Addiction recovery support

Addiction recovery is a long-term process that extends well beyond initial treatment. Recovery support encompasses a wide range of services, programs, and communities designed to help individuals maintain sobriety, rebuild their lives, and prevent relapse.

54 steps across 11 sections

1. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

  • Founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith
  • Built around the 12 Steps, which emphasize admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking help from a higher power, making amends for past harms, and committing to a lifelong path of service and sob...
  • Meetings center on storytelling and shared experience
  • Members work with a sponsor (an experienced member) for accountability and guidance
  • Core tenet: lifelong membership — members continue attending even after achieving long-term sobriety
  • Free to attend; no dues or fees (voluntary contributions only)
  • Available worldwide with in-person and online meetings

2. Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

  • Adapted from AA's 12-Step model specifically for drug addiction (all substances)
  • Same spiritual framework with emphasis on a "Higher Power" (broadly defined)
  • Meetings available worldwide; similar sponsor structure to AA

3. SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)

  • Science-based, evidence-informed program rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Emphasizes self-empowerment rather than powerlessness
  • Built around 4 Points: (1) Building and maintaining motivation, (2) Coping with urges, (3) Managing thoughts/feelings/behaviors, (4) Living a balanced life
  • No spiritual or religious component (secular)
  • Avoids labels like "addict" or "alcoholic" — focuses on changing behavior, not adopting a fixed identity
  • No defined timeframe for participation; attend as long as helpful
  • Explicitly encourages combining with other programs (including 12-step)
  • Free online and in-person meetings
  • Website: smartrecovery.org

4. LifeRing Secular Recovery

  • Non-religious, secular approach to recovery
  • Emphasizes self-help, personal growth, and peer support
  • Members create their own Personal Recovery Program based on what works for them
  • Meetings focus on the present and future rather than past failures
  • Website: lifering.org

5. Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma

  • Combines Buddhist-inspired practices (meditation, mindfulness) with peer recovery support
  • Non-theistic approach to addiction recovery
  • Uses the Four Noble Truths adapted for addiction
  • Peer-led meetings with meditation components
  • Website: recoverydharma.org

6. Online Communities

  • In The Rooms (intherooms.com) — free online recovery meetings (multiple programs)
  • r/stopdrinking and r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY on Reddit — large peer support communities
  • Sober Grid — social network for people in recovery with GPS-based peer finder
  • Many AA, NA, and SMART Recovery meetings now available via Zoom

7. Recovery Apps

  • I Am Sober — sobriety tracker with daily pledges and milestone celebrations
  • Nomo — sobriety clock and accountability partner features
  • Loosid — sober social network for dating, events, and travel
  • Twenty-Four Hours a Day — daily meditation app for recovery
  • SoberTool — evidence-based coping strategies for cravings

8. Al-Anon Family Groups

  • For friends and family members affected by someone's alcoholism
  • Provides a safe, confidential space to share experiences and find healing
  • Based on a 12-Step model adapted for family members
  • Emphasizes that family members did not cause, cannot control, and cannot cure their loved one's addiction
  • Alateen — specifically for teenage family members
  • Website: al-anon.org

9. Nar-Anon Family Groups

  • For friends and family of people with drug addiction
  • Similar structure to Al-Anon but focused on drug use rather than alcohol
  • 12-Step program adapted for concerned family members
  • Website: nar-anon.org

10. Families Anonymous

  • For families affected by a loved one's substance abuse or behavioral problems
  • 12-Step-based program
  • Website: familiesanonymous.org

11. CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)

  • Evidence-based approach that teaches family members specific strategies to encourage their loved one to seek treatment
  • Not a 12-Step program; based on behavioral science
  • Has a higher success rate for getting reluctant individuals into treatment compared to traditional interventions

Common Mistakes

  • Relying on only one form of support
  • Stopping support too early
  • Isolating instead of reaching out
  • Not having a written relapse prevention plan
  • Comparing your recovery to others

Pro Tips

  • Try multiple programs
  • Get a sponsor or coach early
  • Build a sober social network
  • SAMHSA's National Helpline
  • Use the "bookend" technique

Sources

Related Checklists