Types of Addiction Support Groups

Twelve-Step groups are support groups that follow a structured program developed by AA to help people recover from addiction. Twelve-Step programs are forged from a set of principles known as “The Twelve Steps,” which emphasize personal responsibility, making amends, and personal growth. Twelve-Step meetings are typically held in person or online.

Many 12-Step groups include religious or spiritual elements, with references to a “higher power,” though this concept is open to personal interpretation. Rooted in Christian tradition, most 12-Step groups are nevertheless inclusive of all belief systems.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a peer-led alcohol addiction support group for people who want to stop using alcohol. Its purpose is to help people achieve and sustain recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) through personal accountability and mutual support.

AA brings members together in regularly recurring meetings where they can share their difficulties and progress in recovery. The program follows a 12-Step framework that guides people through the process of admitting their powerlessness over alcohol, making amends for past harms committed while in the throes of addiction, and seeking help from a “higher power” (however the individual defines it) to maintain recovery. AA is free to attend and available in a wide range of formats, including in-person meetings, online meetings, and phone calls.¹

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based drug addiction support group that helps people who are recovering from addiction to narcotic drugs, including opiates such as morphine and heroin and opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Founded in 1953, NA follows a 12-Step program similar to AA. Also like AA, NA meetings offer a free safe space where members can share experiences and offer support. Today, NA members hold nearly 76,000 meetings weekly across 143 countries.⁷

Other 12-Step Groups

In addition to AA and NA, there are many other 12-Step programs focused on specific substances and behaviors. Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Heroin Anonymous (HA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA) are just a few of the membership groups that follow the core 12 Steps while addressing the challenges unique to each substance.

There are also many 12-Step groups for compulsive behaviors that do not involve substances but can be just as harmful, including Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), and Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA). These groups offer structured support, peer connection, and the sharing of coping skills to avoid relapse.

12-Step Groups for Families Affected by Addiction

Other 12-Step groups are specifically designed for the loved ones of those struggling with substance or behavioral addictions. These groups recognize that addiction is a “family disease,” affecting not just the individual but the people with whom they live.

Some of the most well-known 12-Step support groups for families include Al-Anon and Alateen, for relatives and teens affected by a loved one’s alcohol use. Nar-Anon, for those affected by a loved one’s drug use; Co-Anon, for those with a loved one struggling with cocaine addiction; and Families Anonymous, for relatives and friends of people with substance use or behavioral problems. Such groups provide a safe space to explore emotions and build resilience via group support.

Non-Religious Addiction Support Groups

While 12-Step groups typically include a spiritual or religious element, non-religious addiction support groups are also widely available. These groups are designed for people who prefer a more secular approach to recovery, emphasizing personal empowerment, self-management, and evidence-based strategies to recovery. In these groups, addiction is largely viewed as a behavior that can be changed through rational decision-making, practical tools, and peer support, rather than something that exists outside of one’s control.

SMART Recovery

Among non-religious support groups, SMART Recovery is an evidence-informed recovery method grounded in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). SMART Recovery supports people with substance use disorders or substance dependencies by helping them build and maintain personal motivation, cope with urges and cravings, manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and live a balanced life. SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training.²

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)  

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a nonreligious support group for people seeking recovery from addiction without a spiritual grounding. Founded in 1985, SOS emphasizes personal responsibility and mutual support. SOS Meetings are open discussions without any kind of step-based structure or belief in a “higher power.” The core principle is that sobriety must be a person’s top priority and maintained daily, with an emphasis on reason, self-reliance, and respect for individual recovery paths.³

Other Non-Religious Support Groups

Along with SMART Recovery and SOS, other non-religious support groups exist to offer alternatives to traditional 12-Step programs. These groups focus on personal responsibility, coping skills, and evidence-based tools without introducing spiritual elements. Some common non-religious support groups include:

• LifeRing Secular Recovery is a support network that encourages people to bolster their “sober self” through positive reinforcement and mutual support. Discussion-based meetings focus on practical strategies for avoiding relapse.
• Rational Recovery is a self-directed recovery method that forgoes group meetings entirely. It teaches individuals to recognize and overcome their “Addictive Voice” using a technique called the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT).
• Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the particular needs of women living in recovery. WFS promotes self-worth and emotional growth through a set of 13 affirmations that encourage positivity, responsibility, and self-care.

Religion Specific Support Groups

There are many faith-based support groups tailored to people who would rather incorporate their religious values into the recovery journey. These groups blend addiction support with spiritual teachings and practices from specific faith traditions, laying a recovery path that aligns with members’ values and religious practices. Some widely available religious-specific support groups include:

• Alcoholics for Christ is a Bible-based support group that blends 12-Step principles with Christian scripture and teachings. Meetings usually include prayer, worship, and testimony.
• Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) is a support organization that raises awareness about addiction in and among Jewish communities and connects people to appropriate recovery services.
• Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based program grounded in Buddhist principles. It offers a non-theistic path to recovery that emphasizes meditation, ethical living, and community support.
• LDS Addiction Recovery Program is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS Addiction Recovery Program combines 12-Step principles with the LDS doctrine. Meetings are faith-centered and often include LDS-centric spiritual discussions.
• Millati Islami is an Islamic fellowship of men and women in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions. It provides culturally appropriate resources and peer support for people of the Muslim faith.⁴
• Catholics in Recovery combines the 12 Steps with Catholic sacraments and teachings. CIR meetings include prayer and scripture readings related to aspects of the recovery process.

Both support groups and group therapy bring people together to share and process their experiences. They do, however, differ in structure, purpose, and facilitation.

Support groups can be peer-led or clinician-led, are often low-cost or free, and focus on creating a sense of community, emotional support, and mutual understanding. Group therapy, on the other hand, is a form of mental health treatment led by a licensed therapist. It may follow a structured protocol or teach specific skills. Group support usually comes with a cost, though insurance often helps cover it.⁵

What Are the Benefits of Support Groups?

Support groups can be tailored to members’ specific needs, including age, gender, or belief system. For some, support groups fill the emotional gap that medical care or personal relationships may not be able to address. By fostering mutual understanding and connection, support groups help people feel less alone and better equipped to manage the challenges they face in recovery. The benefits of support groups include:⁶

• Provide a “safe space” to share possibly uncomfortable stories and memories
• Talk through personal feelings and concerns
• Share coping approaches and strategies
• Share resources and other helpful information

Addiction Treatment and Support in Atlanta

Are you struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol? You don’t have to face it alone. Group support can help. At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we can help you take back control and build a life you can be proud of. Our addiction treatment programs are designed to support you along every step of your recovery journey. Plus, when you complete a program with us, you’ll receive a full year of recovery coaching for free to help you stay on track.

Wondering how insurance plays into all this? We’ve got you covered. Our Atlanta drug and alcohol rehab accepts multiple health insurance plans and can even work with out-of-network providers to ensure you receive the care you need. Our admissions team can work with you over the phone or online so that you’ve got all the details when it comes to paying for rehab. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, reach out to us today or verify your insurance benefits online. 

References

1. Alcoholic Anonymous (n.d.). What is A.A.? Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.aa.org/what-is-aa
2. SMART Recovery (n.d.) What is SMART Recovery? SMART Recovery USA. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://smartrecovery.org/what-is-smart-recovery
3. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (n.d.). About Us. Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.sossobriety.org/
4. Millati Islami World Services (n.d.). Welcome. Millati Islami World Services. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://millatiislami.org/V2/
5. Anxiety & Depression Association of America (2022). Understanding Group Therapy and Support Groups. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/understanding-group-therapy-and-support-groups
6. Mayo Clinic (2025). Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Management. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655
7. Narcotics Anonymous (n.d.). About the NA Program. Narcotics Anonymous. Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://na.org/about-the-na-program/