FAQ: “Are Recovery Meetings Necessary?”

Recovery meetings aren’t required to recover, but mutual-help/peer-support groups can be a valuable part of recovery and can complement professional treatment.

Core Questions: Quick Answers

Are recovery meetings necessary?

No—people recover in different ways, and meetings are one tool, not a rule. Meetings can still be worth trying because they’re typically free, accessible, and built around support from people who get it.

If meetings aren’t required, why do so many people push them?

Because community support helps many people stay connected, accountable, and less isolated—especially early on. Regular participation in mutual support groups has been associated with better sustained recovery outcomes in multiple summaries of the topic.

Are meetings the same thing as treatment?

No—mutual-help groups are generally not professional treatment, but they can complement treatment and provide long-term support. Treatment can include clinical services (like therapy and medical care), while meetings are peer/community support.

What if you hate meetings or don’t want to talk?

Many meetings allow people to just listen; sharing is often voluntary. Trying different formats (speaker vs discussion, online vs in-person) can make a big difference in fit.

Do I have to do AA to recover?

No—AA is one option, but there are other mutual-help models, including secular and faith-based groups. People can also combine meetings with therapy, medication, outpatient programs, or other supports depending on their needs.

Are online recovery meetings “real” and do they help?

Online mutual-support options exist and can improve access when transportation, anxiety, disability, parenting, or rural location makes in-person hard. Online formats are commonly offered by major programs and can be a practical entry point if someone is on the fence.

How often should someone go to meetings?

There’s no universal number that fits everyone, but frequent/regular participation is commonly encouraged and has been associated with better outcomes in some research summaries. Start with a realistic schedule, track what helps, and adjust as cravings/stress change.

What if meetings trigger shame, cravings, or drama?

If a meeting leaves someone feeling worse repeatedly, it may be the wrong group or format—not a personal failure. Switching meeting types, trying online, or focusing on a clinically supported plan (therapy/medical care) can be a better next step.

What are signs someone needs more than meetings?

If someone can’t stop once they start, has dangerous withdrawal risk, is using in ways that could be lethal, or has serious mental health symptoms, professional care is important—not just peer support. Meetings can still be supportive, but they shouldn’t be treated as emergency care.

Find a meeting now!

12-Step (AA): https://www.aa.org/find-aa

SMART Recovery (secular, skills-based): https://smartrecovery.org/meeting

Celebrate Recovery (Christian): https://crlocator.com

Refuge Recovery (Buddhist-inspired): https://www.refugerecovery.org

Recovery Dharma (Buddhist-inspired): https://recoverydharma.org/meetings/

Need Help Now?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

For free, confidential, 24/7 help finding addiction treatment or support, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

You can also use FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment options in the U.S.

Some links below are affiliate links—if you click and buy, this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the lights on, and only services worth recommending get linked.

Talkspace provides virtual therapy (and also offers psychiatry services on its platform), so support can happen from a phone or computer instead of an office visit.
Online-Therapy.com is a CBT-focused online therapy platform that combines a self-guided program (sections + worksheets) with therapist support, including messaging and optional live sessions depending on subscription level.
Brightside offers an online Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance use disorder, built around a weekly schedule that includes group therapy, individual therapy, and psychiatry/med consults as needed.

Keep Going

Early Recovery Guide: Start Here (the “what to do in the first days/weeks” playbook).
Detox vs Rehab vs IOP (What level of care is right for you?)
First Meeting Guide (Nervous about your first meeting?)
Craving Plan (Coming soon)
Trigger Audit
Boundaries (Coming soon)

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