Building Community: How To Find Support Groups in Austin

If you’re getting sober and looking for support on your recovery journey, you aren’t alone. In fact, over 38% of the population of the United States identifies as sober.[1] Austin, Texas, is a modern city that offers a variety of groups and programs designed to help people like you during any and every stage of recovery, as well as those pursuing a long-term sober lifestyle who may be struggling to find community. Here are the most effective places and ways to find support groups in Austin, regardless of whether you’re looking for in-person meetings or virtual options.

Support Groups

People who have social connections with other like-minded people cope better during hard times.[2] This is why a support group is so valuable during recovery. A support group is a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who provide mutual support and encouragement to each other as they work through the myriad challenges related to addiction, mental health, or other areas of recovery.

These groups are often led by peers who have experienced similar situations and can offer actionable knowledge and strategies pertaining to the challenges at hand. These leaders help their group members maintain or achieve recovery by sharing their struggles and successes in a safe, non-judgmental environment. A group session may also incorporate coping skill training, learning how to improve distress tolerance, how to incorporate family members into your recovery, and more.

The primary goal of a support group is to create a sense of belonging and reduce isolation. This is a crucial component of successful recovery and breaking the cycle of addiction. Many support groups also focus on fostering accountability, building self-esteem, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

These groups may focus on a variety of issues, such as:

• Substance abuse or addiction recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are groups that focus on this topic.
• Mental health challenges (depression and anxiety, for example).
• Co-occurring disorders. This is a term used if you have both mental health and substance use issues.
• Grief or trauma recovery.
• Family support for loved ones affected by addiction or mental health issues.

Finding Support Groups in Austin

Finding a support group that fits your needs can be an important step toward healing. There are several ways to locate these resources. The first step is identifying your own needs. Realize that finding the right group is a personal journey that may require exploring several options before you find one that feels most comfortable and effective for you. Make sure you keep at it and don’t settle until you’re satisfied.

Here are some practical ways to find support:[3]

• SAMHSA (or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): SAMHSA’s free and confidential helpline is available 24/7 and provides referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and other recovery resources.[4] Their Treatment Locator Tool lets you search for local recovery services by zip code or state, including both in-person and virtual support groups. This is a great starting point if you’re looking for resources for addiction or mental health recovery.
• Local recovery centers and treatment facilities in Austin: Many recovery centers, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient treatment programs host their own support groups or have partnerships with local support groups in the community. These organizations can also connect you with other local resources and offer professional guidance following formal treatment.
• Community centers and churches in Austin: Many churches, community organizations, and local nonprofits run free support groups for people like you in recovery. These groups can offer a sense of community and spiritual support while providing the tools and space necessary for personal growth. In Austin, many churches host 12-step meetings and recovery-focused programs. Local community centers, like the Austin Public Health Department, may offer support groups for a variety of issues like addiction, mental health, and grief.[5]
• Hospitals and medical providers: Many hospitals, especially those with behavioral health departments or addiction treatment services, offer recovery support groups or can refer you to them. If you’re working with a counselor or psychiatrist, ask them for recommendations on local groups—healthcare providers often have relationships with support networks.
• Peer support networks: Peer-led recovery support groups are an essential part of many recovery journeys. Groups like Austin Peer Recovery and The Recovery Community offer peer support, often led by individuals who have personal experience in recovery. These groups can be especially helpful if you’re looking for a less formal, more community-oriented approach. Peer support networks often provide opportunities for both in-person and virtual meetings, making it easier to find a group that fits your schedule and needs.
• Online support groups and forums: Online support groups are a great option if you can’t attend in-person meetings. Websites like In The Rooms, SMART Recovery, or Sober Grid offer virtual recovery meetings, online forums, and interactive community spaces. These online communities often cover a range of issues, including addiction, mental health recovery, and personal growth. Reddit also hosts several recovery-related subreddits where users can offer advice, share their stories, and connect with others in similar situations.
• Social media and apps: Social media platforms can connect you to helpful virtual support groups. Facebook and other platforms under the Meta banner have numerous private groups for recovery, where members can share their stories and resources in a safe space. If you’re looking for more interactive meetings, some groups host live recovery sessions on Instagram or Facebook Live. Apps like Sober Grid or I Am Sober also provide a social network of people in recovery who can offer encouragement and advice. These apps often have built-in tracking tools to help you monitor your progress.
• Recommendations: Asking for recommendations from trusted people in your network can often lead to finding a support group that suits your needs. If you’re seeing a therapist, counselor, or caseworker, they likely have knowledge of local support groups and can offer personalized recommendations. And don’t forget about individuals in your existing support system, like friends and family who have experience with recovery, who may have valuable insights and suggestions. Recovery communities often grow through word-of-mouth, so ask around!
• Public libraries: Local libraries and universities can be excellent places to find support groups. Many libraries, like Austin Public Library, maintain bulletin boards or online community listings where local support groups may post their meeting times and contact information. Some libraries also host their own wellness events, including support groups for various issues.
• Hotlines and helplines: National and local helplines are an immediate resource for finding recovery support groups. The National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health can provide confidential advice, referrals, and information about local resources. Additionally, state and local helplines often have information about both in-person and virtual support groups in your area. In Texas, for example, Texas Recovery Support Services can guide you to various group options across the state.

The First Meeting

It’s normal to experience some social anxiety about your first meeting, but rest assured, we want to help! When you arrive at your first support group meeting, you’ll be greeted by people who understand what you’re going through. It’s intended to be an environment where you can feel safe and accepted. The meeting typically begins with a brief reading or a moment of reflection, which helps to set the tone and create a calm and focused atmosphere.

The facilitator will then go over the group’s guidelines, particularly around confidentiality, ensuring that what’s shared in the room stays in the room. As a newcomer, you’ll be encouraged to listen and absorb what others share, but you’re not expected to speak until you feel ready. The group dynamic usually involves members sharing their personal experiences. If you choose to speak, the focus will be on offering emotional support rather than giving advice at this point in time.

Meetings usually last an hour or an hour and a half. It will likely end with a brief reflection or a moment of silence. Some support or therapy groups may also provide additional resources or information about upcoming events. Now, it’s time to evaluate your experience, your feelings, and your needs. Should you return, you can continue to build connections and find the ongoing support you need. But don’t be afraid to continue looking until you find a support group that is right for you.

Help in Austin, Texas

You deserve a life free from the horror of substance abuse and a chance to reclaim your body and your mind and start fresh. Inpatient treatment centers in Austin offer a safe, structured environment designed to help you focus entirely on your wellness and recovery. Here, your only responsibility is to prioritize your healing and work toward lasting sobriety. The opportunity for a new life is waiting for you. It only requires the courage and strength to reach for it.