Maryland is a beautiful city on the Eastern Shore that’s home to millions of people who enjoy everything from hiking to sailing. But like any city around the country, not everyone is able to fully enjoy their time here without dealing with daily personal and emotional struggles.
Coping with issues like substance use disorders and other mental illnesses can feel incredibly isolating, taking the joy out of life. However, building deeper connections with others in the community who face similar hardships can be incredibly healing and empowering.
Luckily, Maryland has an extensive list of support groups and recovery meetings available to help you on your journey to living a healthier, safer, and more fulfilled life.
What Kind of Support Groups Are Available in Maryland?
If you’re not sure where to begin your search, it’s important to note that Maryland offers multiple categories of support for individuals suffering from all types of physical or mental conditions.
Peer-led support groups are typically the most common and easily accessible options for individuals. These groups are made up of individuals just like you who may be going through very similar experiences in life. This could be anything from understanding drug and alcohol addiction[1] to certain mental illnesses that create obstacles in life.
Many of these groups are free and are based on voluntary attendance and support, usually hosted by a peer support worker[2]. Common peer-led support groups include:
- 12-Step Programs: These are the most well-known type of peer support groups, often focused on recovery from alcohol or narcotics. They use a structured, 12-step model for recovery that is grounded in fundamental principles and long-term commitment. Some of these groups may have a spiritual element to them.
- Secular & Cognitive Groups: For individuals who prefer a non-spiritual, but equally empowering approach, secular or cognitive groups use tools led by trained clinical therapists and based on science and psychology (like Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy). They focus on managing thoughts, urges, and behaviors.
- Mental Health & Family Support: Other groups are organized around specific mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder. These provide a place to share coping strategies and feel understood. These groups are also focused on supporting the family members and caregivers of those living with mental illness.
Support Groups and Recovery Meetings Available Around the City
Maryland has a large network of support groups spread around the city, with the largest selection of in-person options typically centered around Baltimore and the areas bordering the D.C. metro. The city offers both virtual and regional chapters that all residents can access to get the support they need while connecting with similar peers.
Below is a list of the most visited support groups and recovery meetings available:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Twinbrook Big Book (Rockville): The Twinbrook Big Book group in Rockville offers a focused path to recovery within the Alcoholics Anonymous framework. This in-person meeting, held on Tuesday evenings, provides a structured environment for members who want to explore the program’s foundational literature and principles. This format is ideal for both newcomers and long-time members looking to reinforce their recovery efforts.
- Olney Stag Rap Men (Olney): Located in Olney, the Olney Stag Rap Men meeting is a specialized Alcoholics Anonymous group providing a dedicated space exclusively for men. This in-person meeting creates an environment where men can openly discuss personal challenges and recovery topics with a candor they might not find in a mixed-gender setting.
- Latinos de Maryland (Gaithersburg): The Latinos de Maryland group in Gaithersburg is an in-person Alcoholics Anonymous meeting conducted entirely in Spanish. This meeting provides a culturally competent and welcoming space where members can share experiences and work the 12 Steps in their native language.
- Nuevo Amanecer (Rockville): Based in Rockville, the Nuevo Amanecer (“New Dawn”) group is an in-person, Spanish-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. It provides a supportive, understanding environment where members can connect, share their stories, and explore the 12-Step program in a culturally familiar context.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- The Alternative (Bethesda): The Alternative is a Sunday evening Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Bethesda, held at Trinity Lutheran Church. It offers a flexible hybrid format, welcoming both in-person attendees and virtual participants. This discussion-based group is also noted as a “Candlelight” meeting and has a more reflective and intimate atmosphere where individuals can connect and share their recovery journey with others.
- Fear to Faith (Beltsville): The Fear to Faith Group is a Saturday afternoon Narcotics Anonymous meeting hosted at Emmanuel UMC in Beltsville. It is designated as an Open meeting, which means that friends, family, and interested members of the community are welcome to attend in support.
- Women Do Recover (Clinton): Women Do Recover is a specialized Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Clinton, held at Hope Lutheran Church on Friday evenings. This group is designated as a women-only meeting to help create a safe, confidential, and empowering space for women to focus on their unique recovery paths.
- Freedom in the Village (Montgomery Village): Freedom in the Village provides a helpful support option for the Montgomery Village community. This Narcotics Anonymous group meets every weekday morning, offering both virtual and in-person formats for better accessibility. Its format alternates between general discussions and focused sessions, allowing members to start their day with a strong positive reinforcement and peer connection.
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
- College Park General Meeting: The College Park SMART Recovery meeting is an in-person general meeting, held on Thursday evenings, and is open to anyone wanting support for any type of addictive behavior. Sessions are guided by a trained facilitator, who helps participants focus on SMART’s 4-Point Program, using cognitive tools to manage urges and create a more balanced life.
- Laurel Women Only Meeting: This online Laurel Recovery meeting, based out of Laurel, provides a dedicated and secure virtual space for women. Meeting on Wednesday nights, this women-only group allows participants to discuss their recovery challenges and successes in an environment of shared understanding. It uses SMART’s 4-Point Program and focuses on the specific experiences of women navigating addiction, all from the privacy of their home.
- Easton Family & Friends Support Group: The Easton SMART Recovery Family & Friends group is a resource for the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction. This online meeting, held on Wednesday evenings, provides a community for family and friends to learn effective communication strategies, set healthy boundaries, and manage their own stress, using SMART tools.
