Recovery support outside the VA: meetings and helplines

Free meetings and helplines can support you between appointments, or help if you are not using the VA. Family members can get support too.

What you may need

Step 1: Call the national helpline
The SAMHSA National Helpline (800-662-4357) is free, private, and open 24/7 in English and Spanish. They help you find treatment and support groups near you. You can also search FindTreatment.gov.
Step 2: Find a meeting that fits you
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is for drinking. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is for drugs. SMART Recovery uses a science-based approach for any addiction. All are free, with meetings in person, online, or by phone.
Step 3: Try more than one meeting
Every group feels different. If one does not feel right, try another time or another group.
Step 4: Get support for your family
Al-Anon and Alateen are for family and friends of someone who drinks. Nar-Anon and Narateen are for family and friends of someone who uses drugs. SMART Recovery has Family and Friends groups too.

You can use these meetings and VA treatment at the same time.

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