Online addiction support groups are designed to help members successfully manage their recovery fromalcohol abuseorsubstance use disorder. These “sober clubs” have been found to improve treatment engagement while also positively affecting alcohol or drug cravings and increasing participants' beliefs that they can achieve their goals.With so many options available, you may be wondering which one is best suited to your needs. Based on our review, seven online addiction support groups stand out as being among the best. Here they are, as well as their pros and cons.The 7 Best Online Sober ClubsBest Overall:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)Best CBT-Based:Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)Best Sobriety and Recovery App:LoosidBest Secular Group:LifeRingBest for Mindfulness:Club SodaBest for Women:Women for Sobriety (WFS)Best Group Coaching Program:Tempest
Online addiction support groups are designed to help members successfully manage their recovery fromalcohol abuseorsubstance use disorder. These “sober clubs” have been found to improve treatment engagement while also positively affecting alcohol or drug cravings and increasing participants' beliefs that they can achieve their goals.With so many options available, you may be wondering which one is best suited to your needs. Based on our review, seven online addiction support groups stand out as being among the best. Here they are, as well as their pros and cons.
Online addiction support groups are designed to help members successfully manage their recovery fromalcohol abuseorsubstance use disorder. These “sober clubs” have been found to improve treatment engagement while also positively affecting alcohol or drug cravings and increasing participants' beliefs that they can achieve their goals.
With so many options available, you may be wondering which one is best suited to your needs. Based on our review, seven online addiction support groups stand out as being among the best. Here they are, as well as their pros and cons.
The 7 Best Online Sober ClubsBest Overall:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)Best CBT-Based:Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)Best Sobriety and Recovery App:LoosidBest Secular Group:LifeRingBest for Mindfulness:Club SodaBest for Women:Women for Sobriety (WFS)Best Group Coaching Program:Tempest
Best Online Addiction Support GroupsView AllBest Online Addiction Support GroupsOur Top PicksAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)LoosidLifeRingClub SodaWomen for Sobriety (WFS)TempestSee More (4)Final VerdictCompare The Best Online Sobriety Support GroupsFAQsMethodology
Best Online Addiction Support GroupsView All
View All
Best Online Addiction Support Groups
Final Verdict
Compare The Best Online Sobriety Support Groups
FAQs
Methodology
Best Overall:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics AnonymousSign Up Now
Alcoholics Anonymous
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Membership fee: Free, donations acceptedStructure: In-person and online meetings
Why We Chose It
Free to anyone who wishes to participate, Alcoholics Anonymous is known for its 12-step process and welcoming community.
Pros & Cons
ProsLong history of support with people who have alcohol addictionFree to participate in meetingsOffers both in-person and online meetingsConsRequires regular attendanceMay not be suitable for those who can’t commit to its 12-step program
ProsLong history of support with people who have alcohol addictionFree to participate in meetingsOffers both in-person and online meetings
Long history of support with people who have alcohol addiction
Free to participate in meetings
Offers both in-person and online meetings
ConsRequires regular attendanceMay not be suitable for those who can’t commit to its 12-step program
Requires regular attendance
May not be suitable for those who can’t commit to its 12-step program
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international association for anyone who has ever had a problem with alcohol. It is open to anyone regardless of gender, age, or background and is available worldwide.
Founded in 1935, AA follows a 12-step program based on spiritual principles, including the following:
AA also operates on the tradition that the group’s common welfare comes first, and the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking. Ultimately, the goal of the group is to carry its message to alcoholics who are still suffering.
There is no fee to join AA, but members accept donations to help support local groups since they do not accept outside contributions.
Best CBT-Based:Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
SMART RecoverySign Up Now
SMART Recovery
Membership fee: Free, donations acceptedStructure: Online forum, in-person and online meetings
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) aims to support through self-empowerment and motivation with a focus on education and mental health.
ProsBased heavily on addiction researchStrong psychological focusOffers both in-person and online meetings locallyConsMay not be ideal for those not familiar with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
ProsBased heavily on addiction researchStrong psychological focusOffers both in-person and online meetings locally
Based heavily on addiction research
Strong psychological focus
Offers both in-person and online meetings locally
ConsMay not be ideal for those not familiar with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
May not be ideal for those not familiar with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) offers global support meetings for recovery from addiction through self-empowerment. The goal of the program is to promote abstinence from alcohol and other substances through positive lifestyle changes. It’s designed to empower individuals and transform lives from self-destructive to positive, constructive, and enjoyable.
The premise of SMART is that addiction serves a purpose in coping in the short-term with life problems but turns into a long-term problem. It’s based heavily on addiction research and focuses on a four-point program involving the following components: motivation to change, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and living a balanced lifestyle.
Meeting facilitators follow a structured program focusing on mental health and education. They are not focused on the past but the present and future.
SMART meetings are free to attend, but donations are accepted near the end of every meeting.
Best Sobriety and Recovery App:Loosid
LoosidSign Up Now
Loosid
Membership fee: FreeStructure: Social network (app), hotline support groups, in-person events
Loosid offers a variety of online tools for support and provides interaction with others to encourage connections and networking while enjoying a sober lifestyle.
ProsOffers app and social networking24/7 hotline support groupsOffers resources and recovery toolsConsDepending on your location, there may not be a large network in the dating section of app
ProsOffers app and social networking24/7 hotline support groupsOffers resources and recovery tools
Offers app and social networking
24/7 hotline support groups
Offers resources and recovery tools
ConsDepending on your location, there may not be a large network in the dating section of app
Depending on your location, there may not be a large network in the dating section of app
Loosid is a community for people looking to thrive and enjoy fun events and activities while abstaining from alcohol and other substances.
With Loosid, this includes “Boozeless Guides” that direct you to places you can go where there will be no pressure to drink alcohol, such as restaurants, events, and travel spots. The company also offers a sober dating community for those who are single and looking to met someone.
The group’s motto is “Sober shouldn’t be somber,” reflecting the idea that people can still have fun even while not drinking alcohol or using other substances. This is best for people who feel as though their life will be lacking excitement if they are sober.
Loosid offers chat groups to help sober people meet one another where they live, make new sober friendships, and find people to do activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. In addition to its social components, Loosid also works as a recovery app, with a Sobriety Help feature to help individuals work through a recent relapse and how people can maintain sobriety.
The Loosid app is free to download.
Best Secular Group:LifeRing
LifeRingSign Up Now
LifeRing
Membership fee: Free, donations acceptedStructure: Online and in-person meetings, email groups
LifeRing offers online and in-person meetings that promote self-empowerment rather than belief in a higher power, making it a good alternative to faith-based recovery groups.
Promotes self-help and self-empowerment
Offers social networking
LifeRing promotes an abstinent lifestyle through self-empowerment rather than belief in a higher power. Its three principles are sobriety, secularity, and self-help.
While members may also attend different groups or follow other sobriety teachings, some people come to LifeRing after finding that other programs did not work for them. LifeRing focuses on the present day rather than the past and promotes the idea that what will work for each person is unique.
LifeRing offers online meetings and email groups. There is no cost to join LifeRing, but donations are accepted.
Best for Mindfulness:Club Soda
Club SodaSign Up Now
Club Soda
Membership fee: Online community is free; courses start at about $50Structure: Facebook and Slack groups, in-person events, courses
Promoting a mindfulness approach to sobriety, Club Soda offers live events worldwide to help connect people who want to cut down, stop briefly, or quit drinking altogether.
ProsGrowing network worldwideHosts in-person eventsOffers searchable guide to alternatives to drinking alcoholConsNo inherent support built into program, best as a supplement to another sobriety support group
ProsGrowing network worldwideHosts in-person eventsOffers searchable guide to alternatives to drinking alcohol
Growing network worldwide
Hosts in-person events
Offers searchable guide to alternatives to drinking alcohol
ConsNo inherent support built into program, best as a supplement to another sobriety support group
No inherent support built into program, best as a supplement to another sobriety support group
Club Soda is based in the U.K. but has members worldwide and hosts Mindful Drinking Festivals. It also works with the hospitality industry to encourage more offerings to people who choose not to drink alcohol.
Club Soda is a great group option if you are looking for live events that you can attend, a mindfulness approach to sobriety, as well as a searchable guide to alternatives to drinking alcohol. Club Soda might be best used as an add-on resource to other sobriety groups or 12-step programs since there is no inherent support group built into the program.
Club Soda courses cost around $50 each, and donations are accepted from members.
Best for Women:Women for Sobriety (WFS)
Women for Sobriety LogoSign Up Now
Women for Sobriety Logo
Membership fee: Free, donations collectedStructure: In-person meetings, online forum, phone support
Women for Sobriety focuses on strategies that prioritize self-empowerment to overcome addiction and uses positive affirmations and mantras for self-value and emotional growth.
Focus on self-empowerment
Volunteers serve as phone contacts for those who need more individualized support
ConsSome may find it difficult to commit to the program’s 12 Acceptance Statements
Some may find it difficult to commit to the program’s 12 Acceptance Statements
The program’s foundation comes from a sociologist who believed that addiction among women could be traced toloss of identity, competing roles in society, and lowself-esteem,depression, andguilt.
Some of the group’s strategies include positive reinforcement, cognitive restructuring, relaxation, diet, and exercise. With these tactics, there is a focus on self-empowerment to overcome addiction.
The program is based on 13 Acceptance Statements encouraging spiritual and emotional growth. When these mantras are internalized, they provide a new way of thinking. Members are asked to wake up 15 minutes early each day, go over the 13 acceptance statements, and think about each one. Then, they are to choose one statement to focus on for the day.
There is no cost to attend meetings. However, silent donations are collected at all meetings, and the suggested amount is about $2 to $5.
Best Group Coaching Program:TempestTempest LogoSign Up NowKey SpecsMembership fee: Starts at about $59 a month; coaching starts at $199 (for four sessions)Structure: Online community, virtual support groups, daily emails, courses, one-on-one coaching sessionsWhy We Chose ItTempest offers 24/7 support and access to coaches that can help personalize a plan and help you stay on track to achieve recovery from addiction.Pros & ConsProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorderConsPriceyTempest is a unique membership-based sobriety support group focused on helping individuals free themselves from addiction.The basic level of membership, named “Core” ($59/month), offers 24/7 access to a private online community and virtual support groups/events, as well as building your own personalized Tempest Recovery Roadmap and daily affirmation emails. Their “Intensive” level is available as an add-on for a one-time payment of $399 and offers a four-week intensive, clinically proven program to help change your relationship with alcohol forever.Tempest members also have the option to sign up for Accountability Coaching. For $199, you’ll receive four sessions with a trauma-informed Tempest coach to help identify your goals and create a plan to stay on track and achieve them.Tempest’s membership focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and how they show up in people’s lives, how addiction affects all areas of your life, and why creativity, meaning, and purpose are crucial to breaking addiction.Tempest operates under the assumption that addiction is the result of trying to escape from something else but that alcohol eventually becomes a problem on its own. For this reason, the membership programs involve looking deeply at the underlying causes of addiction, in addition to the secondary problem (the addiction itself).Visit their website for membership discounts when you sign up in-full.
Best Group Coaching Program:Tempest
Tempest LogoSign Up NowKey SpecsMembership fee: Starts at about $59 a month; coaching starts at $199 (for four sessions)Structure: Online community, virtual support groups, daily emails, courses, one-on-one coaching sessionsWhy We Chose ItTempest offers 24/7 support and access to coaches that can help personalize a plan and help you stay on track to achieve recovery from addiction.Pros & ConsProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorderConsPriceyTempest is a unique membership-based sobriety support group focused on helping individuals free themselves from addiction.The basic level of membership, named “Core” ($59/month), offers 24/7 access to a private online community and virtual support groups/events, as well as building your own personalized Tempest Recovery Roadmap and daily affirmation emails. Their “Intensive” level is available as an add-on for a one-time payment of $399 and offers a four-week intensive, clinically proven program to help change your relationship with alcohol forever.Tempest members also have the option to sign up for Accountability Coaching. For $199, you’ll receive four sessions with a trauma-informed Tempest coach to help identify your goals and create a plan to stay on track and achieve them.Tempest’s membership focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and how they show up in people’s lives, how addiction affects all areas of your life, and why creativity, meaning, and purpose are crucial to breaking addiction.Tempest operates under the assumption that addiction is the result of trying to escape from something else but that alcohol eventually becomes a problem on its own. For this reason, the membership programs involve looking deeply at the underlying causes of addiction, in addition to the secondary problem (the addiction itself).Visit their website for membership discounts when you sign up in-full.
Tempest LogoSign Up Now
Tempest Logo
Key SpecsMembership fee: Starts at about $59 a month; coaching starts at $199 (for four sessions)Structure: Online community, virtual support groups, daily emails, courses, one-on-one coaching sessionsWhy We Chose ItTempest offers 24/7 support and access to coaches that can help personalize a plan and help you stay on track to achieve recovery from addiction.Pros & ConsProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorderConsPriceyTempest is a unique membership-based sobriety support group focused on helping individuals free themselves from addiction.The basic level of membership, named “Core” ($59/month), offers 24/7 access to a private online community and virtual support groups/events, as well as building your own personalized Tempest Recovery Roadmap and daily affirmation emails. Their “Intensive” level is available as an add-on for a one-time payment of $399 and offers a four-week intensive, clinically proven program to help change your relationship with alcohol forever.Tempest members also have the option to sign up for Accountability Coaching. For $199, you’ll receive four sessions with a trauma-informed Tempest coach to help identify your goals and create a plan to stay on track and achieve them.Tempest’s membership focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and how they show up in people’s lives, how addiction affects all areas of your life, and why creativity, meaning, and purpose are crucial to breaking addiction.Tempest operates under the assumption that addiction is the result of trying to escape from something else but that alcohol eventually becomes a problem on its own. For this reason, the membership programs involve looking deeply at the underlying causes of addiction, in addition to the secondary problem (the addiction itself).Visit their website for membership discounts when you sign up in-full.
Membership fee: Starts at about $59 a month; coaching starts at $199 (for four sessions)Structure: Online community, virtual support groups, daily emails, courses, one-on-one coaching sessions
Tempest offers 24/7 support and access to coaches that can help personalize a plan and help you stay on track to achieve recovery from addiction.
ProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorderConsPriceyTempest is a unique membership-based sobriety support group focused on helping individuals free themselves from addiction.The basic level of membership, named “Core” ($59/month), offers 24/7 access to a private online community and virtual support groups/events, as well as building your own personalized Tempest Recovery Roadmap and daily affirmation emails. Their “Intensive” level is available as an add-on for a one-time payment of $399 and offers a four-week intensive, clinically proven program to help change your relationship with alcohol forever.Tempest members also have the option to sign up for Accountability Coaching. For $199, you’ll receive four sessions with a trauma-informed Tempest coach to help identify your goals and create a plan to stay on track and achieve them.Tempest’s membership focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and how they show up in people’s lives, how addiction affects all areas of your life, and why creativity, meaning, and purpose are crucial to breaking addiction.Tempest operates under the assumption that addiction is the result of trying to escape from something else but that alcohol eventually becomes a problem on its own. For this reason, the membership programs involve looking deeply at the underlying causes of addiction, in addition to the secondary problem (the addiction itself).Visit their website for membership discounts when you sign up in-full.
ProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorderConsPricey
ProsHolistic approach to recoveryOffers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessionsPrivate online communityOnly digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorder
Holistic approach to recovery
Offers educational resources, and one-on-one coaching sessions
Private online community
Only digital recovery program clinically-proven to reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorder
ConsPricey
Pricey
Tempest is a unique membership-based sobriety support group focused on helping individuals free themselves from addiction.
The basic level of membership, named “Core” ($59/month), offers 24/7 access to a private online community and virtual support groups/events, as well as building your own personalized Tempest Recovery Roadmap and daily affirmation emails. Their “Intensive” level is available as an add-on for a one-time payment of $399 and offers a four-week intensive, clinically proven program to help change your relationship with alcohol forever.
Tempest members also have the option to sign up for Accountability Coaching. For $199, you’ll receive four sessions with a trauma-informed Tempest coach to help identify your goals and create a plan to stay on track and achieve them.
Tempest’s membership focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and how they show up in people’s lives, how addiction affects all areas of your life, and why creativity, meaning, and purpose are crucial to breaking addiction.
Tempest operates under the assumption that addiction is the result of trying to escape from something else but that alcohol eventually becomes a problem on its own. For this reason, the membership programs involve looking deeply at the underlying causes of addiction, in addition to the secondary problem (the addiction itself).
Visit their website for membership discounts when you sign up in-full.
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Finding support while you’re dealing with addiction or alcohol use disorder can be challenging and overwhelming. Friends and family members may offer help but a structured group or program can be more effective in providing a plan that can keep you on track toward your goal of recovery. Online sobriety groups can offer you a good support system. It provides a safe space for sharing your experiences and challenges, while also offering a new network to connect with as you try to live a sober lifestyle. Many of the online groups here offer 24/7 access to an online community and resources and tools that can help motivate and guide you. Best of all, most of these online sobriety groups require no membership fees. Which one you choose will ultimately depend on your personal needs and goals.
What Are Online Sobriety Support Groups?
Sobriety support groups are organizations dedicated to helping those seeking a sober life connect with other like-minded individuals and find ways to jumpstart their new lifestyle. Sobriety support groups are not the same as treatment facilities and should not substitute for addiction treatment.
Is an Online Sobriety Support Group Right for Me?
A sobriety support group might be right for you if you are seeking a connection with others who are also looking to maintain sobriety, as well as resources specific to the addiction recovery process.
How Are Online Sobriety Support Groups Structured?
Sobriety support groups can be structured in a variety of ways. Some involve a series of steps through which members must progress to complete the program. Others use apps or coaching programs to help members work on specific goals or psychological techniques to manage addiction’s underlying causes.
How Much Do Online Sobriety Support Groups Cost?
Do Sobriety Support Groups Accept Insurance?
Sobriety support groups generally do not accept insurance because they are not treatment facilities. However, most groups are free of charge or have nominal fees.
How We Chose the Best Online Sobriety Support Groups
The best sobriety support groups were chosen based on the history of the company or organization, the variety of resources offered, accessibility to the general public, and focus on a niche aspect of sobriety support. When choosing a sobriety group, it’s best to consider the specific needs you are looking to address. While Loosid and Club Soda are more geared toward socializing, LifeRing and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are focused on recovery.
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Article SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tracy K, Wallace SP.Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction.Substance Abuse Rehab. 2016;7:143-154. doi:10.2147/SAR.S81535
Article Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tracy K, Wallace SP.Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction.Substance Abuse Rehab. 2016;7:143-154. doi:10.2147/SAR.S81535
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tracy K, Wallace SP.Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction.Substance Abuse Rehab. 2016;7:143-154. doi:10.2147/SAR.S81535
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