Recovery & aftercare

Recovery meetings guide: AA, NA, SMART, and beyond

Published November 22, 2024 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Recovery meetings are free, widely available, and one of the strongest predictors of sustained sobriety. Understanding your options helps you find the right fit.

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

12-step, spiritually based. Most widely available worldwide. Speaker, discussion, and step study formats. Free. aa.org for meeting finder.

NA (Narcotics Anonymous)

12-step, adapted from AA for all drug addiction. Same structure and availability as AA. na.org for meetings.

SMART Recovery

Science-based, secular. CBT and motivational tools. Growing availability with strong online presence. smartrecovery.org.

Other options

Refuge Recovery (Buddhist-based). LifeRing (secular). Celebrate Recovery (Christian). Women for Sobriety. Secular Organizations for Sobriety. DHARMA Recovery.

How to choose

Try several before deciding. The best meeting is the one you attend consistently. Many people attend multiple types.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

What types of recovery meetings exist?

AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, LifeRing, Celebrate Recovery, and several others. Each has different philosophy and approach.

Are recovery meetings free?

Yes. All major recovery meeting programs are free. A voluntary collection may be taken but there is no obligation.

How do I find meetings near me?

AA: aa.org. NA: na.org. SMART: smartrecovery.org. All offer meeting finders and online options.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.