Support Groups: Finding Community in Recovery
Support groups put you in a room, virtual or otherwise, with people who understand exactly what you’re going through. Meetings are welcoming, low-cost or often free, and you can find them in person or online.
Note: This website is for information only. We can help you understand options and prep for conversations with licensed providers, but we don’t diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What a Support Group Is
A support group is a regular meeting where people share what they’re going through, role-play or practice coping skills, and encourage one another along the way. It’s not therapy or medical care, but it’s essential to many in recovery. A lot of people lean on their groups to stay accountable between therapy appointments, and to feel a little less alone.
Who Support Groups Could Help
This could be the right move if:
- You’re finishing detox, inpatient, PHP, or IOP treatment, and need steady connection going forward
- You’re doing outpatient or telehealth therapy and want some extra accountability or guidance
- You had a slip or relapse, and need a judgment-free place to reset mentally
- You’re a loved one of someone in recovery, looking for your own support through a family group
Types of Groups: Choose What Fits You
- 12-Step (AA, NA): Peer-led groups with step work and sponsors. Some are faith-based, others are spiritual; this varies from meeting to meeting.
- SMART Recovery: Science-based skills drawn from CBT and REBT, with an emphasis on goal setting and developing tools to work through urges.
- Refuge Recovery: Developed around the practices of mindfulness and meditation, with Buddhist-inspired principles.
- Celebrate Recovery: Christian-based support, covering a broad combination of “hurts, habits, and hang-ups.”
- Moderation-focused groups: Harm-reduction approaches for alcohol. Availability for these particular groups can vary.
- Medication-friendly groups: A space where people using FDA-approved medications for alcohol or opioid use disorders are welcomed.
- Dual-recovery groups: For anyone managing co-occurring conditions: both a mental health condition and substance use together.
- Family groups: Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and groups for parents, caregivers, or children of people in recovery.
- Online communities: Video meetings, forums, and chat rooms. Just be sure to follow the group’s privacy rules.
Every group out there has its own culture and its own rules. If one doesn’t feel right, try another based on what you think you need. Showing up consistently matters more than which label is on the meeting.
What to Expect at a Meeting
Each will have a different format, but you can expect things like:
- A brief welcome, followed by a reading or a topic for the day
- Time to share, though you can always pass and just listen
- A discussion of skills or steps, and sometimes a short meditation
- Information for newcomers and ways to connect after the meeting ends
- A reminder about anonymity: what’s shared in the room stays in the room
Your First Meeting: A Quick Checklist
- Arrive a few minutes early or log in ahead of time to test audio and video.
- Bring water, and a small notebook for any notes or insights.
- Have a simple intro ready: “I’m [first name]. I’m here to listen and learn.”
- Skip sharing if you’re not comfortable yet. Listening is still participating.
- Afterward, grab any newcomer info or say hello to one of the leaders.
Meeting Etiquette
One person speaks at a time, keeping sharing brief
Steer clear of graphic details that may be triggering to someone else
No cross-talk or interrupting, unless specific time has been set aside for feedback
Keep your camera on for virtual groups, if that’s requested, and no recording
Respect people’s identities, pronouns, privacy, and feelings
Choosing the Right Group
- Fit: Does the topic, format, and overall feel seem supportive to you?
- Location or access: Is it close to home, or does it work with your schedule online?
- Medication-friendly: If you’re on MOUD or another prescribed medication, look for a group that is accommodating of MAT.
- Dual diagnosis aware: Comfortable talking about mental health and safety planning, not just talking about substance use.
- Safety: Clear rules, and leaders who respond promptly and with compassion when concerns come up.
How Groups Work With Treatment
Support groups aren’t a replacement for formal addiction treatment. They add to it, working alongside therapy, clinical care, or medication. Many people in recovery blend weekly therapy, medication management (if part of the plan), and two or three group meetings a week as their recovery plan. This pace may ease off a bit as their lives get steadier.
If a Group Isn’t a Fit
If the group you tried out isn’t a great fit, don’t worry. It’s fine to try something else. Ask for other recommendations, maybe try a different format like a women-only, LGBTQ+-affirming, faith-based, secular, or trauma-aware group, or just try a different time. The right group is the one you’ll keep going back to.
FAQs
Are Groups Free?
Most support groups are free or run on donations. Some workshops or retreats do come with a fee.
Do I Have to Speak?
No, you never have to speak if you don’t want to. Listening is enough. Share whenever you’re ready.
Can I Attend if I Had a Slip?
Yes, definitely. Most groups will welcome you exactly where you are.
Are Online Groups Effective?
Many people find online groups just as helpful, and often easier to fit into their week if their schedule is hectic or they’re a bit more remote. Just follow the privacy rules and join from a private space.
Will Groups Pressure Me About Medication?
Look for medication-friendly spaces if you’re using FDA-approved medications. Decisions about your treatment should be made with your prescriber, not a peer-led group.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you’re in danger or thinking about hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the US, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Other numbers that can help:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741