Pick the right kind of support

Support groups are not all the same. Some are peer-led recovery meetings, some are family support, some are education groups, and some are clinical or skills-based groups run by providers.

  • AA is for people seeking help with alcohol.
  • NA is for people seeking help with drug addiction.
  • Al-Anon and Alateen are for family and friends affected by someone else's drinking.
  • SMART Recovery uses a different, skills-based recovery model.

Use official meeting finders

Meeting information is time-sensitive. KindMesh should link to official finders and explain the terms people may see, instead of copying meeting tables that go stale.

  • Check whether the meeting is open, closed, virtual, hybrid, beginner-friendly, or special-focus.
  • Do not repost virtual access codes unless the official source intends them to be public.
  • For minors and Alateen, follow the official safety and eligibility instructions.

Know when this is not enough

A meeting can help with connection and recovery support, but it is not emergency care, detox, or a substitute for a clinician.

  • Use 988 for suicide, mental-health, or substance-use crisis support.
  • Use 911 for immediate physical danger or a medical emergency.
  • Use ADAMH, SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov, or a provider-owned intake page for treatment navigation.