Local Fellowship Meetings | Addiction Support

What are fellowship groups?

Fellowship groups are peer-led support meetings where people recovering from addiction come together to share experiences, offer encouragement and stay on track. The most well-known are based on the 12-step model, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, but there are others tailored to different needs.

The aim is simple: to create a judgement-free space where people who’ve “been there” can help each other stay sober. These groups are for anyone struggling with addiction, whether you’re fresh out of rehab, trying to quit for the first time or just need ongoing support. You don’t need a referral; you need the willingness to show up.

Do fellowship meetings actually work?

If you’re sceptical about fellowship meetings like AA or NA, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not wrong to question it. The idea of sitting in a circle, sharing stories with strangers and leaning on catchphrases like “one day at a time” might not feel like a serious solution to something as complex and personal as addiction. It’s only natural to wonder: do these meetings genuinely help, or are they just a placebo with good intentions?

To answer that fairly, the best approach is to look at what the research says, especially studies focusing specifically on substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The results from a number of empirical studies corroborate the results from mutual support group membership surveys, supporting the clinical effectiveness of 12-step approaches. Reviews of this literature have noted, among other positive findings, that:

• AA and NA participation is associated with a greater likelihood of abstinence, often for prolonged periods of up to 16 years.
• Participants often show improved psychosocial functioning and greater levels of self-efficacy.
• Beginning 12-step participation while in treatment, especially at group meetings held at the treatment programme, is linked with better outcomes.
• Attending 12-step meetings while enrolled in specialist treatment also improves outcomes.
• Consistent, early and frequent attendance (3+ meetings per week) is associated with better substance use outcomes.
• While even small amounts of participation may help increase abstinence, higher “doses” may be needed to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
• Engagement in other 12-step activities (e.g., doing service at meetings, reading 12-step literature, doing “step work,” getting a sponsor or calling other members or one’s sponsor) may be a stronger indicator of success than attendance alone.
• Increased involvement following formal treatment may act as a source of continuing care and has been shown to lead to decreased use of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, along with lower associated costs.

So, yes, while it’s understandable to doubt whether these meetings actually work, the research makes a strong case: for many dealing with SUD and AUD, fellowship meetings can be a vital tool in their recovery.

What are the next steps?

If the idea of searching for meetings or figuring out where to start feels overwhelming, that’s completely understandable. This process can be a lot to take in, especially when you’re trying to make sense of what kind of support is right for you. That’s where we come in.

Give Addiction Helper a call and speak to someone who gets it. Our team is here to listen, answer any questions and guide you to the right type of help, whether that’s finding a nearby fellowship meeting or connecting you with a rehab programme that suits your needs.

There’s no pressure or judgement. It’s just a real conversation with someone who’s here to help you take the next step, whatever that looks like.