Support Groups: Substance Use

SMART Recovery offers science-based, secular support groups for individuals seeking independence from substance use disorders. Meetings are available online or in-person throughout the greater Chicago area and are free of charge with no registration required. See their website for a list of meeting times and locations. 

Offers a wide variety of treatment services including detox, residential, and outpatient programming as well as self help and support programs that are open to patients and the community. NA meetings are held weekly, call for times and dates. Accepts most insurance providers and Medicaid.

Meetings for families and friends who have experienced the destructive behavior of someone near to them caused by an substance use disorder to come together and support one another through a 12-step recovery program. Meetings are available online or in-person at various locations listed on their website.

SMART Recovery provides support groups for those with a substance use disorder as well as a specific group for family members and friends of an individual with an substance use disorder. This group meets online Mondays at 8:00pm and Thursdays at 12:30pm. See their website to register.

Chicago AA hosts meetings across the greater Chicagoland Area for individuals with or recovering from an alcohol dependency. The purpose of the meetings are for individuals to work through the 12-steps of recovery in a supportive, understanding environment. For a full schedule of meeting times and locations, see the calendar on their website. 

Gay & Sober is an LGBTQ nonprofit organization with the purpose of encouraging unity and enhancing sobriety. Offers LGBTQ specific alcoholics anonymous meetings daily, at several locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. See the meeting finder section on their website to find an upcoming meeting near you.

In addition to offering healthcare services that seek to to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, Howard Brown Health offers substance use treatment and support groups. Groups are a way to improve mental health and address substance use concerns. Groups are open, which mean you can join at any time after completing an intake assessment. Common drugs discussed in this group include: crystal meth, alcohol, prescription pills, cocaine, and marijuana. 

Rainbow Recovery Group: Saturdays, 12pm. A group inclusive to all identities that discusses topics around substance use that correspond with each color on the rainbow flag. The group runs nine weeks and encourages exploring members own personal substance use and challenges. 

Harm Reduction Group: Mondays, 6-7:30pm. An affirming, non-judgmental group where clients can explore their substance use, get support, and learn tools to help them reach their goals.

Alumni Group: Wednesdays, 6-7pm. This group is for individuals who feel clear on their goals for substance use and have completed some therapy in Recovering with Pride or other substance treatment programs.