For clients seeking recovery support outside the theistic framework of traditional Twelve Step programs, Recovery Dharma offers a compelling alternative. Grounding recovery in Buddhist principles and meditation practice, Recovery Dharma has grown rapidly as an evidence-informed, peer support option.
Understanding Recovery Dharma helps recovery professionals serve clients who resonate with mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy—or who simply need an alternative to traditional Twelve Step spirituality.
What is Recovery Dharma?
Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement using Buddhist practices and principles to support recovery from addiction. Founded in 2019, Recovery Dharma emerged from Refuge Recovery (founded 2014) and represents the continuation and expansion of Buddhist-based recovery support.
The organization is based on the belief that the teachings of the Buddha offer a powerful approach to healing addiction. However, Recovery Dharma is explicitly non-religious—it uses Buddhist practices as practical tools for recovery without requiring religious belief or conversion.
The Buddhist Foundation
Recovery Dharma draws on core Buddhist concepts:
The Four Noble Truths (adapted for addiction)
- Addiction creates suffering
- The cause of addiction is craving and repetitive habits
- Recovery is possible
- The path to recovery is available (the Eightfold Path)
The Eightfold Path – Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration. Recovery Dharma adapts these principles for addiction recovery.
Mindfulness – Present-moment awareness as both a recovery tool and daily practice.
Meditation – Central to the program; meetings typically include guided meditation.
Compassion – For self and others, countering the shame that often accompanies addiction.
Impermanence – Understanding that cravings, emotions, and states are temporary and will pass.
The Recovery Dharma Program
Recovery Dharma offers a structured program based on Buddhist principles rather than the Twelve Steps:
The Four Truths of Recovery
-
Addiction creates suffering – Acknowledging the reality of addiction's impact on our lives and others.
-
The origin of addiction is repetitive craving – Understanding that addiction involves habitual patterns of craving, not moral failure.
-
Recovery is possible – Holding that freedom from addiction is achievable.
-
The path to recovery is available – The Eightfold Path provides a practical way forward.
The Eightfold Path for Recovery
Recovery Dharma adapts Buddhism's Eightfold Path:
Understanding – Developing insight into addiction, craving, and the mind.
Intention – Cultivating intention toward recovery, compassion, and wise action.
Communication – Practicing honest, kind, helpful speech.
Action – Aligning behavior with recovery values.
Livelihood – Engaging in work that supports rather than undermines recovery.
Effort – Sustaining recovery practices with balanced effort.
Mindfulness – Maintaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Concentration – Developing mental stability through meditation practice.
Inquiry and Inventory
Recovery Dharma includes an "Inquiry" process—self-investigation similar to the Twelve Step inventory but framed in Buddhist terms. Members examine their relationship with craving, aversion, and the roots of their addiction.
Meeting Culture
Recovery Dharma meetings have a distinctive format:
Meditation – Meetings typically begin with guided meditation (15-30 minutes), which distinguishes them from other recovery meetings.
Reading – Selections from Recovery Dharma literature.
Sharing – Members share their experience with addiction and recovery.
Closing – Often includes a loving-kindness meditation or dedication of merit.
Cultural Characteristics
Meditation-centered – The emphasis on actual meditation practice means meetings involve significant silent practice, not just discussion.
Secular Buddhism – Buddhist language and concepts are used but religious belief isn't required. Atheists and agnostics can participate fully.
Inclusive – Recovery Dharma explicitly welcomes all addictions (substances and behaviors) and all people regardless of background.
Contemporary – As a newer organization, Recovery Dharma tends to have updated language around trauma, mental health, and inclusion.
Progressive values – The organization explicitly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Mentorship
Recovery Dharma uses "mentorship" rather than sponsorship. Mentors support newer members in developing their practice and working through the program. The relationship emphasizes mutual learning rather than hierarchy.
Who Thrives in Recovery Dharma?
Secular and non-theistic clients – Those uncomfortable with "God" or "Higher Power" language find Recovery Dharma's Buddhist framework accessible.
People interested in meditation – Those drawn to mindfulness and meditation appreciate the practice-centered approach.
People who resonate with Buddhist philosophy – Even without religious commitment, Buddhist concepts of impermanence, compassion, and mindfulness resonate with many people.
People seeking alternatives to Twelve Steps – Those who've struggled with AA/NA's approach may find Recovery Dharma offers what they need.
People working on behavioral addictions – Recovery Dharma's inclusive approach welcomes all forms of addiction.
Trauma survivors – The emphasis on self-compassion and present-moment awareness can complement trauma recovery.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
People who thrive in traditional spiritual frameworks – Those who find meaning in theistic spirituality or the specific Twelve Step approach may prefer AA/NA.
People uncomfortable with meditation – The meditation component is central; those who dislike or can't do meditation may struggle.
People in areas without meetings – Recovery Dharma is growing but has fewer meetings than established programs. Online meetings help bridge this gap.
People wanting more structured step work – The Eightfold Path provides structure, but those wanting the specific Twelve Step framework may prefer traditional programs.
Recovery Dharma vs. SMART Recovery
Both offer secular alternatives to Twelve Step programs, but differ significantly:
Recovery Dharma
- Buddhist-based philosophy
- Meditation-centered practice
- Spiritual but non-theistic
- Focus on mindfulness and compassion
- Inquiry process for self-examination
SMART Recovery
- Cognitive-behavioral basis
- Skills and tools focus
- Entirely secular and psychological
- Scientific framework
- CBT worksheets and techniques
The choice depends on whether the client resonates more with meditation and Buddhist philosophy (Recovery Dharma) or cognitive-behavioral tools and scientific framing (SMART Recovery).
Recovery Dharma and Professional Treatment
Recovery Dharma complements professional treatment:
For therapists – Recovery Dharma reinforces mindfulness-based interventions, provides peer support, and offers ongoing community.
For treatment programs – Introducing Recovery Dharma gives clients another recovery support option, particularly for those uncomfortable with traditional approaches.
For clients – Regular meditation practice, peer support, and structured recovery work supplement professional treatment.
Integration with Other Approaches
- Mindfulness-based therapies – Recovery Dharma aligns well with MBSR, MBCT, and other mindfulness-based approaches.
- MAT – Recovery Dharma is generally accepting of medication-assisted treatment.
- Trauma treatment – The emphasis on compassion and present-moment awareness complements trauma work.
Practical Information for Professionals
Finding Meetings
Recovery Dharma's meeting finder is at recoverydharma.org. Meeting availability varies:
- Growing presence in urban areas
- Limited in many regions
- Strong online meeting presence
- Many "sanghas" (local communities) are developing
When to Suggest Recovery Dharma
Consider Recovery Dharma when:
- Client is secular, atheist, or agnostic
- Client is interested in meditation or Buddhism
- Client hasn't connected with Twelve Step programs
- Client responds well to mindfulness approaches
- Client is looking for recovery community
What to Tell Clients
- Meetings include meditation (typically 15-30 minutes)
- Buddhist philosophy is used but religious belief isn't required
- The focus is on all addictions, not just substances
- It's newer and smaller than AA/NA but growing
- Online meetings are available if local meetings are limited
The Evidence Base
Recovery Dharma is too new for specific research. However, it's built on practices with evidence:
- Mindfulness-based interventions have evidence for addiction and mental health
- Meditation has demonstrated benefits for stress, emotion regulation, and well-being
- Peer support improves addiction treatment outcomes
The combination in Recovery Dharma's specific format awaits research, but the components are well-supported.
Help Your Clients Find Recovery Dharma Meetings Near Them
SobaSearch maintains a specialized database focused on key locations of Recovery Dharma meetings across the United States. Enter a zip code to find meetings in your client's area.
Free for recovery professionals. No account required.