Empowerment model is a wholistic approach to overcoming addiction that views people in their wholeness– mind, body and spirit. A fundamental basis of this model is flexibility and an openness which leads to continually ask: What works? Who does it work for? and How can we help it work better? It encourages people to be continually open to new information and not to become trapped in dogmatic teachings. At its core, this model is based on love not fear; internal control not external authoritarianism; affirmation not deflation; and trust in the ability of people to find their own healing path when given education, support, hope and choices...The 16-step model addresses issues of cultural diversity and internalized oppression stemming from sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia." Read the 16 Steps for Discovery & Empowerment to learn more.
Harm Reduction Coalition - www.harmreduction.org
“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs…It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support…Harm reduction encompasses a range of health and social services and practices that apply to illicit and licit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, drug consumption rooms, needle and syringe programs, non-abstinence-based housing and employment initiatives, drug checking, overdose prevention and reversal, psychosocial support, and the provision of information on safer drug use.” Read the Principles of Harm Reduction to learn more.
16 Steps - nadinegaye.tripod.com/16steps-2.htm
"The 16-Steps for Discovery & Empowerment model is a wholistic approach to overcoming addiction that views people in their wholeness– mind, body and spirit. A fundamental basis of this model is flexibility and an openness which leads to continually ask: What works? Who does it work for? and How can we help it work better? It encourages people to be continually open to new information and not to become trapped in dogmatic teachings. At its core, this model is based on love not fear; internal control not external authoritarianism; affirmation not deflation; and trust in the ability of people to find their own healing path when given education, support, hope and choices...The 16-step model addresses issues of cultural diversity and internalized oppression stemming from sexism, racism, classism, and homophobia." Read the 16 Steps for Discovery & Empowerment to learn more.
Harm Reduction Coalition - www.harmreduction.org
“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs…It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support…Harm reduction encompasses a range of health and social services and practices that apply to illicit and licit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, drug consumption rooms, needle and syringe programs, non-abstinence-based housing and employment initiatives, drug checking, overdose prevention and reversal, psychosocial support, and the provision of information on safer drug use.” Read the Principles of Harm Reduction to learn more.
Yoga, Meditation, Holistic
Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) - www.y12sr.com
"Y12SR is a holistic model to address the physical, mental and spiritual dis-ease of addiction. Informed by the latest research in neuroscience and trauma healing, Y12SR 'connects the dots' by combining the somatic approach of yoga with the cognitive approach of the 12-step recovery model."
Refuge Recovery - www.refugerecovery.org
"A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction. Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program that does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery. In fact, no previous experience or knowledge of Buddhism is required. Recovery is possible, and this program provides a systematic approach to treating and recovering from all forms of addiction. When sincerely practiced, the program can ensure a full recovery from addiction and a life-long sense of well-being and happiness." Read Guided Meditations to learn more.
Recovery 2.0 - www.r20.com
"With Recovery 2.0 a world of possibilities exists. It allows us to live this incredible life fully and with great purpose…In this membership, we share with you everything we know about recovery, yoga, meditation, spirituality, nutrition and thriving in life…Recovery 2.0 is an optimistic, realistic, practical path that leads to the realization of hopes, goals and dreams…This membership is about accessing your authentic power, connecting with an amazing community and thriving in a life beyond addiction." Read Recovery 2.0's the 12 Efforts to learn more.
Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) - www.y12sr.com
"Y12SR is a holistic model to address the physical, mental and spiritual dis-ease of addiction. Informed by the latest research in neuroscience and trauma healing, Y12SR 'connects the dots' by combining the somatic approach of yoga with the cognitive approach of the 12-step recovery model."
Refuge Recovery - www.refugerecovery.org
"A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction. Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program that does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery. In fact, no previous experience or knowledge of Buddhism is required. Recovery is possible, and this program provides a systematic approach to treating and recovering from all forms of addiction. When sincerely practiced, the program can ensure a full recovery from addiction and a life-long sense of well-being and happiness." Read Guided Meditations to learn more.
Recovery 2.0 - www.r20.com
"With Recovery 2.0 a world of possibilities exists. It allows us to live this incredible life fully and with great purpose…In this membership, we share with you everything we know about recovery, yoga, meditation, spirituality, nutrition and thriving in life…Recovery 2.0 is an optimistic, realistic, practical path that leads to the realization of hopes, goals and dreams…This membership is about accessing your authentic power, connecting with an amazing community and thriving in a life beyond addiction." Read Recovery 2.0's the 12 Efforts to learn more.
Harm Reduction & Moderation
Moderation Management (MM) - www.moderation.org
"Moderation Management is a behavioral change program and national support group network for people concerned about their drinking who desire to make positive lifestyle changes. MM empowers individuals to accept personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining their own path, whether moderation or abstinence. We promote early self-recognition of risky drinking behavior, when moderate drinking may be an achievable goal. MM provides a non-judgmental, compassionate support community for anyone who wants to change their drinking in a positive way." - Read MM's Steps of Change to learn more.
HAMS - www.hams.cc
"Harm Reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support (HAMS) is a peer-led and free-of-charge support and informational group for anyone who wants to change their drinking habits for the better. HAMS supports every positive change. Choose your own goal - safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting alcohol altogether.” Read HAMS 17 Elements to learn more.
Harm Reduction Coalition - www.harmreduction.org
“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs…It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support…Harm reduction encompasses a range of health and social services and practices that apply to illicit and licit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, drug consumption rooms, needle and syringe programs, non-abstinence-based housing and employment initiatives, drug checking, overdose prevention and reversal, psychosocial support, and the provision of information on safer drug use.” Read the Principles of Harm Reduction to learn more.
Moderation Management (MM) - www.moderation.org
"Moderation Management is a behavioral change program and national support group network for people concerned about their drinking who desire to make positive lifestyle changes. MM empowers individuals to accept personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining their own path, whether moderation or abstinence. We promote early self-recognition of risky drinking behavior, when moderate drinking may be an achievable goal. MM provides a non-judgmental, compassionate support community for anyone who wants to change their drinking in a positive way." - Read MM's Steps of Change to learn more.
HAMS - www.hams.cc
"Harm Reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support (HAMS) is a peer-led and free-of-charge support and informational group for anyone who wants to change their drinking habits for the better. HAMS supports every positive change. Choose your own goal - safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting alcohol altogether.” Read HAMS 17 Elements to learn more.
Harm Reduction Coalition - www.harmreduction.org
“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs…It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support…Harm reduction encompasses a range of health and social services and practices that apply to illicit and licit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, drug consumption rooms, needle and syringe programs, non-abstinence-based housing and employment initiatives, drug checking, overdose prevention and reversal, psychosocial support, and the provision of information on safer drug use.” Read the Principles of Harm Reduction to learn more.
