Support
Finding a recovery group at a church
Many churches open their doors to recovery and support groups during the week. Some groups are run by the church itself; others simply meet in the building. Either way, they can be a steady, low-pressure place to find people who understand what you are going through.
If you or someone you love is in danger right now, please don’t wait for a group meeting. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call the SAMHSA helpline on 1-800-662-4357, or dial 211 for local help. A church group is a source of support, not a replacement for medical care.
Kinds of groups you’ll find
- Twelve-step meetings (for alcohol, drugs, gambling and more) that rent space from a church and are open to anyone.
- Faith-based recovery programmes run by a church, often covering addiction alongside other struggles such as anger, anxiety or compulsive habits.
- Groups for families and friends of people in addiction.
- Support groups for divorce, grief, mental health, or life after prison.
Approaches differ. Some groups are explicitly Christian and include prayer and scripture; others are not religious at all and simply use the space. Many welcome people of any faith or none. A group’s description, or a quick message to the church, will tell you which kind it is.
What a first meeting is like
Most meetings last about an hour to an hour and a half. There may be a short welcome, a reading or lesson, and time for people to share. You are never required to speak — saying “I’ll just listen today” is completely normal. What is shared in the room usually stays there. Some programmes have a large group followed by smaller groups split by topic or gender.
Arriving a few minutes early and telling the leader it is your first time can make it easier. Many people try a few meetings before deciding whether a group is right for them.
What it costs
Most church-hosted groups are free. Some ask for an optional donation to cover coffee or rent; structured programmes may suggest buying a workbook. Nobody should be turned away for not being able to pay.
Alongside professional help
A group works well alongside a doctor, a licensed therapist or a treatment programme. If you are thinking about stopping a substance, talk with a medical professional first about doing it safely. Some churches can also point you to local providers if you ask.
If one group doesn’t feel right, try another. Groups have different personalities, and finding the right room matters more than finding the closest one.
Questions to ask a church
- What recovery or support groups meet at your church, and when?
- Is the group faith-based, and is it open to people outside the church?
- Is it okay to just come and listen the first time?
- Is there a group for families or friends of someone in addiction?
- Is there childcare during the meeting?
What to bring
- Just yourself. Some people bring a friend for the first visit.
- A notebook if you like to jot things down.
- The meeting’s room or entrance details — groups often meet in a side building.
Ready for the next step?
Find churches near you
See service times, locations and what each church offers.
Find recovery groups near youMessage a church about recovery groups
Every church page has an Ask a Question form. Pick “Recovery & support groups” in one tap, add a line or two, and your message goes to that church’s office so they can reply to you by email. It’s free, and nothing is sent until you confirm.
Choose a church to messageCommon questions
Do I have to be religious to attend a church recovery group?
No. Many groups that meet in churches are open to anyone, and some aren’t religious at all. Faith-based programmes usually welcome people of any background too.
Do I have to talk at my first meeting?
No. Listening is always fine, and many people don’t share for several meetings.
Are church recovery groups free?
Most are. Some ask for an optional donation or suggest a workbook for structured programmes.
What if I need help right now?
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call SAMHSA on 1-800-662-4357, or dial 211 for local help. Don’t wait for a meeting.
Practices differ between churches and traditions. This guide describes the common range; the church you contact can tell you exactly how they do things.