One of the reasons that some of us don’t really enjoy traditional 12-Step meetings is because of the repeated use of the word “God.” If that resonates with you, you might find LifeRing’s secular recovery helpful. The best part of the program is that they help you to empower yourself to overcome your addictions, which, for some, is a welcome change from traditional 12-Step programs. Plus, their website offers resources including a suggested reading list, blog posts, and other articles and essays. They also have online meetings for those that don’t want to or can’t attend regular meetings.
The program has in-person meetings in the US and Canada and other locations across the world. Their philosophy is largely focused on using cognitive behavioral therapy to change bad habits surrounding alcohol use disorder, eating disorders, sex addictions, and more.
SMART Recovery is a sober community that focuses on helping individuals through group meetings. These go beyond the groups you already know and can help you find what you need to get and stay sober. In order to find a support group that works for you and start building your sober network, we’ve compiled a list of the top online sober communities and groups. It’s not that traditional 12-Step groups aren’t welcoming, but that sometimes you need a group you can relate to in order to support your sobriety-a safe space where you can actually feel like yourself. For these folks, online communities and supportive sobriety groups beyond AA can be a welcome addition to your recovery journey. And if you’ve felt weird about not finding a fit in 12-Step recovery, or want to supplement your existing recovery program with another community, please understand you’re not alone.įor some, venturing into the male-dominated rooms of AA can feel uncomfortable (as it did for me as a bisexual Latina). And, for many, AA is a wonderful resource that offers a strong community of peer support as well as a step-by-step program that can help you get and stay sober.īut AA isn’t for everyone. With a network that spans the world, AA is almost always the first alcohol recovery program people think of. We are thankful for MRC and Tempus and all that they have done for Gretchen and us.Traditional Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings have helped millions of people over the past eight decades. We have an amazing team that supports Gretchen and our family. With the Pre-ets classroom program and internship at South Shore Pottery coupled with the vocation program she attends at North River Collaborative and their internship for her at Old Navy, Gretchen has learned many important skills and has been able to apply them quickly in her three work opportunities. I cannot believe how far we have come in a year. Cream has agreed to employ Gretchen and she receives her first paycheck this weekend.Ī year ago, I put in a request at MRC for vocation services to help Gretchen. We anticipate that she will work one or two shifts a week and most likely will not need a job coach. After school ends, we will work with the owners at Cream to determine what her weekly schedule will look like. A job coach from her Community Based Vocations Program (CBV) at North River Collaborative goes to Cream with Gretchen. “Gretchen started working at Cream on May 22, and will be working on Wednesdays for 3 hours until the school year is over.