There are many paths to recovery. Here is a guide to the different types of recovery meetings and programs available. Find what works for you - there is no wrong door.
Understanding the Differences
12-Step Programs
AA, NA, CMA, CA, HA, MA, PA - Based on the original 12 steps and 12 traditions. Generally involve working with a sponsor, attending meetings regularly, and some form of spiritual practice (which can be interpreted broadly).
Secular Programs
SMART Recovery, LifeRing, SOS - No higher power or spiritual component required. Focus on science-based techniques, self-empowerment, and personal responsibility.
Faith-Based Programs
Celebrate Recovery (Christian), Wellbriety (Indigenous) - Integrate specific religious or cultural traditions with recovery principles. Often held in churches or cultural centers.
Alternative Approaches
Recovery Dharma (Buddhist), Women for Sobriety, Moderation Management - Different frameworks that may work better for certain individuals or situations.
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA
The original 12-step fellowship, founded in 1935. AA uses a spiritual program of recovery based on 12 steps and 12 traditions. Meetings involve sharing experiences, studying the Big Book, and supporting each other in sobriety.
Approach
12-Step, Spiritual (not religious), Peer support, Sponsorship
Best For
- •Alcohol addiction
- •Those open to spiritual approach
- •People wanting strong community
Narcotics Anonymous
NA
Founded in 1953, NA adapted AA's 12-step program for all drug addictions. NA doesn't distinguish between drugs - addiction is addiction. Meetings focus on sharing, literature study, and working steps with a sponsor.
Approach
12-Step, Spiritual (not religious), All drugs welcome, Sponsorship
Best For
- •Any drug addiction
- •Those wanting 12-step approach
- •Mixed substance use
Crystal Meth Anonymous
CMA
A 12-step fellowship specifically for those recovering from crystal meth addiction. CMA understands the unique challenges of meth recovery including extended PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) and provides targeted support.
Approach
12-Step, Meth-specific, Understanding of stimulant recovery
Best For
- •Methamphetamine addiction
- •Stimulant users
- •Those wanting meth-focused community
Cocaine Anonymous
CA
A 12-step fellowship for anyone with a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. Despite the name, CA welcomes anyone struggling with any substance.
Approach
12-Step, Originally cocaine-focused but all substances welcome
Best For
- •Cocaine addiction
- •Crack cocaine
- •Any substance (all welcome)
Heroin Anonymous
HA
A 12-step fellowship specifically for heroin and opioid addicts. HA understands the unique physical and psychological aspects of opioid addiction including medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Approach
12-Step, Opioid-specific, MAT-friendly
Best For
- •Heroin addiction
- •Prescription opioid addiction
- •Fentanyl addiction
- •Those on MAT
Marijuana Anonymous
MA
A 12-step fellowship for those who want to stop using marijuana. MA recognizes that cannabis can be addictive and provides support without judgment for those seeking to quit.
Approach
12-Step, Cannabis-specific, No judgment about past use
Best For
- •Marijuana addiction
- •Cannabis use disorder
- •Those told weed isnt addictive
SMART Recovery
SMART
Self-Management and Recovery Training. A science-based program using cognitive behavioral techniques. No steps, no sponsors, no higher power required. Focus on self-empowerment and building motivation.
Approach
CBT-based, Secular, Self-empowerment, Science-based
Best For
- •Those preferring secular approach
- •People who like CBT techniques
- •Anyone uncomfortable with spiritual programs
Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma
RD
Buddhist-inspired recovery programs using meditation, mindfulness, and the Four Noble Truths. Recovery Dharma is peer-led and emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and community. No belief in God required.
Approach
Buddhist principles, Meditation-based, Secular/spiritual, Peer-led
Best For
- •Those interested in meditation
- •Buddhist-curious
- •Mindfulness practitioners
- •Secular spiritual seekers
Celebrate Recovery
CR
A Christ-centered 12-step program addressing hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Held in churches but welcoming to all. Combines 12-step principles with biblical teachings.
Approach
Christian, 12-Step based, Church-based, All hurts/habits welcome
Best For
- •Christians in recovery
- •Those wanting faith-based approach
- •Church community seekers
Wellbriety
Wellbriety
Recovery movement rooted in Native American traditions and culture. Combines the 12 steps with indigenous healing practices, talking circles, and traditional ceremonies. Honors the Medicine Wheel teachings.
Approach
Indigenous traditions, Culturally-specific, 12-Step influenced, Holistic healing
Best For
- •Native Americans
- •Indigenous peoples
- •Those seeking cultural connection
- •Anyone interested in indigenous wisdom
LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing
A secular, abstinence-based recovery organization. No steps, no sponsors, no higher power. Focus on the Sober Self - the part of you that wants recovery. Crosstalk-free meetings.
Approach
Secular, Abstinence-based, Self-directed, No crosstalk
Best For
- •Atheists/agnostics
- •Those wanting secular program
- •Self-directed recovery
Women for Sobriety
WFS
Founded in 1975, WFS is the first recovery program created specifically for women. Uses 13 Acceptance Statements focusing on positive thinking, self-worth, and emotional growth.
Approach
Women-only, Positive affirmations, Emotional growth, Self-worth focused
Best For
- •Women in recovery
- •Those seeking women-only space
- •Positive psychology approach
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
SOS
Also called Save Our Selves. A secular alternative to 12-step programs. Emphasizes personal responsibility and rational decision-making. No higher power, no spirituality required.
Approach
Secular, Personal responsibility, Rational approach, Self-reliance
Best For
- •Atheists/agnostics
- •Those uncomfortable with spirituality
- •Rational thinkers
Moderation Management
MM
A harm reduction program for problem drinkers who want to moderate rather than abstain. Uses behavioral techniques to reduce drinking. Note: Not appropriate for those with severe alcohol dependence.
Approach
Harm reduction, Moderation-focused, Behavioral techniques
Best For
- •Problem drinkers (not severe)
- •Those not ready for abstinence
- •Harm reduction approach
Pills Anonymous
PA
A 12-step fellowship specifically for those addicted to prescription pills - painkillers, benzodiazepines, stimulants, etc. Understands the unique path from legitimate prescription to addiction.
Approach
12-Step, Prescription drug focused, Understanding of medical origins
Best For
- •Prescription drug addiction
- •Benzo addiction
- •Prescription opioid users
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