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Mutual Support Groups
Advocates For the Integration of Recovery and Methadone, Inc. (AFIRM)
International; evolved from Methadone Anonymous, founded 1991. 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?" More information at http://www.afirmfwc.org/. Telephone numbers may be found at http://www.methadonetoday.org/m_isreco.htm or the Methadone Anonymous Support site at http://www.methadonesupport.org/ Refer: Recovering addicts who wish to follow a 12 Step program while on methadone maintenance.
International. 26,000 + groups in 115 countries. Fellowship of men, women and children whose lives have been affected by the compulsive drinking of a family member or friend. 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) FAX: (757) 563-1655. More information at: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/. Note that this 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 participant, not the alcoholic. All family members, children, spouses, parents and friends or employers are welcome. Note the special page for professionals at http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/professionals.html, which includes the results of the 2003 Survey of Al-Anon members outlined in the booklet "Who Are the Members of Al-Anon and Alateen."
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 others alcoholics achieve sobriety. General Service Office, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163. Call (212) 870-3400; FAX: (212) 870-3003. More information at: www.aa.org. This site is available in English, Spanish and French. Much specific information is available via the 2004 A.A. survey: http://www.aa.org/en_pdfs/p-48_04survey.pdf. Many online A.A. meetings exist and can be found by searching the Internet. Meetings in the U.S. and Canada can be located by inquiring with the local A.A. offices; see the list at http://www.aa.org/en_find_meeting.cfm?PageID=29. See also "Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous," below.
International. 170 groups. Founded 1948. 1045 Swift Street, Kansas City, MO 64116. Call (816) 471-8020. The group uses both 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). More information available at http://av.iugm.org/ . The website offers a good directory of 12 Step and non-12 Step recovery websites, but does not offer online meetings.
Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic Depression)
Harbor of Refuge Organization, Inc. Peer to Peer Support for People
with Bipolar disorder and those that care about them. "Philosophy:
Harbor of Refuge members believe in the principle that each member
must find and adhere to an effective plan of treatment for herself
or himself that includes qualified medical care, regular and proper
rest, and moderate exercise. Additionally, we believe that in helping
others to navigate the sometimes stormy waters of this illness,
we also help ourselves”
"The Harbor of Refuge strives to provide a safe refuge for
interaction between bipolars, their families, and close friends
without judgment, condemnation, or outside enforcement. We encourage
and nurture each other as we seek to overcome this illness through
good medical and self care strategies. However, we know that each
one of us must be responsible for our own actions and their impact
on our emotional and physical well being." More information
at http://www.harbor-of-refuge.org/. Harbor of Refuge, Inc. also offers links to Befrienders.org and Samaritans.org.
Online only. This site is an international multilingual site on Bipolar Disorder run by bipolars founded in 2003. Its Internet address is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bipolar_Dream/. The site displays a mission statement, support group locations on the web, an expert column, and plans for the future. The site requires registration before using 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. "The information presented on this site is intended to provide 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." To subscribe to the BPSO List, send an e mail message to: majordomo@lugdunum.net with this message: subscribe bpso. Do not include anything else in the message. This message will be forwarded to the BPSO list manager, who will contact you as soon as possible. More information at http://www.bpso.org/. BPSO is 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.
"A website for individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) and for the families and friends who care for them. We have walked many miles in your moccasins and understand the need for information and support."
This net only, virtual group can be found at http://www.bipolarworld.net/. 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.
As this site notes, "Many individuals who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder have no one to turn to, to discuss their feelings about the illness. Many have questions that they feel are 'silly' and they don't want to bother their psychiatrist with. The internet has proven to be a wonderful resource for meeting with others with the same diagnosis."
Chemically Dependent Anonymous Online Resource Center (CDA)
National, with a group in Dublin Ireland. CDA formed in 1980 and 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; by phone: 1-888-CDA-HOPE and online at www.cdaweb.org.
International group with meetings in 13 states, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as online. Co-Anon Family Groups are a twelve-step fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, parents, relatives, or close friends of someone who is chemically 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.. You may contact Co-Anon at Co-Anon Family Groups World Services, PO Box 12722, Tucson, AZ, 85732-2722; Phone: 520-513-5028 Tucson, Arizona or 800-898-9985 Toll Free. E-mail: info@co-anon.org and website: co-anon.org.
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. More information at http://www.ca.org/
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 in CMA is open to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs. CMA is a young program, and is not active all over they country at this time. A list of meetings in the US and Canada can be found here. If we are not in your area, we encourage you to explore the many recovery resources and groups in your local community. For the Family or Friends of Addicts - Meth addiction not only affects the user, but also the friends and family. http://www.crystalmeth.org/
Deaf and Hard of Hearing 12 Step Recovery Resources
A web site rather than a group, 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 alcoholics with special needs. More information at http://www.dhh12s.com/index.htm.
"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."
More information at http://www.depressedanon.com/index.html.
Or, write or call: Coordinator Depressed Anonymous, PO Box 17414,
Louisville, KY 40217; (502) 569 1989 or e mail 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; FAX: (312) 642-7243. More information at: http://www.dbsalliance.org/. The home page offers 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.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (also known as Multiple Personality Disorder)
17 online forums, divided into three areas. "MosaicMinds Interactive Community Forums are considered 'self help' and community support networks. MosaicMinds employs no professionals to monitor or interact in these forums at http://www.mosaicminds.org/Community/index.shtml.” More information at http://www.mosaicminds.org/inside-mm.shtml.
Founded in 1989 and with over 200 groups throughout the US, Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR), "a recovery group for the dually diagnosed," is 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).Many of DTR's meetings are presentations held in psychiatric facilities (inpatient/outpatient/forensic) and are not open to the community at large. DTR is working with treatment providers in several states to help them begin the process of turning over the running of DTR presentations from staff to recipients and to help in facilitating starting of community based meetings run by recipients who got their start and training in facilities. More information at http://www.doubletroubleinrecovery.org/. This site is rich in resources including a "Pamphlet for Professionals" and some excellent material on sponsorship in recovery. This group may also be reached via Howie Vogle; Email: HV613@aol.com; phone (718) 373-2684; P.O. Box 245055 Brooklyn, New York 11224; "... those recovering from mental disorders and addiction problems. . .[they] also address the problems and benefits associated with psychiatric medication."
International. 880 known meetings worldwide. Founded in 1989 in Kansas City, Kansas. 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. Toll Free (877) 883-2332. More information at http://www.dualrecovery.org/. Many local meetings are listed on the website by country and state. People who are chemically dependent and also affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness.
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. More information at: http://www.EmotionsAnonymous.org. 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. It is not the best group for people with serious and persistent mental illness, but EA groups are accepting of these clients if they are stable.
International. Over 500 groups, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Culver City, CA. "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. More information at: http://www.familiesanonymous.org/ including information on meetings, literature, and an e-meeting. Parents concerned with drug and alcohol abuse to minor behavioral problems, runaways, hostility, delinquency, truancy, low self esteem, and other related topics.
International. Approximately 1200 chapters. Founded 1957. 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; FAX: (213) 386-0030. More information at: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org. The same guidelines apply to GA as to AA in making referrals.
International. 500 groups. Founded 1960. 12 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); FAX: (718) 746-2571. More information at http://www.gam-anon.org/. Follow 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. Its website at http://www.grasphelp.org does not list meeting places or numbers of groups. The website contains 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. Founded in 1957, GROW is an international mental health movement with approximately 650 groups in four different countries, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. 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, International, was originally organized in Australia. Information on GROW in the United States may be found at http://www.growinamerica.org/. 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. GROW in America is fully developed in Illinois and New Jersey. It also has a small core of groups in Rhode Island.
National with 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 of by PDF on the web site at http://www.heroin-anonymous.org/. Contact HA at livingfree@heroin-anonymous.org 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; Fax: (212) 489-6229. More information about the group and events at http://www.jacsweb.org. One may subscribe to the richly worthwhile weekly J.A.C.S. newsletter at http://www.jewishworldreview.com/subs.php. Jewish clients with alcohol and/or drug problems, especially if they have difficulty with the spirituality of A.A. or N.A.
LifeRing is an international association founded in 2001. It sponsors face-to-face groups and Internet connections to chat rooms, discussion forums, blogs, and links to sources of information related to recovery from addiction. LifeRing is headquartered in Oakland CA, 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 1-800-811-4142; by mail at 1440 Broadway, Suite 312, Oakland, CA 94612-2023; by email at service@lifering.org. LifeRings' web site is http://www.unhooked.com
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. The address is MA Online c/o MAWS, P.O. Box 2912, Van Nuys, CA 91404. Online url is www.ma-online.org.
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. More information at www.marijuana-anonymous.org.
Methadone Anonymous Support (see also A.F.I.R.M., above):
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 locater for groups in most of the states. In addition, their web site holds online support forums and an expert to answer questions. Online MA meetings will soon be added. The website can be found at http://www.methadonesupport.org. Please note that most browsers require scrolling down on the opening page of this site. More information can be found from the following email address: Carol@MethadoneAnonymous.info.
"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 http://www2.islamicity.com/al-muminun/MIFAX/mifax.htm. Refer: Muslims who have religious or cultural difficulties with the more common 12-Step programs.
National. 50 groups. Founded 1993. 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. More information at http://moderation.org. The Moderation Management nationwide meeting directory has been updated as of January 17, 2007. 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 those who cannot fulfill this requirement. It is not intended for use by alcoholics.
MomsOffMeth (Methamphetamine - "Crystal Meth") (M.O.M.)
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 at http://www.momsoffmeth.com also provides online services including a message board with a blog, photos, and forums. The group plans to offer training and events.
Online only. Founded in 2005 in Warwick, Rhode Island at Kent Hospital. (http://www.MethadoneSupport.org/Pregnancy.html") 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
International. 30,000+ groups. Founded 1953. 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. Contact: NA, P.O. Box 9999, Van Nuys, CA 91409. Call (818) 773-9999; FAX: (818) 700-0700. More information at http://www.na.org. Anyone who abuses alcohol or other drugs is welcome in NA. In general, the NA membership is younger and more diverse than is AA, but otherwise the same guidelines apply to NA as to AA in making referrals.
National Schizophrenia Foundation
Incorporated in November 1999, N.S.F. http://www.nsfoundation.org/ is the only national organization focusing solely on schizophrenia and related disorders with a major emphasis on the consumer perspective. The N.S.F. site contains a lnk to the Schizophrrenics Anoymous website: http://www.nsfoundation.org/sa/index.html S.A. was founded in 1985 and offers fellowship, support and information for people with schizophrenia using a 6 step program. Meetings, which are supportive, non demanding, and educational, are structured and focus on the six steps. Contact: Schizophrenics Anonymous, National Schizophrenia Foundation, 403 Seymour, Suite 202, Lansing, MI 48933. Call: (517) 485-7168; Mental Health Consumer line:(800) 482-9534. FAX: (517) 485-7180; e-mail sareferrals@nsfoundation.org .
"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." More information at http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/ or by contacting Nicotine Anonymous World Services, 419 Main Street, PMB#370, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. (415) 750-0328 or by e mail at info@nicotine-anonymous.org.
Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Online only. 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. More information at http://aa-intergroup.org/. Membership in the Intergroup is open to all online AA groups and all AA members. There are no dues or fees for membership.
Internationl. 1,000+ groups. Founded 1977. 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 problems that includes addictions, 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. More information at http://overcomersoutreach.org.
Recoveries Anonymous (RA) formed in 1984 as an independent, nonprofit corporation. A.A. has granted permission for R.A. to adapt the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions for the RA program, however, RA is not affiliated with or endorsed by any other 12-Step organization. RA is for anyone who suffers from self-destructive behavior and offers solution-focused methods for recovery along with use of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. It sponsors groups throughout the United States and Canada; meeting locations can be found on their website at http://www.r-a.org/. Their mailing address is R. R. Universal Services, Box 1212, East Northport, NY 11731. All of RA's services and literature are free; the organization is supported by donations.
International. 700+ groups. Founded 1937. A community mental health organization 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 publication for members, information on starting groups, and leadership training, contact Recovery, Inc., 802 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610. Call (312) 337-5661; FAX: (312) 337-5756. More information at http://www.recovery-inc.org. A special site with links to literature for professionals at http://www.recovery-inc.com/professionals.html. Recovery, Inc. is most suitable for people who have high anxiety, depressed mood, a problem with anger or with irrational fear. Clients should be able to read aloud. This association is effective with all diagnostic categories.
Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (S.O.S.)
International. c. 750 groups. Founded (as Secular Sobriety Groups) in 1985. "Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) is a nonprofit network of autonomous, non professional 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." More information at http://www.cfiwest.org/sos/index.htm. Contact Jim Christopher, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027 (323) 666-4295.; E-mail: SOS@CFIWest.org. Alcoholics who have difficulty with the spirituality or "religion" of Alcoholics Anonymous.
International. More than 300 face to face meetings and 13+ online meetings per week. SmartRecovery split off from Rational Recovery in 1994. "SMART Recovery is an abstinence based, not for profit organization offering a self help program for people having problems with drinking and using. No one will label you an "alcoholic" or an addict. You are neither diseased nor powerless, and if you do not believe in a religion or spirituality, that's fine, too. We teach common sense self help procedures designed to empower you to abstain and to develop a more positive lifestyle." Contact: SMART Recovery, 7537 Mentor Avenue, Suite #306, Mentor, Ohio 44060, Toll-Free: (866) 951-5357 or (440) 951-5357; FAX: (440) 951-5358. More information at http://www.smartrecovery.org/. Those who have difficulty with "spirituality" who might benefit from a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy approach.
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. More information at http://www.sober24.com/. (Note that this site often opens slowly.) Those in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse and their friends and family. The site is password protected and charges a $32 membership fee after a free trial period of 24 days.
National. Founded 1976. c. 200 groups. Contact: WFS, Inc., P.O. Box 618, Quakertown, PA 18951-0618, Phone: (215) 536-8026, Fax: (215) 538-9026; Web: http://www.womenforsobriety.org/. This 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.