Host or Offer Space to Recovery Programs and Support Groups
Finding a supportive community and building strong relationships are essential to ongoing recovery.
To foster recovery, communities can offer to host programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Celebrate Recovery or other support groups.
These programs assist those with substance-use disorders to feel less alone by connecting them to others who are also in recovery. These programs can also support those receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of their recovery.
Getting Started
“When I meet a Jewish person who is in active addiction, I do not offer them to go synagogue and pray. The first place I'm going to send them is to the appropriate 12-step group.”
—Rabbi Taub
Here are just a few ways to “open your doors” to the community:
- Offer your space for weekly recovery programs and/or self-help support groups for people with substance-use disorders, as well as their families who may also need support.
- Connect people to existing support in your community.
- Offer free transportation to treatment services and/or recovery support programs.
- Advertise local meetings in your newsletters, community calendars, websites, and social media channels. Consider including:
- Local AA.org, NA.org and/or CelebrateRecovery.com mutual aid support groups.
- SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Free, confidential help in English/Spanish, 24/7): (800) 662-HELP (4357).
- Your community’s programs on United Way 2.1.1., your Facebook® page, or community’s event schedule.
- When offering public or congregational prayer — particularly prayers for the sick — please pray for people who are suffering opioid or substance-use disorder.
