What is the difference between AA and SMART Recovery?

AA is 12-step and spiritually based, emphasizing powerlessness and a Higher Power. SMART Recovery is science-based and secular, using CBT tools and focusing on self-empowerment. Both are free and effective.

Do I have to believe in God to go to AA?

AA's official position is that it is 'spiritual, not religious' and the Higher Power can be anything. In practice, some meetings are more religious than others. Many agnostic and atheist people attend AA successfully.

Are online recovery meetings effective?

Yes. Research shows online meetings provide meaningful support and community, particularly for people in rural areas or with scheduling constraints.

Recovery & aftercare

Recovery meetings near me: AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and alternatives compared

Published May 9, 2025 · 8 min read · Updated April 2026

Last medically reviewed: April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals. Editorial process.

Recovery meetings provide the community and accountability that sustain long-term sobriety. But AA is not the only option, and finding the right fit matters more than attending any specific program.

12-Step programs (AA, NA)

The most widely available option with meetings in virtually every city. Based on admitting powerlessness, surrendering to a Higher Power, and working 12 steps with a sponsor. Strengths include massive availability, free of charge, strong peer bonds, and a structured path. Potential barriers: the spiritual/religious language does not resonate with everyone, and some meetings have rigid attitudes toward medication-assisted treatment.

SMART Recovery

Science-based, using CBT and motivational techniques. No Higher Power concept — focuses on self-empowerment, managing urges, building motivation, and lifestyle balance. Growing availability but significantly fewer in-person meetings than AA/NA. Strong online meeting options.

Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma

Buddhist-inspired programs using meditation and mindfulness as core practices. No Higher Power concept. Appeals to people drawn to contemplative practice and Eastern philosophy. Smaller meeting networks, more common in urban areas.

Celebrate Recovery

Christian faith-based recovery program that addresses addiction alongside other life struggles. Structured similarly to 12-step but explicitly Christ-centered. Widely available through churches.

Finding what works

Try multiple types before deciding. Within any type, individual meetings vary enormously — if your first AA meeting does not feel right, try a different one before rejecting AA entirely. Many people attend different types simultaneously. The common thread across all effective programs is genuine human connection, accountability, and regular engagement. Online meetings have made every type accessible regardless of location.