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why fellowship groups?

1/26/2025

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Recovery from addiction is one of the most challenging and transformative journeys a person can undertake. It requires courage, honesty, and vulnerability—qualities that many of us struggle to embrace after years of isolation, shame, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Fellowship groups, such as those found in 12-step programs or other recovery communities, provide a powerful foundation for healing and growth. They offer a unique space to connect with others, share experiences, and develop the skills we need to build healthier, more fulfilling lives.  This document includes benefits of fellowship groups, a list of recovery groups as well as some of the treatment centers in the US for various addictions.  

Here’s why fellowship groups are so essential in recovery:


Belonging: You Are Not Alone
Addiction often leaves us feeling isolated and hopeless, as though we’re trapped in a pit of despair. Fellowship groups offer a lifeline by showing us that we are not alone. Being surrounded by others who understand our struggles helps us realize that our pain and experiences are shared. This sense of belonging is deeply healing and can help rebuild self-esteem.

Sharing: The Power of Connection
Addiction thrives in secrecy and isolation. Many of us spend years hiding our struggles, burying our pain, and pretending everything is fine. Fellowship groups break that cycle by providing a safe space to share our experiences—both the good and the bad. Sharing our stories not only helps us release shame but also empowers others who are on similar journeys.

The act of sharing is a two-way street: when we open up, we allow others to see that they are not alone in their struggles. At the same time, listening to others’ stories helps us connect and learn from their experiences. In doing so, we create a network of mutual support.

Feelings: Learning to Face and Express Emotions
For many of us, addiction was a way to avoid feeling anything at all. Whether it was pain, fear, sadness, or even joy, we used substances or behaviors to numb ourselves. Fellowship groups provide a safe space to explore and express these feelings—something that can feel terrifying at first.

In the group setting, we learn to name and process our emotions, a skill that many of us never developed. Over time, this practice helps us build emotional resilience and reduces the urge to escape into old habits.

Non-Judgment: A Safe and Anonymous Space
One of the most liberating aspects of fellowship groups is the lack of judgment. These groups are built on principles of anonymity and unconditional acceptance. You can share your deepest fears, regrets, and hopes without fear of ridicule or rejection. This non-judgmental environment creates a rare opportunity to be fully seen and heard.

For many men, this is especially important. Society often conditions men to suppress vulnerability, making it hard to open up about struggles or feelings. Fellowship groups challenge that narrative by providing a supportive space where authenticity is celebrated.

The Transformative Power of Fellowship
Fellowship groups are more than just a place to talk—they are a powerful tool for transformation. They help us move from isolation to connection, from shame to self-acceptance, and from emotional avoidance to emotional growth. Through belonging, sharing, emotional exploration, non-judgment, and intimacy, we learn how to heal and build a life rooted in authenticity and purpose.

For anyone in recovery, these groups are a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Together, we can navigate the challenges of life, support one another, and discover the strength to live in recovery, one day at a time.

​This list includes national addiction recovery organizations, both 12-step and alternative models, as well as therapeutic and clinical programs offering recovery support for sex, porn, drug, alcohol, and trauma-related addictions.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    Overview: A global fellowship for individuals recovering from alcoholism. Uses the 12-step model with a focus on spiritual growth and mutual support.
    Website: https://www.aa.org/
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
    Overview: A 12-step program supporting people recovering from drug addiction. Offers community-based meetings and peer support.
    Website: https://www.na.org/
  • Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
    Overview: A 12-step program for individuals seeking recovery from addictive sexual behavior. Offers phone, online, and in-person meetings.
    Website: https://saa-recovery.org/
  • Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
    Overview: Fellowship for those committed to abstaining from all sex outside heterosexual marriage. 12-step focused.
    Website: https://www.sa.org/
  • Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA)
    Overview: A 12-step program designed to support individuals with compulsive sexual behavior. Inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly.
    Website: https://www.sca-recovery.org/
  • Porn Addicts Anonymous (PAA)
    Overview: A 12-step recovery fellowship for those addicted to pornography and related behaviors.
    Website: https://www.pornaddictsanonymous.org/
  • Celebrate Recovery
    Overview: A Christ-centered 12-step program for healing from hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Hosted by local churches.
    Website: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/
  • SMART Recovery
    Overview: A secular alternative to 12-step groups focusing on cognitive behavioral strategies for self-empowered recovery.
    Website: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
  • Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
    Overview: 12-step fellowship for adults raised in dysfunctional or alcoholic homes. Focuses on emotional healing and reparenting.
    Website: https://adultchildren.org/
  • Al-Anon Family Groups
    Overview: 12-step support for families and friends of alcoholics. Offers tools for boundaries and emotional health.
    Website: https://al-anon.org/
  • The Samson Society
    Overview: A fellowship of Christian men dedicated to authentic brotherhood and healing from sexual brokenness.
    Website: https://samsonsociety.com/
    ​
Treatment Centers
At times a fellowship group may not be sufficient for reaching your full goals for recovery.  This is a list of just some of the treatment centers available for porn, sex, alcohol and drug addiction centers.  There are many more available.  It is advisable to research each center and understand their approach to recovery, the types of services they provide and the on-site staff they have available.  ​
  • Affair Recovery – Austin, Texas
    Overview: Organization providing programs for individuals and couples healing from infidelity. Offers workshops, online courses, and intensive weekends.
    Website: https://www.affairrecovery.com/
  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
    Overview: One of the most recognized addiction treatment providers in the U.S. Offers residential and outpatient programs for alcohol, drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders.
    Website: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/
  • HopeQuest – Atlanta, Georgia
    Overview: Faith-based recovery center for men struggling with sex addiction, substance abuse, and trauma. Offers residential programs with clinical and spiritual integration.
    Website: https://hopequestgroup.org/
  • American Addiction Centers (AAC)
    Overview: Nationwide network of rehab facilities for drug and alcohol addiction. Offers detox, residential, and outpatient services.
    Website: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/
  • The Recovery Village
    Overview: Provides treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders in various U.S. locations.
    Website: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/
  • Recovery.com
    Overview: Offers resources for various types of recovery including addiction, trauma, and mental health. Includes treatment center directories.
    Website: https://recovery.com/
  • PCS (Psychological Counseling Services) – Scottsdale, Arizona
    Overview: A comprehensive treatment center specializing in trauma, sexual addiction, and family recovery. Offers intensive outpatient programs with licensed therapists.
    Website: https://pcsintensive.com/
  • Bethesda Workshops
    Overview: Christ-centered intensives for individuals, partners, and couples dealing with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma.
    Website: https://www.bethesdaworkshops.org/
  • The Ranch (Tennessee)
    Overview: Offers trauma-informed residential treatment for substance use, sex addiction, eating disorders, and mental health. Known for equine therapy, experiential healing, and personalized care.
    Website: https://www.recoveryranch.com/
  • Daring Ventures
    Is a counseling, coaching, and consulting organization dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in overcoming addiction, healing from trauma, and fostering healthier relationships. Their mission centers on promoting connection, encouraging clients to “Choose Connection™” as a pathway to healing and personal growth.
    https://www.daringventures.com/
  • ​Onsite Workshops (Tennessee)
    ​Overview: Offers life-changing emotional health intensives for individuals, couples, and families. Known for its experiential therapy model and trauma recovery focus.
    Website: https://onsiteworkshops.com/


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