Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFinal VerdictCompare ProgramsHow to ChooseFAQsMethodology
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Final Verdict
Compare Programs
How to Choose
FAQs
Methodology
If you’re looking for the best programs to quit drinking, themethod you choosewill depend largely on your personal circumstances and the health benefits you seek. Options include self-help programs,online therapy, medication-assisted treatments, in-person therapy, counseling organizations, and support groups.While some options are best for those withunderlying mental health disorders, others will be better for those who drink to managelife stress.We’ve rounded up the best programs to help you quit drinking. If you are unsure which of the following services to use, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit SAMHSA’sonline treatment locator. They can direct you to resources in your area or provide advice on options.
If you’re looking for the best programs to quit drinking, themethod you choosewill depend largely on your personal circumstances and the health benefits you seek. Options include self-help programs,online therapy, medication-assisted treatments, in-person therapy, counseling organizations, and support groups.
While some options are best for those withunderlying mental health disorders, others will be better for those who drink to managelife stress.
We’ve rounded up the best programs to help you quit drinking. If you are unsure which of the following services to use, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit SAMHSA’sonline treatment locator. They can direct you to resources in your area or provide advice on options.
Best Overall: Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
Smart Recovery
Learn More
Key Specs
Why We Chose It
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) offers a comprehensive approach to help you stop drinking that meets the needs of different types of people seeking to quit. There are specific groups for veterans, LGBTQ+ communities, and more.
Pros & Cons
ProsIn-person meetings available with locator toolOnline resources with videos and podcastsSupport for family and friendsConsComprehensive focus on mental health beyond addiction may not meet all needsNot all online meetings provide attendance verification
ProsIn-person meetings available with locator toolOnline resources with videos and podcastsSupport for family and friends
In-person meetings available with locator tool
Online resources with videos and podcasts
Support for family and friends
ConsComprehensive focus on mental health beyond addiction may not meet all needsNot all online meetings provide attendance verification
Comprehensive focus on mental health beyond addiction may not meet all needs
Not all online meetings provide attendance verification
Overview
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a nonprofit organization offering a four-point program: motivation for change; dealing with urges; what to do about unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and actions; and how to achieve balance in life.
The SMART program is based on the idea that substance use is a way to cope with life stressors that begins as a coping strategy but becomes a problem. The program makes use of research on addiction to help participants achieve abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
SMART support group meetings are available worldwide and focus on self-empowerment and making healthy lifestyle changes. They are designed to help you learn ways to change your approach to life so that you don’t need addictive behaviors to cope. In other words, once you become happier and more content with your daily life, substance use won’t need to be a part of it.
In addition to healthy lifestyle changes, group meetings focus on developing the motivation to change. Members learn how beliefs keep them stuck and emotions trigger them to use alcohol or substances. Finding pleasure in other activities is one cornerstone of the program.
SMART meetings are free for members, but donations are collected at every meeting to help support the organization.
Best Free: Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most recognizable free options for people seeking to stop drinking. Both in-person and online meetings are available.
ProsProvides self-assessment tools to help you identify your needs12-step program offers structureSupport, connection and community are foundationalConsSpiritual approach of AA isn’t for everyoneAnonymity is protected but may not always be practical
ProsProvides self-assessment tools to help you identify your needs12-step program offers structureSupport, connection and community are foundational
Provides self-assessment tools to help you identify your needs
12-step program offers structure
Support, connection and community are foundational
ConsSpiritual approach of AA isn’t for everyoneAnonymity is protected but may not always be practical
Spiritual approach of AA isn’t for everyone
Anonymity is protected but may not always be practical
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known organization dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction achieve sobriety. Its groups run worldwide and are open to anyone looking to beat a drinking problem.
The organization was started in 1935 with the mission of bringing relief to those struggling with alcohol use. In general, AA operates with the understanding that members work toward the greater good of the group, as well as spread the message to others who may need help.
Local Alcoholics Anonymous groups can be found through the organization’s website via a location-based search. Online gatherings and meetings are also available.
While meetings are free to join, donations from members are accepted to help support local chapters.
Best for Women: Women for Sobriety (WFS)
Women for Sobriety
Women for Sobriety (WFS) offers substance use recovery programs designed specifically for people who identify as women. It offers both in-person and online support groups.
ProsIncludes body-focused healing (nutrition, exercise)Offers daily meditations providing focus and structureProvides strong peer supportConsIn-person meetings aren’t available in all areasProgress may not be as clear-cut as with other programsMay not be as private as preferred
ProsIncludes body-focused healing (nutrition, exercise)Offers daily meditations providing focus and structureProvides strong peer support
Includes body-focused healing (nutrition, exercise)
Offers daily meditations providing focus and structure
Provides strong peer support
ConsIn-person meetings aren’t available in all areasProgress may not be as clear-cut as with other programsMay not be as private as preferred
In-person meetings aren’t available in all areas
Progress may not be as clear-cut as with other programs
May not be as private as preferred
The WFS programs are based on “acceptance statements” that help women to achieve emotional and spiritual growth and engage in better thinking patterns. Members are given a list of 13 statements that they must review each morning. They are also asked to choose one statement for the day that they will focus on.
The program is based on healthy coping mechanisms (diet, exercise, relaxation), positive reinforcement, and cognitive restructuring. The goal of the program and the groups is to empower women to make changes in their lives to achieve sobriety.
Meetings and chat groups are free to attend. Donations of roughly $2 to $5 per meeting are suggested, but no one is ever turned away if they can’t afford to donate.
Best Secular Option: Secular Organizations for Sobriety
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) offers meaningful options for people who want to quit drinking without an overtly spiritual framework. It’s proven successful for people who are seeking a different path to sobriety.
ProsProgram aligns with other groupsNumerous online meetings availableOffers options for those uncomfortable with faith-based programsConsFocus on individual may not meet needs of those seeking communitySome groups focus on addictions other than alcohol
ProsProgram aligns with other groupsNumerous online meetings availableOffers options for those uncomfortable with faith-based programs
Program aligns with other groups
Numerous online meetings available
Offers options for those uncomfortable with faith-based programs
ConsFocus on individual may not meet needs of those seeking communitySome groups focus on addictions other than alcohol
Focus on individual may not meet needs of those seeking community
Some groups focus on addictions other than alcohol
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) is a nonprofit, international network of local, non-professional groups operating autonomously to help individuals achieve sobriety from alcohol, drugs, food, and other addictions.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety offers an alternative path to the faith-based 12-step model. The groups that operate within the framework welcome anyone looking to find a path to sobriety, including those who are religious. However, they are run in a secular setting.
In opposition to the traditional 12-step model, Secular Organizations for Sobriety place the locus of control for achieving and/or maintaining a sober lifestyle within the individual. This means that when sobriety is achieved, the credit for this achievement also rests with the individual.
The network accepts and respects any path that is chosen toward sobriety and is not opposed to or in competition with programs offered through other networks (such as Alcoholics Anonymous). Rather, any path to sobriety that the individual chooses is respected in this model.
Group meetings that fall within the network for S.O.S. are held throughout the world in different cities. If there is not a meeting near you, it is possible to start a new group. They are free to join.
Best for Social Connections: LoosidLoosidLearn MoreKey SpecsProgram Type:App with chat groups, resources, sobriety tipsProvider:Loosid companyCost:Basic app is free; fees for additional services varyWhy We Chose ItThe Loosid approach is based on celebrating sobriety as a preferred lifestyle. The app offers access to resources and relationships that build a community around an alcohol-free life.Pros & ConsProsApp offers alcohol-free dating and nightlife tipsTools to track sobriety, generate reports, and communicate with caregiversConsPeople with technology challenges may have trouble using the appOnus is on user to access dating features safelyOverviewThe Loosid app is designed to connect people seeking sobriety with others on the same journey. The motto of Loosid is “sober shouldn’t be somber.” This means that those who choose sobriety don’t need to resign themselves to also losing their social connections.The Loosid app includes chat groups for meeting other people in your local area who are practicing sobriety. In addition, the app has a Sobriety Help component with tips on how to stay sober and what to do after a relapse.Loosid also includes Boozeless Guides to help you find restaurants, travel destinations, or events that make it easy not to drink alcohol. There is also a dating community for those looking for others who are practicing sobriety and looking for a relationship.Loosid community members also operate 24/7 hotline support groups to help people with recovery, relapse, getting through bad days, resisting urges, and dealing with holidays or other triggers.Loosid is best if you are worried about losing the social aspect that you connect with alcohol. The Loosid app is free for anyone to download and use.
Best for Social Connections: Loosid
Loosid
The Loosid approach is based on celebrating sobriety as a preferred lifestyle. The app offers access to resources and relationships that build a community around an alcohol-free life.
ProsApp offers alcohol-free dating and nightlife tipsTools to track sobriety, generate reports, and communicate with caregiversConsPeople with technology challenges may have trouble using the appOnus is on user to access dating features safely
ProsApp offers alcohol-free dating and nightlife tipsTools to track sobriety, generate reports, and communicate with caregivers
App offers alcohol-free dating and nightlife tips
Tools to track sobriety, generate reports, and communicate with caregivers
ConsPeople with technology challenges may have trouble using the appOnus is on user to access dating features safely
People with technology challenges may have trouble using the app
Onus is on user to access dating features safely
The Loosid app is designed to connect people seeking sobriety with others on the same journey. The motto of Loosid is “sober shouldn’t be somber.” This means that those who choose sobriety don’t need to resign themselves to also losing their social connections.
The Loosid app includes chat groups for meeting other people in your local area who are practicing sobriety. In addition, the app has a Sobriety Help component with tips on how to stay sober and what to do after a relapse.
Loosid also includes Boozeless Guides to help you find restaurants, travel destinations, or events that make it easy not to drink alcohol. There is also a dating community for those looking for others who are practicing sobriety and looking for a relationship.
Loosid community members also operate 24/7 hotline support groups to help people with recovery, relapse, getting through bad days, resisting urges, and dealing with holidays or other triggers.
Loosid is best if you are worried about losing the social aspect that you connect with alcohol. The Loosid app is free for anyone to download and use.
Best for Busy People: Self Recovery
Self Recovery
The Self Recovery program offers a self-paced, online program that’s meant to facilitate your success in quitting alcohol while protecting your privacy. It’s built on real-life application of techniques and principles learned in the online lessons.
ProsFlexible (but requires a 1-hour daily commitment)Science-based approach can work alongside other modelsFocus is on overall psychological well-beingConsMonthly fee may be a barrier to someDoes not accept insuranceMay not be the best choice for those seeking community support
ProsFlexible (but requires a 1-hour daily commitment)Science-based approach can work alongside other modelsFocus is on overall psychological well-being
Flexible (but requires a 1-hour daily commitment)
Science-based approach can work alongside other models
Focus is on overall psychological well-being
ConsMonthly fee may be a barrier to someDoes not accept insuranceMay not be the best choice for those seeking community support
Monthly fee may be a barrier to some
Does not accept insurance
May not be the best choice for those seeking community support
Self Recovery uses a holistic treatment model that considers the underlying causes of addiction and incorporates these into a self-help program. The program also takes into account life stressors such as busy schedules, family obligations, financial problems, and judgment from others.
The program is delivered fully online and on-demand, enabling private access to recovery for those with a busy schedule. The goal of Self Recovery is to help you understand what has caused your addiction and to use evidence-based strategies to recover in the context of real life, including your family, career, relationships, etc.
Self Recovery has the aim that everyone can achieve deep and lasting change in their choices and beliefs. Through its holistic and scientific approach, Dr. Hochman aims to translate addiction recovery from the one-on-one treatment sphere into an easily accessible self-help program.
Best for Comorbid Mental Health Conditions: The Recovery Village
Recovery Village
The Recovery Village’s offerings are designed for those who may need more care for substance use and mental health issues. The options range from app-driven telehealth appointments to inpatient and residential treatment.
ProsWide-ranging options for treatment and recoveryExpertise in dual diagnosesHas a 24-hour help lineConsMore comprehensive care options are costlySpecialized care is limited to military and first responders, with some LGBTQ+ options
ProsWide-ranging options for treatment and recoveryExpertise in dual diagnosesHas a 24-hour help line
Wide-ranging options for treatment and recovery
Expertise in dual diagnoses
Has a 24-hour help line
ConsMore comprehensive care options are costlySpecialized care is limited to military and first responders, with some LGBTQ+ options
More comprehensive care options are costly
Specialized care is limited to military and first responders, with some LGBTQ+ options
The Recovery Village offers teletherapy and telepsychiatry with licensed professionals and has locations across the United States. Its comprehensive treatment programs address not only substance use but also any other accompanying mental health disorders. In this way, The Recovery Village offers a full spectrum of care for your path to recovery.
Some of the services that you can expect to access through The Recovery Village include medical detox services, residential services, outpatient programs, mental health counseling, personalized addiction recovery plans, and aftercare programs. The entire treatment model is based on evidence-based addiction treatment and the delivery of high-quality care.
The Recovery Village is focused on lifelong wellness, respectful and compassionate treatment provision, and long-term recovery. The company holds the value that anyone can recover and that treatment should address both physical and psychological concerns.
A fee-based program, The Recovery Village provides access to addiction experts, social workers, registered nurses, and licensed mental health therapists.
The best program to quit drinking is the one that delivers results for your unique situation, and it varies from person to person. However, our top pick is Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) because of how effective it is for a variety of people. The SMART organization helps you to change your approach to life and offers a holistic, long-lasting solution to alcohol use.
Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the best options for group support because of its long history and wide availability. For those who prefer a comprehensive program that addresses mental health, consider The Recovery Village.
Compare the Best Programs to Quit Drinking
Guide to Choosing the Best Program to Quit Drinking
If you’ve decided to explore programs to help you quit drinking, you’ve taken an important first step in a journey of abstinence, treatment, and recovery. That journey is different for each person who chooses to stop drinking, with some people seeking to make a healthy lifestyle change while others face the daunting challenges of lifelong addiction.
It’s a good idea to research your options so you’ll understand what’s available to you, including:
Individual circumstances lead to decisions about whether residential treatment is appropriate or if an app to connect with care will do. It’s how you’ll decide whether a spiritually-based support group is important to your success or not a good fit for your needs.
Be sure to discuss your decision with a trusted healthcare provider because quitting drinking may have its own health impacts or affect another underlying medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most effective ways to stop drinking will bedifferent for each person, depending on the severity of the addiction. For those with a physical dependency on alcohol, residential treatment with medical detox might be best combined with addiction counseling. If your drinking is problematic but not severe, self-help support such as community groups and learning about coping strategies may be effective.
How long it takes to quit drinking will depend on the severity and nature of your drinking problem, your readiness for change, and the modalities that you choose to quit. If you opt to enter a residential treatment facility, your stay may last a month or longer. Outpatient treatment could last anywhere from a few months to over a year. If you choose to quit on your own or with a community group, you may find that you need to continue to engage in ongoing ways. Sobriety typically is a lifelong process.
Theinitial period of detoxwill range from about a week to longer depending on the severity of your drinking. For those withmild to moderate drinkingissues, this may include sleeping problems or anxiety. For those with severe alcohol use disorder, this may include a variety of physical, emotional, and psychiatric symptoms. Serious withdrawal symptoms (i.e.delirium tremens) requiremedical treatment.
Learn More:How to Maintain a Social Life When You’re Quitting Drinking
The best programs to quit drinking were chosen based on accessibility (i.e., whether organizations offer online services or in-person meetings), the use of evidence-based practices, and overall community support. If you are trying to choose the best method for yourself, it’s important to consider your situation and what level of support you will need.
3 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.Volenik A.Spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.Psychiatr Danub. 2021;33(Suppl 4):974-980.Long D, Long B, Koyfman A.The emergency medicine management of severe alcohol withdrawal.Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(7):1005-1011. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2017.02.002Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Witbrodt J, Mericle AA, Polcin DL, Kaskutas LA.Testing a socioecological model of relapse and recovery from alcohol problems.Subst Abuse Res Treat. 2020;14:1178221820933631. doi:10.1177/1178221820933631
3 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.Volenik A.Spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.Psychiatr Danub. 2021;33(Suppl 4):974-980.Long D, Long B, Koyfman A.The emergency medicine management of severe alcohol withdrawal.Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(7):1005-1011. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2017.02.002Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Witbrodt J, Mericle AA, Polcin DL, Kaskutas LA.Testing a socioecological model of relapse and recovery from alcohol problems.Subst Abuse Res Treat. 2020;14:1178221820933631. doi:10.1177/1178221820933631
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.
Volenik A.Spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.Psychiatr Danub. 2021;33(Suppl 4):974-980.Long D, Long B, Koyfman A.The emergency medicine management of severe alcohol withdrawal.Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(7):1005-1011. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2017.02.002Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Witbrodt J, Mericle AA, Polcin DL, Kaskutas LA.Testing a socioecological model of relapse and recovery from alcohol problems.Subst Abuse Res Treat. 2020;14:1178221820933631. doi:10.1177/1178221820933631
Volenik A.Spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.Psychiatr Danub. 2021;33(Suppl 4):974-980.
Long D, Long B, Koyfman A.The emergency medicine management of severe alcohol withdrawal.Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(7):1005-1011. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2017.02.002
Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Witbrodt J, Mericle AA, Polcin DL, Kaskutas LA.Testing a socioecological model of relapse and recovery from alcohol problems.Subst Abuse Res Treat. 2020;14:1178221820933631. doi:10.1177/1178221820933631
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