You may have heard this before, but in recovery, you’re never alone. I’ve seen a lot of the world and experienced fellowship in so many wonderful locations. One thing that never changes in recovery is that you’re made to feel welcome at every support group. Just as addiction is a phenomenon found everywhere, so are the experience, strength, and hope of recovery from addiction. People in recovery come from all walks of life and all corners of the world. Some incredible destinations host powerful recovery communities across the globe.
Research has proven time and time again that 12-step groups are a vital part of getting and staying sober for millions of people. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been helping people stay sober for over 90 years and counting. Science now points to the power of supportive relationships in the program, i.e., fellowship and community, as a reason these support programs are so successful.
A recovery community can be a true home-away-from-home while away at treatment, on the road, or living as an expat. Many communities offer something special to their members, whether it’s the artist community at Burning Man or sober surfers in Costa Rica. Whoever you are and whatever hobbies you love, there’s space for it, and you are in recovery.
Safe, Inclusive Sober Spaces Around The World
Recovery meetings are an important way to stay sober, connect with others, and explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe space. Once you get sober, you don’t have to live in a vacuum! People from all walks of life and in all locales around the world have support meetings. Whether traveling abroad, attending a music festival, or staying at the surfside, there are many ways to meet new and exciting people in recovery.
International 12-Step Recovery Communities
Twelve-step recovery communities have established a global presence, offering support to people across the world who want to stay sober and live a better lifestyle without drugs or alcohol.
In countries like Spain, Mexico, and Thailand, 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have been well-established for decades. There are regular meetings in many major cities, providing accessible support networks for people in recovery to thrive.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Soberoo)
Bonnaroo, an annual music and arts festival in Tennessee, offers Soberoo, a dedicated sober camp for attendees in recovery or teetotalers. This lets attendees connect and enjoy the festival without peer pressure or being overwhelmed by triggers. This supportive space welcomes people in recovery to a space where they can bond over music, relax, and recharge. The recovery community within Soberoo helps festival attendees have a great time while keeping their commitment to their sobriety.
Bonnaroo also hosts daily 12-step meetings for attendees in recovery. Through this community, sober attendees can experience a concert without the stress of being surrounded by people who are using drugs or drinking.
Recovery Camps at Burning Man
Artists and free spirits find recovery and sober camaraderie in all sorts of places. During the world-famous Burning Man arts-and-culture festival, multiple recovery groups, such as Anonymous Camp, host daily meetings for attendees in recovery from addiction. These include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other 12-step groups.
If you’re looking for year-round 12-step meetings near the Black Rock Desert area, nearby cities like Reno, Nevada, have active 12-step communities. You can check AA’s official website or NA’s website for meetings near Reno or online options.
Nosara, Costa Rica’s “Sober Surfers” Meeting
Sand, surf, and sun are all good for your mental and physical health. That may be why the “Sober Surfers” group in Nosara, Costa Rica, is such a thriving group. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that when it found itself without a facility to meet, I started hosting it in my home, known as “The Treehouse.” The meeting happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, even when I am travelling out of town. The coastal beauty and peaceful ambiance of this location make it an ideal location for those in recovery.
Surfing can be a uniquely therapeutic exercise that draws you out of yourself to focus on the moment. In many ways, surfing embodies some 12-step principles, such as surrender, mindfulness, and connection. In recovery, we learn to accept life on life’s terms, much like a surfer must surrender to the power of the ocean. The waves are unpredictable, requiring patience, resilience, and the ability to adapt—skills that are essential for maintaining sobriety.
With 12-Step Meetings, You Always Have Community
12-step meetings are the bread and butter of recovery; without networking and sharing our experience, strength, and hope, we’re alone in the struggle. Being in recovery means that you’re never alone, whether you’re coping with uncomfortable emotions, a desire to drink or use, or other struggles. You can pick up the phone and call a friend from the rooms or a 12-step hotline any time, day or night.none none
No matter where you are in the world, there’s often a 12-step meeting available and a hug and a handshake when you walk through the door. There are even large periodic conventions filled with people from all over the world where you can make friends and learn from their experiences. AA and NA make it so you always have a home away from home to turn to, and there are directories of meetings worldwide. So, why not get out there and explore all the world has to offer you? (And then get to a meeting!)
