About Al – Anon
Al-Anon is a nonprofit substance abuse support group program in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Al-Anon provides support for clients who are friends or family members of alcoholics, rather than support for alcoholics themselves. They serve teen and adult clients.
Al-Anon follows the 12-Step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and similar groups. Al-Anon provides emotional support for those who are close to individuals with substance use disorders, to lessen the trauma they experience.
Al-Anon uses a variation of the 12-Step model used by AA. It is changed to reflect their focus on supporting friends and families of alcoholics rather than alcoholics themselves. Notably, Al-Anon isn’t an intervention program, and those living with substance abuse are encouraged to attend an AA or NA meeting instead.
While part of AA’s 12 Steps addresses the pain caused to others by a person’s addiction, it doesn’t directly relieve the trauma these people often experience in living with or trying to help someone who is addicted. Al-Anon allows clients to come together and share their lived experiences as a way to help one another cope with common stressors and take care of their mental health.
Al-Anon doesn’t require insurance to attend. However, clients should always consult with their insurance provider if considering other treatment programs, as in network and out of network benefits may vary.
Levels of Care
12-Step
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
Programs
Adult Program
Program For Men
Program For Women
Young Adult Program
Treatment
Alcoholism
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
Drug Addiction
The goal of drug rehab in Arkansas is to help individuals stop using addictive substances and learn healthy ways to remain clean long-term. Participants learn vital skills to cope with cravings and manage stress, to prevent relapse.
Substance Abuse
Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.
Clinical Services
Family Therapy
Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.