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What is mutual aid?
with Lindsey Smyth interviewed by D2DI learners
At its most simple level, mutual aid can be described as people with similar experiences helping each other to manage or overcome issues. What it infers is a system where people come together with their peers to build networks of support. Some of the shared characteristics of mutual aid groups, such as members sharing some problem or status that results in suffering/distress, members both offer and receive support as a part of the group. Groups are organised and facilitated by members, experiential knowledge is the basis of expertise and no fees are charged, except for individual member voluntary contributions. There are many models of mutual aid, with varying approaches and set ups for different cohorts of people. The most widespread are the ’12-step’ fellowships (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Families Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous etc), there are also MAP Recovery Groups, and Al-anon and Alateen help families of alcoholics. These supportive networks span the country, at times and in places where a large number of people can access support.
Some people’s journey to recovery takes them straight to mutual aid; for others, their journey goes via the ‘formal’ structured treatment system or doctors, nurses and counselors. Either way, mutual aid groups provide an immense opportunity to offer the kind of
supportive environment needed to help individuals recover and to support them in the long term – as well
as giving them the opportunity to support others.
D2DI: Hi Lindsey, firstly thanks for agreeing to be interviewed today, as you are aware mutual aid groups have been the most successful addiction recovery model since early times, how do you find mutual Aid differs from other recovery models?
LS: Well for me personally it differs substantionally from other models I have tried such as councelling, hypnotherapy, reducing, moderating, substituting and medicine etc…. One of the biggest things was that when I was introduced to mutual aid I felt I fitted in and was finally around people, who had the same feelings, fears, insecurities and experiences that I had. I was quickly made to feel at ease and welcome and was assured that there was a way out of active addiction, in fact it is a promise in 12 step mutual aid as long as you follow and live the simple 12 step program.
D2DI: How has your life changed since joining/ attending mutual aid recovery groups?
LS: The biggest thing to change for me was losing the need to use mind altering substances to face life on its own terms.
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