Alcohol Self-Help Groups List (Free or Very Inexpensive)

This alcohol self-help groups lists free or very inexpensive groups. All groups are non-12 step. It has links to more information along with other resources.

I. HAMS alcohol harm reduction program

alcohol self-help groupsThe name HAMS stands for Harm reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support. HAMS harm reduction is effective in reducing alcohol and drug problems. This is important. Many people find AA, NA, and other 12-step meetings to be embarrassing. They’re also time-consuming. And, worst of all, they’re generally ineffective.

Learn more about HAMS.

II. LifeRing

alcohol self-help groupsLifeRing believes that every alcoholic has the power to achieve lasting sobriety.  It’s hard. There are often setbacks. But in every alcoholic there exists the desire to find lasting sobriety. LifeRing works by giving positive reinforcement to abilities that people already have. The process is “Empowering Your Sober Self.”

Visit LifeRing.

III. Moderation Management

alcohol self-help groupsModeration Management (MM) is a behavior change program and support group network. It’s for people concerned about their drinking and want to make positive changes. MM empowers people to accept personal responsibility for choosing and keeping their own path. It can be either moderation or abstinence.

Visit Moderation Management.

IV. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a nonprofit network of groups of peers. Its sole goal is to help people achieve and maintain abstinence. It can be from alcoholism, drugs or food.

Discover more about Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS).

V. SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training). This is a free addiction recovery support group network. It teaches self-empowerment based on scientific principles and evidence. SMART has both face-to-face group meetings and daily on-line meetings.

Want to learn more about SMART Recovery?

VI. Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety is a non-profit organization that helps women overcome addictions. It addresses the special needs of women in recovery. These include the need to feel self-value and self-worth. Also the need to eliminate feelings of guilt and shame.

Learn much more about Women for Sobriety self-help. 

Resources: Alcohol Self-Help Groups

Readings

Anderson, K. How to Change Your Drinking: a Harm Reduction Guide. NY: HAMS, 2010.

Christopher, J. How to Stay Sober. Buffalo: Pro, 1988.

______. SOS Sobriety. Buffalo: Prometheus, 1992.

Hester, R., et al. SMART Recovery. J Internet Med, 2013, 15(7), e134.

Kelly, P., et al. SMART Recovery. Drug Alc Rev, 2014, 33, 7-8.

Kishline A. The Moderation Management Guide. NY: Crown, 1995.

MacGregor, S. and Herring, R. The SMART Pilot Project. London: Middlesex U. Drug and Alc Res Group, 2010.

Nicolaus, M. Empowering Your Sober Self. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2009.

National Newsletter for S.O.S. Buffalo, NY: S.O.S.

O’Sullivan, D., et al. SMART Recovery. Rehab Couns Bull, 2014.

Rotgers, F., et al. Responsible Drinking: a Moderation Management Approach. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2002.

Sobriety Handbook. The SOS Way. Oakland, CA : LifeRing, 1997.

S.O.S. Newsletter. Buffalo: SOS.

Note

Know of any non-12 step alcohol self-help groups that should be added? If so, contact hansondl[at sign]potsdam[dot]edu/  Thanks for your help!