Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is by far one of the most popular 12-step programs out there. It is one of the first mutual support groups to ever appear in the addiction recovery industry. These faith-based recovery meetings allow recovering alcoholics to talk about what they’re going through while they learn how to master the 12-step program. Meetings are free to attend, and there are no obligations with going to more than one meeting.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is perhaps the second most popular 12-step program out there for substance abusers. These faith-based meetings tackle all types of drug addictions. Some members may even have a polysubstance use disorder (PUD), which means that they abuse more than one substance at a time. NA meetings are free to join. Some meetings are open to the public. Closed meetings are for recovering drug users only.

Supporting an alcoholic is never an easy job. Loved ones often feel as if their lives are being dragged on a rollercoaster ride as well. Al-Anon is an international fellowship for anyone whose life has been affected by an alcoholic. These meetings help these individuals regain control over their lives and learn how to deal with the alcoholic. These meetings are both therapeutic and educational.

Many people saw how successful Al-Anon meetings were, and decided that they would come up with a mutual support group designed specifically for loved ones of drug users. Nar Anon is just like Al-Anon. These meetings are faith-based and a type of 12-step treatment. They’re also free to join, and there is no obligation to attend more than one meeting. Meetings consist of speaker discussions, step studies, book studies, and daily reflections.

Loved ones who are are between the ages of 8 and 21 may deal with different issues when living with an addict. Those who have an addicted parent may face more difficulties and trauma in their childhood. Alateen meetings help these individuals navigate through their childhood and learn how to live their lives despite the addict’s actions. These meetings teach young children and teenagers how to move forward with their lives.

Not everyone may find 12-step programs effective. Some people may simply have a difficult time conforming with the twelve steps in 12-step treatment. These individuals may fare better by going to science-based meetings, like Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) meetings. SMART meetings teach practical recovery skills that help recovering addicts manage addictive behaviors.