
Addiction is lonely, recovery is community.
What Are Addiction Support Programs?
Understanding 12-Step and Non-12-Step Programs
12-step programs are peer-support groups designed to help individuals struggling with addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. These structured programs, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), provide a safe environment where individuals share experiences, find accountability, and work toward personal growth. The 12 steps encourage:
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Self-reflection
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Personal responsibility
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Making amends
For many, these steps are essential tools for creating a healthier, addiction-free life. The goal is not only staying sober but learning how to navigate life and relationships without relying on substances or addictive behaviors.
Multiple addictions? Some individuals struggle with more than one addiction, and attending more than one 12-step group can provide additional support tailored to specific needs.
Exploring Non-12-Step Options
While 12-step programs are a valuable resource, other groups like Smart Recovery provide alternatives that still support recovery, personal growth, and healthier relationships. These groups focus on:
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Self-empowerment
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Evidence-based tools
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Behavioral change techniques
Smart Recovery and similar non-12-step programs do not follow a set “step” structure but instead offer strategies based on scientific research and practical techniques. These programs are perfect for those who may not resonate with the spiritual aspects of 12-step methods, or who prefer a more secular approach to recovery.
Click the title link for the group you're interested in, and you'll be redirected to the organization's website where you can find more information and meeting locations.
AA is designed to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction through peer support and spiritual principles. Members attend meetings to share experiences, gain accountability, and build a sober support network.
NA follows the 12-step model to support individuals recovering from drug addiction, regardless of the substance used. It provides a judgment-free community where members help each other maintain sobriety and build healthier lifestyles.
Ben’s Friends is a support group specifically created for people in the food and beverage industry who are struggling with or recovering from substance use and addiction. The organization recognizes the unique pressures and culture of the culinary world, which can often involve long hours, high stress, and easy access to alcohol or other substances.
SAA is a program for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors that negatively impact their lives. It offers a safe and supportive environment to work toward recovery, self-control, and healthier relationships.
Moderation Management (MM) is a support network for individuals seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption rather than practice complete abstinence. Founded on principles of personal responsibility and self-empowerment, MM provides tools, guidelines, and a supportive community for those looking to develop healthier drinking habits. Through meetings, online forums, and structured steps, MM offers a non-judgmental space for individuals to assess their relationship with alcohol and make positive changes.
Recovery Dharma is a peer-led recovery community that uses Buddhist principles and practices to support individuals in overcoming addiction and destructive behaviors. Grounded in mindfulness, meditation, and self-inquiry, the program encourages personal empowerment and healing through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Recovery Dharma offers in-person and online meetings, fostering a compassionate and inclusive space for anyone seeking freedom from suffering.
SMART Recovery is a science-based, self-empowerment program that helps individuals overcome addiction through cognitive-behavioral techniques. Unlike 12-step programs, it focuses on self-reliance, practical skills, and rational decision-making.
Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based support program that helps individuals recover from addictions and other life struggles through biblical principles and a 12-step framework. It emphasizes spiritual healing, accountability, and personal growth.
GA helps individuals struggling with gambling addiction through a structured 12-step program and peer support. Meetings focus on breaking destructive gambling habits and rebuilding financial and personal stability.
"LifeRing is about providing an abstinence-based, secular, and self-empowered addiction recovery pathway through our meetings and support network."
These groups offer peer support for individuals struggling with eating disorders such as binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia. They provide a safe space to share experiences, develop healthy relationships with food, and work toward recovery.
A nonprofit group that helps women of all ages and backgrounds find a path to sobriety. They offer in person and online meetings. There are no in-person meetings in VA, however, you can join an online meeting from the comfort of your home after registering with the organization.
MA is a support group for individuals struggling with marijuana dependence, following a 12-step recovery process. It helps members gain control over their usage, develop coping strategies, and build a substance-free life.
Riffs in Recovery
A bridge to sobriety for music industry folks and music lovers, providing support meetings and community at @gallery5arts on Mondays from 1pm-2pm. You can find more information about them on their Facebook page.
"Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a nonprofit network of autonomous, non-professional local groups, dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety/abstinence from alcohol and drug addiction, food addiction and more."
Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired recovery program that offers a non-theistic, mindfulness-based approach to overcoming addiction. Rooted in the principles of meditation, self-inquiry, and ethical living, the program provides a supportive community for individuals seeking healing from substance use and other addictive behaviors. Through in-person and online meetings, Refuge Recovery emphasizes wisdom, compassion, and personal growth as key elements of the recovery journey.
Debtors Anonymous provides support for individuals struggling with compulsive spending, debt, and financial instability. It offers a structured recovery plan to develop healthier money management habits and financial responsibility.