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Voice of the Recovery Community Award
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Mutual Support Resources
This resource guide to mutual aid or support resources was developed by Linda and Ernie Kurtz and is updated on a monthly basis. Many of these groups offer both face-to-face meetings and some form of online participation. These useful resources are intended primarily for people seeking or in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs, family members, friends and loved ones.
Please, as you begin to review and use this information in this section, take a moment to look at About Mutual Support, Encouraging Local Group Development, and References to find out more about mutual aid and support. If you are working with people seeking or in recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs, you will also be interested in checking out For Professionals.
Of Special Note
The 2008 LifeRing Congress will be held May 31 - June 1, 2008, in Berkeley CA Full information including a means to register can be found on the LifeRing home page: Attendance at the Conference is Free!
Marijuana Anonymous Online is an interesting group that offers several downloadable resources, including an in-process 12 Step Workbook for sponsors.
The Moderation Management site offers several generally useful materials, including “Drinker’s Checkup” and an “Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire” as well as member reviews of some books worthy of note by all.
Narcotics Anonymous offers link to the speaker presentations at its recent San Antonio convention via a link here and on its site.
This month we call attention to the Anonymous One newsletter. Always a source of varied stories, again this month the group has outdone itself.
We welcome to the list the HAMS Harm Reduction Network, an important addition to our variety of recovery modalities.
"What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?" - offers useful information on this neuro-biological illness.
The Anonymous One site offers an article by Mary Cook, M.A., on Recovering People Working in the Recovery Field.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing 12 Steps Recovery Resources site offers links to a very rich number of helpful resources and to articles treating of this population.
The Nar-Anon Family Groups' New Daily Reader, "Sharing Experience, Strength, and Hope" is now available from a link at their website.
The 2010 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 1-4 of that year in San Antonio, Texas, with the theme “A Vision for You.” Convention registration and housing reservations will open in fall 2009. All necessary information will be included in the registration packet that will be available in September 2009.
Reminders:
Although the wording of the Twelve Steps differs slightly from those with which most are familiar, the Millati Islami website offers challenging thoughts and worksheets on the Twelve Steps. Click here to download Millati Islami Muslim 12-step Recovery/Repentance Program in PDF format.
There are many groups such as Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (G.R.A.S.P.), formed by grieving parents, and there are other parent support groups. Most are local and regional. We invite visitors to this FaVoR site to inform us of such groups so that we may consider them for inclusion or linkage.
Individual Addiction Recovery Resources
Advocates For the Integration of Recovery and Methadone, Inc. (AFIRM)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Victorious (AV)
Chemically Dependent Anonymous Online Resource Center (CDA)
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
Harm Reduction Network (HAMS)
Heroin Anonymous (HA)
J.A.C.S. (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others)
LifeRing: Secular Recovery
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
Millati Islami
Marijuana Anonymous Online
Methadone Anonymous Support (see also A.F.I.R.M.)
Moderation Management (MM)
MomsOffMeth (Methamphetamine - "Crystal Meth") (M.O.M.)
Mothers on Methadone (MOM)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Overcomers Outreach
Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (S.O.S.)
SMART Recovery®
Sober 24
Women for Sobriety
Family and Friend Addiction Recovery Resources
Al-Anon Family Groups
Bipolar Significant Others (BPSO)
Co-Anon Family Groups
Families Anonymous (FA)
Gam-Anon Family Groups
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (G.R.A.S.P.)
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Peer-based support groups for other co-occurring problems
Bipolar Dream
Bipolar World
Depressed Anonymous
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR)
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
Emotions Anonymous (EA)
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
GROW, Inc. (USA)
Recovery, Inc.
Other Special Groups
Deaf and Hard of Hearing 12-Step Recovery Resources
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (G.R.A.S.P.)
Millati Islami
Advocates For the Integration of Recovery and Methadone, Inc. (AFIRM) International: This site offers links to Methadone Anonymous, Methadone Patient Support and Community Education Project. Founded 1991, spinning off from Methadone Anonymous. Self help group for, and led by, current and former methadone maintenance treatment patients. "Have you ever attended a 12-step meeting and were not allowed to 'share' because you are a methadone patient? Have you ever gone to one of these meetings and felt like you could not be honest about being a methadone patient because there were things you needed to talk about?" Telephone numbers AFIRM is useful for people who to follow a 12-step program while on methadone maintenance.
Al Anon Family Groups
International. 26,000 + groups in 115 countries. Fellowship of men, women and children whose lives have been affected by a family member or friend’s drinking. Contact: Al-Anon Family Groups, Inc., 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617. Call (757) 563-1600 or (888) 4ALANON (meeting information, M-F, 8 AM - 6 PM ET) Note that Al Anon Family Group information is available in English, Spanish, and French. In general Al Anon groups prefer that only family and friends of alcoholics attend their meetings. In Al Anon, the focus is on the family member or friend, not the person with alcoholism. All family members, children, spouses, parents and friends or employers are welcome. Note the special page for professionals which includes the results of a 2006 Survey of Al Anon members and a 2006 Survey of Alateen members described in the booklet "Who Are the Members of Al-Anon and Alateen?"
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
International. 106,202 groups. Founded 1935. Fellowship of men and women who come together to share their experience, strength and hope with the purpose of staying sober and helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. General Service Office, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163. Call (212) 870-3400. AA materials are available in English, Spanish and French. Much specific information is available via the 2004 AA survey. There are many online AA meetings that can be found by searching the Internet. To find meetings in the U.S. and Canada, inquire at local AA offices or view AA’s online list.
Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
The Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous was formed to serve all online AA
Groups in the rapidly growing online Fellowship. It offers links to international sites in several languages and sponsors real time meetings, email meetings, events calendar, information and links to other sites and groups. The number and variety of online groups available for U.S.A. participants is truly extraordinary. More information at http://aa-intergroup.org, left margin. Membership in the Intergroup is open to all online AA groups and all AA members. There are no dues or fees for membership.
Alcoholics Victorious (AV)
International. 170 groups. Founded 1948. 1045 Swift Street, Kansas City, MO 64116. Call (816) 471-8020. The group uses the 12 Steps and the Alcoholics Victorious Creed in meetings. According to their website, AV offers a "safe environment for recovering people who recognize Jesus Christ as their 'Higher Power.'" Alcoholics Victorious is a public service of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). The AV website offers a good directory of 12 Step and non-12 Step recovery websites, but does not offer online meetings.
Bipolar Dream
International. Founded in 2003. Online only. Multilingual site run by people with bipolar disorders. The site includes a listing of support group locations on the web and an “expert” column. Registration is required to use the support groups. Bipolar dream's groups, boards and chat rooms are run by specifically certified trained volunteers. Contact them at info@bipolardream.com.
Bipolar Significant Others (BPSO)
Online only. BPSO provides information and support to the families, friends and loved ones of those who suffer from bipolar disorder (manic depression). “These resources have helped many of us inform ourselves, cope with behaviors that sometimes arise from the illness, better understand our own reactions, and determine how we may best support our loved ones in their efforts to understand and live with this often terrible disease." BPSO maintains a private, closed and unmoderated online mailing list for those who are involved in a loving, caring, intimate and/or nurturing relationship with someone suffering from bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). Unlike online newsgroups, BPSO is accessible only to members. The BPSO website, however, offers many useful links to "Major Bi-Polar sites.”
Bipolar World
Online only. Bipolar World is for individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) and for the families and friends who care for them. In addition to offering news and good information on diagnosis, treatment, etc., it offers an opportunity to "Ask the Doctor" and offers links to Message Boards and Chat Rooms on such topics as Dual Diagnosis, Veterans with PTSD, Teens, and Parents of Bipolar Children.
Chemically Dependent Anonymous Online Resource Center (CDA)
National, with a group in
England. Founded in 1980, today has 450 members in
over fifty active groups mostly in Maryland and Delaware with others in the Midwest, Florida, Connecticut, and Portland, Oregon. CDA is a twelve-step fellowship of men and women whose primary purpose is to stay clean and sober and to help others like them to achieve recovery from chemical dependence. The only requirement for membership is a desire to abstain from all mood changing and mind-altering chemicals. CDA does not attempt to replace AA and encourages its members to use other programs along with CDA. CDA offers literature in the form of books and pamphlets including a starter kit for new groups. CDA can be reached by mail at Chemically Dependent Anonymous, General Service Office, P O Box 423, Severna Park, MD 21146. Call (888) CDA-HOPE.
Co-Anon Family Groups
International. Meetings in 13 states, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as online.
Co-Anon Family Groups is a twelve-step fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, parents, relatives, or close friends of someone who is dependent on cocaine.. Co-Anon's Emeeting has over 300 members on 5 continents and functions as an "email group". Co-Anon publishes literature that can be ordered through their website.
Its home page offers links to a newsletter that members of any Twelve-Step group will find helpful. You may contact at Co-Anon Family Groups World Services, PO Box 12722, Tucson, AZ, 85732-2722; Phone: (520) 513-5028 Tucson, Arizona or (800) 898-9985. E-mail: info@co-anon.org.
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
International. An estimated (1996) 30,000 members in over 2,000 groups. Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual drug addicts who turn to its Fellowship for help. CA does not engage in the fields of drug addiction research, medical or psychiatric treatment, drug education, or propaganda in any form – although members may participate in such activities as individuals. CA is open to all persons who state a desire to stop using cocaine, including "crack" cocaine, as well as all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership. CA's expenses are supported by the voluntary contributions of its members, all outside contributions are respectfully declined. The same guidelines apply to CA as to AA when making referrals.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
National. Crystal Meth Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for those in recovery from addiction to crystal meth. There are no dues or fees for membership. Membership is open to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs. CMA is a young program, and is not active all over the country at this time. A list of meetings in the US and Canada can be found here.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing 12-Step Recovery Resources
This site provides information on AA groups and activities that offer American Sign Language services for the deaf and hard of hearing. It links to online meetings, offers information on how to construct a meeting for deaf and hard of hearing persons, provides an information packet, and suggests guidelines and literature on people with alcohol and other drug problems with special needs.
Depressed Anonymous
"A 12-Step Program of Recovery: Depressed Anonymous was formed to provide therapeutic resources for depressed individuals of all ages. We work with the chronically depressed and those recently discharged from health facilities who were treated for depression. . . . We also seek to prevent depression through education and by creating a supportive and caring community through support groups that successfully keep individuals from relapsing into depression." Contact: Coordinator Depressed Anonymous, PO Box 17414, Louisville, KY 40217; (502) 569-1989; Email: info@depressedanon.com.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National. 275 chapters. Founded 1986. Mutual support and information for persons with
depressive and manic depressive illness and their families. Public education on the nature of depressive illnesses. Annual conferences, chapter development guidelines. Quarterly newsletter. Bookstore, catalog, mail orders. Contact: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 730 N. Franklin, Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60610. Although not insisting on membership dues, the site pushes various levels of "donors." Call (800) 826-3632 or (312) 642-0049. Links to screening tools for Bipolar Disorder and Depression. The Alliance's membership includes patients with the diagnosis, family members, and professionals. Anyone with a diagnosis of Affective Disorder (Manic Depressive, Major Depression) is eligible as are families and concerned professionals. Although persons currently not stable on medications are allowed, referral should be limited to those who are relatively stable.
Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR)
National. Founded in 1989, over 200 groups throughout the US, Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) is "a recovery group for the dually diagnosed," and a 12-step fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their particular addiction(s) and manage their mental disorder(s). DTR may be reached via Howie Vogle; Email: HV613@aol.com; phone (718) 373-2684; P.O. Box 245055, Brooklyn, NY 11224.
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
International. Founded in 1989, 880 meetings. DRA is an independent, 12-step, self-help organization for people with a dual diagnosis. DRA is a nonprofessional self-help program. There must always be a clear boundary separating the work of DRA from the work of chemical dependency and mental health professionals. “The DRA Preamble and our Twelve Traditions are designed to help guide our Meetings, Groups, Intergroups, and Service Boards to operate in ways that best nurture the recovery of all members of our Fellowship. Our Traditions are a set of suggestions that help DRA as a whole keep on track to best fulfill our Primary Purpose and maintain our Founding Vision.” Contact Dual Recovery Anonymous World Service Central Office, P.O. Box 8107, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Call Toll Free (877) 883-2332. Many local meetings are listed on the website by country and state.
Emotions Anonymous (EA)
International. 1200 chapters. Founded in 1971. 12-step fellowship of people who come together for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties. Contact: E.A., PO Box 4245, St. Paul, MN 55104. Phone: (651) 647-9712. EA is most suitable for people who are dually diagnosed and already attend AA or NA and people who want to use the 12 steps for emotional concerns not limited by diagnosis.
Families Anonymous (FA)
International. Founded in 1971, over 500 groups. ”Families Anonymous (FA) is a Twelve Step, self help, recovery program and fellowship of support groups for relatives and friends of those who have alcohol, drug or behavioral problems." Information from P.O. Box 3475, Culver City, CA 90231-3475. FA's World Service Office can be reached at (800) 736-9805, between 10 AM and 4 PM PST, or by e mail at famanon@FamiliesAnonymous.org. Web site includes information on meetings, literature, and an e-meeting. For parents concerned with drug and alcohol abuse to minor behavioral problems, runaways, hostility, delinquency, truancy, and other related topics.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
International. Founded 1957, approximately 1200 chapters. Fellowship of men and women who share experience, strength and hope with each other to recover from compulsive gambling by following a 12-step program. Chapter development kit. Monthly bulletin for members. Contact: GA., P.O. Box 17173, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Call (213) 386-8789.
Gam-Anon Family Groups
International. Founded 1960, 500 groups. Twelve-step fellowship for men and women who are husbands, wives, relatives or close friends of compulsive gamblers who have been affected by the gambling problem. Purpose is to learn acceptance and understanding of the gambling illness, and to use the program to rebuild lives, and give assistance to those who suffer. Contact: Gam Anon, P.O Box 157, Whitestone, NY 11357. Call (718) 352-1671 (Tues. and Thurs., 9am 5pm); Gam-Anon follows the same guidelines as Al-Anon Family Groups.
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (G.R.A.S.P.)
In the San Diego, California area. Model support group for those who have lost someone due to substance use. Website does not list meeting places or numbers of groups but offers a phone number and email address of the group's founders who will provide information for those wishing to begin local chapters. The site also has a link where departed loved ones can be commemorated, information on coping methods, meditations, literature recommendations, and other resources and personal reflections. This group is representative of many local groups that respond to the need for support by relatives who have lost someone to alcohol and/or drugs. Call (619) 656-8414 or email mom@jennysjourney.org.
GROW, Inc. (USA)
International. Founded in 1957, with 650 groups in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and other countries. GROW, International, was originally organized in Australia. GROW in America is fully developed in Illinois and New Jersey. It also has a small core of groups in Rhode Island. People come to GROW with diverse problems in living, such as mental health issues, emotional troubles, or difficulty coping with grief, loneliness, anxiety or stress. GROW offers leadership training and consultation to develop new groups. Contact: GROW, Inc.,GROW in America, P.O. Box 3667, Champaign, Illinois 61826. Call 1-888-741-GROW.
HAMS Harm Reduction Network is a free of charge, peer-led support group for people concerned about their use of alcohol or other mood-altering substances. The 14 elements of the HAMS program help members to achieve safer use, reduced use, or abstinence from alcohol/drugs. HAMS sponsors live meetings in New York City and an online site that offers a chat room with scheduled chats every evening at 9:00 P.M. EST, as well as an email group, online forum, sample drinking reduction plans, lists of recommended reading, an online store, and links to other helpful sites. Hams can be contacted at The HAMS Harm Reduction Network, Inc., P. O. Box 498, Prince Street Station, New York, NY 10012. Phone: 347-678-5671. or you can email them.
Heroin Anonymous (HA)
National. Six groups in four states: Arizona, Texas, Michigan, California. HA is a Twelve-Step program adapted from AA's 12 steps and is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of heroin addicts. There are no dues or fees for membership. HA will assist new groups that seek to begin meetings in new locations. Interested parties can obtain group literature from the headquarters or by PDF on the web site. Contact HA by email or by postal mail at Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc., 5515 N. 7th Street #5 - 408, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
J.A.C.S. (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others)
International. About 50 groups. Aims to help Jews understand alcoholism and especially how to integrate Alcoholics Anonymous with their Judaism. Contact J.A.C.S., 850 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Phone: (212) 397-4197. Refer: Jewish clients with alcohol and/or drug problems, especially if they have difficulty with the spirituality of A.A. or N.A.
LifeRing: Secular Recovery
International. Founded in 2001. LifeRing sponsors face-to-face groups and online connections to chat rooms, discussion forums, blogs, and links to sources of information related to recovery from addiction. LifeRing is not affiliated with any other organization, and is independent financially, legally, and organizationally. It is supported by meetings that forward proceeds from passing the basket, and by literature sales. LifeRing's website provides a wealth of information and links to its meetings and Internet services. Contact LifeRing by phone at (800) 811-4142; by mail at 1440 Broadway, Suite 312, Oakland, CA 94612-2023; Email: service@lifering.org.
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
International. Meetings in 27 states, the District of Columbia, and five foreign countries. Marijuana Anonymous is a 12-Step fellowship that addresses the common problem of marijuana addiction. There are face-to-face and online meetings. There are four online meetings per week and one additional meeting that is an online, voice chat meeting. Information available from the web site and the General Service Office. MA can be reached at: Marijuana Anonymous World Services, P.O. Box 2912,Van Nuys, CA 91404, (800) 766-6779.
Marijuana Anonymous Online
Online only. Marijuana Anonymous Online was created to be an internet resource for support, information and recovery from marijuana addiction. It is the online affiliate of Marijuana Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from pot addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. MA-online offers daily online meetings led by a volunteer and a chat room that can be accessed through the web site. In addition they offer literature and an online newsletter. Contact MA Online c/o MAWS, P.O. Box 2912, Van Nuys, CA 91404.
Methadone Anonymous Support
International. Methadone Anonymous Support is a 12-Step program for people recovering from opiate addiction. It holds groups in all U.S. states and in Canada; the web site provides a meeting locator for groups in most of the states. In addition, their web site hosts online support forums and an expert to answer questions. Online MA meetings will soon be added. Please note that most browsers require a lot of scrolling down on the opening page of this site. More information can be found by emailing Carol@MethadoneAnonymous.info.
Millati Islami
National. "Millati Islami" is a Muslim 12-step program to combat alcohol and drug addiction. The 12 steps and traditions have been modified to reflect Islamic principles, that include the practice of Al-Islam (peaceful submission to the will of Allah). Although many Muslims do well in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, some deem elements of the Twelve Steps a violation of Islam. Millati Islami (The Path of Peace) group meetings have been run in at least 16 states, but there is no "intergroup" yet that provides group contact information. There is a description of the meeting format and program details such as the "Millati Islami Step Worksheets" at the website. Useful for Muslims who have religious or cultural difficulties with the more common 12-Step programs. Related useful informational sites may be found at http://www.geocities.com/mikailtariq/haram.htm; and http://www.islamonline.net/iol-english/dowalia/society-7-2-2000/society1.asp.
Moderation Management (MM)
National. Founded 1993, 50 groups. Support for problem drinkers who want to reduce their drinking and make other positive lifestyle changes. For those who have experienced mild to moderate levels of alcohol related problems. Literature, support group meetings, on line support group and handbook available. Assistance in starting new groups. Contact: Moderation Management Network, Inc., 22 West 27th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Phone: (212) 871-0974, E-mail: mm@moderation.org. The Moderation Management nationwide meeting directory has been updated as of January 17, 2007. Moderation Management's On-line Support Group may be accessed at http://www.moderation.org/onlinegroups.shtml MM is for people who want to limit their alcohol intake without total abstinence. MM requires that participants begin with abstinence for 30 days and recommends AA or another abstinence program for who cannot follow “the MM limits”: http://www.moderation.org/readings.shtml#mmlimits.
MomsOffMeth (Methamphetamine - "Crystal Meth") (M.O.M.)
Hopes to become National. Founded in 1999. Sponsors face-to-face groups throughout the State of Iowa. The group now reports locations of 39 groups that meet weekly. Their goal is to "provide a safe place for women who have either lost their children or are in danger of losing them due to problems with drugs or alcohol." Locations and contact information about each group can be found on the web site, which also includes a message board and a very complete and helpful discussion, “About MOMS.”
Mothers on Methadone (MOM)
National. Online only. Founded in 2005 in Warwick, Rhode Island at Kent Hospital.
The site requires registration prior to posting. This education and support webpage is hosted by Sharon Dembinski, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and NAMA Certified Methadone Advocate. The main goal of this site is to reduce the stigma and misinformation surrounding the use of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) during pregnancy through the sharing of accurate information and support. This site offers support, education and hope to expectant women in recovery from an opioid dependence who are utilizing MMT. Expectant and postpartum MMT patients and the professionals who care for them are welcome and encouraged to join. For more information contact: nenama_mom@yahoo.com.
Nar-Anon Family Groups
International. Nar-Anon Family Groups is a world-wide 12-Step Program for relatives and friends of addicts. It has affiliated groups in all of the United States and 22 countries outside the USA. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Nar-Anon is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Nar-Anon literature is available on its website. To obtain information about Nar-Anon groups go to the website at http://nar-anon.org/naranongroups.htm or call (800) 477-6291. Contact: Nar-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc., 22527 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 200B, Torrance, CA 90505 USA; Email: naranonWSO@hotmail.com.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
International. Founded in 1953, 30,000+ groups. Fellowship of men and women who come together for the purpose of sharing their recovery from drug abuse. There are no dues, fees, or registration requirements. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using drugs. Uses 12-Step program adapted from AA. Information is available in several languages, on audio tapes and in Braille. Anyone who abuses alcohol or other drugs is welcome in NA. Contact: NA, P.O. Box 9999, Van Nuys, CA 91409. Call (818) 773-9999.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. . . . “The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using nicotine." Contact: Nicotine Anonymous World Services, 419 Main Street, PMB#370, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Voice Mail at (415) 750-0328; email at info@nicotine-anonymous.org.
Overcomers Outreach
International. Founded 1977, 1000+ groups. “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional 12-Step Support Groups and Hurting People In Churches of All Denominations.” A Christian ministry that utilizes the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous along with scriptures. It offers support to those with a wide variety of mental health and addiction problems including depression, relationship difficulties, and more. Everyone is welcome at their meetings. The groups operate within local churches and community. P.O. 922950, Sylmar, CA 91392-2950; Email: info@overcomersoutreach.org.
Recovery, Inc.
International. Founded 1937, 700+ groups. A community mental health mutual-aid group that offers a self-help method of will training; a system of techniques for controlling temperamental behavior and changing attitudes toward nervous symptoms, anxiety, depression, anger and fears. For publications, information on starting groups, and member leadership training, contact Recovery, Inc., 802 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610. Call (312) 337-5661. A special website with links to literature for professionals at http://www.recovery-inc.org/professionals.html.
Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (S.O.S.)
International. Founded (as Secular Sobriety Groups) in 1985, about 750 groups. "Secular
Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) is a nonprofit network of autonomous, nonprofessional local groups dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. SOS takes a self empowerment approach to recovery and maintains sobriety is a separate issue from all else." Very active web groups. Contact: Jim Christopher, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027 (323) 666-4295.; E-mail: SOS@CFIWest.org. Useful for people with alcoholism who have difficulty with the spirituality or "religion" of Alcoholics Anonymous.
SMART Recovery®
International. A non-profit operating since 1994 as SMART Recovery®, when it split with Rational Recovery (http://www.rational.org/); offers more than 300 face to face meetings and 16+ online meetings per week. SMART Recovery® is free, self-empowering, evidence-based support group for abstaining from any addictive behavior (substances or activities). Discourages use of the labels "alcoholic" and "addict." Teaches self-empowering "tools" organized under the 4-Point Program: Motivation, coping with craving, problem-solving and lifestyle balance. Tools include the cost-benefit analysis, and rational problem-solving and coping with craving techniques. Of particular interest to those who do not view addictive behavior as a disease, or who do not want to rely on a higher power for recovery. However, SMART Recovery® is not opposed to belief in a higher power, and participants are encouraged to live in accordance with their highest values (religious or otherwise). Contact: SMART Recovery® , 7537 Mentor Avenue, Suite #306, Mentor, Ohio 44060, Toll-Free: (866) 951-5357 or (440) 951-5357.
Sober 24
Online only. "12-step support groups combined with 'Virtual Fellowship' and recovery
management tools make Sober 24 a safe, anonymous recovery environment for those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction.” The site contains "bulletin boards and chat rooms where you can get support when you need it, and offer your own support to those who can benefit from it. They offer virtual meetings on a regular basis. . . ." The site also offers reading material and lists local meetings. The site is password protected and charges a $32 membership fee after a free trial period of 24 days.
Women for Sobriety
National. Founded in 1976. with about 200 groups. The website also offers an e-mail link. "Based upon a Thirteen Statement Program of positivity that encourages emotional and spiritual growth, the 'New Life' Program has been extremely effective in helping women to overcome their alcoholism and learn a wholly new lifestyle." Many online groups. Contact: WFS, Inc., P.O. Box 618, Quakertown, PA 18951-0618, Phone: (215) 536-8026.
References
- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. (1999). Alcoholics Anonymous 1998 membership survey. New York: Author.
- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. (1984). The AA member medications and other drugs. New York: Author.
- Borkman, Thomasina (1976). Experiential Knowledge: A new concept for the analysis of self-help groups. Social Science Review (50: 445-456).
- Coombs, R.H. (2001). Addiction recovery tools: A handbook for practitioners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Humphreys, K. & Moos, R. Can encouraging substance abuse patients to participate in self help groups reduce demand for health care? A quasi experimental study. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Special Issue: Vol 25(5), 711-716, May 2001.
- Humphreys, Keith, Circles of Recovery Self-Help Organizations for Addictions (Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press, 2004)
- Katz, Alfred H. & Bender, Eugene I. (1976). The Strength in Us: Self-Help Groups in the Modern World. New York: New Viewpoints.
- Kyrouz, E.M., Humphreys, K. and Loomis, C.L. (2002). A Review of Research on the Effectiveness of Self Help Mutual Aid Groups; expanded and updated. Kyrouz, Humphreys and Loomis article.
- Project Match Research Group. (1997). Matching alcoholism treatments to client heterogeneity: Project MATCH post treatment drinking outcomes. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 59, 513 522. ?White, B.J. & Madara, E.J. (Eds.). (2002). The self help sourcebook: Your guide to community and online support groups (7th ed.). Cedar Knolls, NJ: American Self Help Group Clearinghouse.
Linda and Ernie Kurtz
This guide to mutual support or aid groups was developed and is maintained by Linda and Ernie Kurtz. Linda Farris Kurtz, D.P.A., is the author of Self Help and Support Groups: A Handbook for Practitioners. Ernest Kurtz, Ph.D., authored Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous and is co-author of The Spirituality of Imperfection.
Last Updated on May 29, 2008