The SobaSearch Blog

AA is the largest and most widely available mutual support fellowship for alcohol addiction. For recovery professionals, understanding how AA works helps you make informed recommendations and support clients who choose this path.

Al-Anon addresses the reality that addiction affects entire family systems, not just the person drinking. For recovery professionals, understanding Al-Anon helps support family members who may be struggling as much as—or more than—the person with alcohol use disorder.

NA is the second-largest Twelve Step fellowship worldwide, providing peer support for people recovering from drug addiction of any kind. For professionals, understanding NA helps match clients with appropriate community support.

CA provides a fellowship specifically for people recovering from cocaine and other stimulant addictions, though it welcomes anyone seeking freedom from drugs and alcohol.

HA provides a focused fellowship for people recovering specifically from heroin and other opioid addictions, offering peer support from others who understand the unique challenges of opioid recovery.

CoDA addresses codependency—patterns of unhealthy reliance on relationships for self-worth and identity. For recovery professionals, understanding CoDA helps support clients whose relationship patterns contribute to their struggles.

ACoA addresses the lasting effects of growing up in alcoholic or dysfunctional families. For recovery professionals, understanding ACoA helps identify how childhood experiences shape adult patterns.

SMART Recovery has established itself as a legitimate, evidence-based alternative that serves clients who need or prefer a different pathway than 12-step programs. Understanding what SMART Recovery offers is essential knowledge for recovery professionals.

Refuge Recovery pioneered Buddhist-based addiction recovery before most groups transitioned to Recovery Dharma. Understanding this history helps contextualize the Buddhist-based recovery landscape.