SUBSTANCE-USE & ADDICTION RECOVERY GROUPS
[ partial list compiled with clients; last updated: 2024 ] :

Recovery Dharma (Fri + Sun @ SF Dharma Collective/ in-person & hybrid— Buddhist & peer-support format)

Life Ring (various meetings— secular model, peer-support format)

Refuge Recovery / aka “DharmaPunx” (Tue @ SF Gratitude Center— Buddhist model, peer-support format) 

SMART Recovery (various meetings— CBT model, peer-support format)

Dharma in Recovery (Mon— online only through the S.F. Zen Center)

Since the shutdown of 2020-2021, I believe all five providers are now back to both in-person and remote meetings. You can search online and check their websites to confirm. ALL offer alternative models to 12-step. Of course, there are more offerings out there, but this list has been vetted by people I’ve spoken to directly. NOTE: Life Ring, Refuge Recovery, & SMART Recovery are available all across California.

RECOVERY CONTENT – PODCASTS, ETC.
[ a very small sample ]

The Addicted Mind— “The Neuroscience of Addiction” ( Sep 18, 2023 episode )
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-addicted-mind-podcast/id1268632042?i=1000628227918

Addiction Unlimited— “Coping With Cravings” ( Aug 23, 2023 episode )
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addiction-unlimited/id1368702869?i=1000625412364

BOOKS TO AID RECOVERY
[ two I like ]

The Biology of Desire, by Marc Lewis, PhD ( 2015 )—
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marc-lewis-phd/the-biology-of-desire/9781610397124/?lens=publicaffairs

Already Free, by Bruce Tift, LMFT ( 2015 )—
https://www.brucetift.com/already-free-book/

RECOVERY TREATMENT CENTERS
[ out-patient & in-patient; partial list ] :

   Alta Mira Recovery Programs (Sausalito)— both out-patient & in-patient

   Bayside Marin Treatment Center (San Rafael)— both out-patient & in-patient

   Marina Harbor Detox (San Francisco)— both out-patient & in-patient

{ Each of these centers describes their services as in-patient residential, with medically assisted detox, and “holistic” care. You may notice that these three are more expensive than other programs that focus on 12-step recovery, and that is typical. In general, most 12-step programs are targeted, not holistic (which makes them less expensive). If you’d like a longer list including more affordable 12-step choices, I can facilitate that as well. Contact me. Hope that feels supportive. Best wishes in wellness.   –Chris Doorley }