Main Alcohol Addiction Recovery Groups
Here are the main recovery groups for alcohol addiction, including those that support family members, partners, and friends. Each section includes a summary table for easy comparison.
These groups support individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, focusing primarily on 12-step or peer-support models.
| Group | Approach | Religious/Spiritual Element | Need | Why | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) | 12-step | Spiritual, non-denominational | Traditional 12-step, spiritual path | Proven model, global support | Most widely recognized recovery group; global reach | aa.org |
| SMART Recovery | CBT-based (non-12-step) | Secular | Secular, science-based tools | CBT-based, no "higher power" | Evidence-based tools for managing addiction; no higher power language | smartrecovery.org |
| LifeRing Secular Recovery | Peer support | Secular | LGBTQ+ friendly & modern peer model | Self-directed, non-religious | Self-empowerment and personal accountability; no sponsors or steps | lifering.org |
| Celebrate Recovery | 12-step (Christian) | Christian | Christian-based path | Bible-integrated 12-step recovery | Recovery program rooted in biblical principles; church-based | celebraterecovery.com |
| Women for Sobriety (WFS) | Cognitive/emotional growth | Spiritual/secular mix | Women's focused recovery | Tailored affirmations and emotional growth | Designed specifically for women; affirmations-based | womenforsobriety.org |
| Refuge Recovery | Mindfulness-based | Buddhist | Mindfulness and meditation | Buddhist principles and meditation | Recovery through meditation, ethics, and Buddhist teachings | refugerecovery.org |
Support Programs for Families & Friends of Alcoholics
These groups help loved ones cope with the effects of another person’s alcohol addiction.
| Group | For Whom | Approach | Need | Why | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Anon Family Groups | Family and friends of alcoholics | 12-step | General support for alcoholic loved ones | Most recognized and structured | Focuses on personal recovery, detachment, and serenity | al-anon.org |
| Alateen (part of Al-Anon) | Teens affected by alcoholic family members | 12-step | Support for teens | Tailored for youth with alcoholic family | Peer-based teen support; often meets alongside Al-Anon | al-anon.org/for-alateen |
| Families Anonymous (FA) | Families of addicts (not alcohol-specific) | 12-step | Help for all types of addiction (not just alcohol) | Broader scope | General support for loved ones of any addicted person | familiesanonymous.org |
| Nar-Anon | Families of drug users | 12-step | While drug-focused, often includes those affected by alcohol too | nar-anon.org | ||
| SMART Family & Friends | Loved ones of people with addictions | CBT-based | Behavior-based skills (non-12-step) | Based on CRAFT model – practical communication tools | Tools from CRAFT model (non-confrontational, behavioral approach) | smartrecovery.org/family |
| Celebrate Recovery (for family groups) | Christian-based support | Bible-based relationship healing (in some churches) |