National Methadone ClinicsGoing to Meetings on Medication
Methadone and buprenorphine are recognized treatments for opioid use disorder. Taking them does not stop you from attending a support meeting.
SMART Recovery says it has welcomed people using legally prescribed medication at its meetings since it began.
In twelve-step fellowships, each group is self-governing. One A.A. or N.A. meeting may discuss medication quite differently from another across town.
- Ask the group contact or area service office about a meeting's attitude toward medication.
- Some meeting lists mark meetings as welcoming to people on medication; check for that label.
- Your medication is private. Sharing about it is your choice.
- If a meeting feels unwelcoming, another group or format may suit you better.
Keep Your Prescriber in the Loop
Changes to a prescribed medication should only be made with the person who prescribes it. This page does not give medical advice.
If a Court Requires Meetings
Courts, probation and diversion programs in New Jersey and elsewhere may set a number of meetings to attend. The rules come from your case, not from the groups.
Twelve-step groups such as A.A. and N.A. keep no attendance records for courts. Some meeting chairs will sign a sheet you provide; others decline, and online groups each have their own approach.
- Get the requirement in writing: which groups qualify, how many meetings and the deadline.
- Confirm the form of proof your officer accepts before you start.
- Carry your own attendance sheet and keep a copy of each signed page.
- Ask your officer what to do if a group will not sign.
Not Legal Advice
Only your court or probation officer can tell you whether a meeting counts toward your requirement.
How the Groups Differ
If you take methadone or buprenorphine, you can still go to support meetings in New Jersey. This page starts with what to know about medication and meetings, then explains how the groups differ.
Groups differ in style as well as approach, so trying more than one is common.
- SMART Recovery is a secular program for any addiction. Meetings teach practical tools for managing urges and changing habits, and it also runs Family & Friends meetings.
- Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) is a twelve-step fellowship for people who want to stop using any drug, alcohol included. Like A.A., it has a spiritual basis.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups support people whose relative or friend uses drugs, in a twelve-step format.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is a twelve-step fellowship for anyone who wants to stop drinking. It is spiritual rather than religious, and members define a higher power in their own way.
- Al-Anon Family Groups are for people affected by someone else's drinking, such as partners, parents and adult children. Alateen serves teenagers.
- Recovery Dharma uses meditation and Buddhist principles in peer-led meetings, and members do not need to hold any belief in a god.
- Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based program rooted in Buddhist practice, for any addiction.
- Celebrate Recovery is a Christian program hosted by churches, open to people dealing with addiction and other life problems.
Where to Look Up Meetings in New Jersey
Peer support groups and mutual-aid programs run their own meetings. The links below go to each organization's official pages for New Jersey, where you can search for meetings. We do not list, copy or vouch for individual meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A peer fellowship for people who want to stop drinking.
Narcotics Anonymous
A peer fellowship for people who want to stop using drugs.
SMART Recovery
A science-informed, self-empowering program with in-person and online meetings.
Al-Anon Family Groups
A peer fellowship for relatives and friends of people with a drinking problem.
Nar-Anon Family Groups
A peer fellowship for relatives and friends of people with a drug problem.
Recovery Dharma
A peer-led program that draws on Buddhist practices and principles.
Refuge Recovery
A mindfulness-based recovery community that draws on Buddhist practices.
Celebrate Recovery
A Christ-centered recovery program run through local churches.
National Methadone Clinics is an independent directory. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Narcotics Anonymous World Services, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Nar-Anon Family Groups, Recovery Dharma, Refuge Recovery World Services, Celebrate Recovery, or any other fellowship or support organisation named on this page, and none of them has reviewed or approved this page. Each link goes to the organisation's own official page, which controls its meeting information. Meetings move, close and change, so confirm the time and place with the source before you go. Links in this section are editorial. They are not paid, sponsored or referral placements, and no treatment provider can pay to be added to or reordered within this section. Support meetings are not a substitute for professional treatment.
If you or someone else is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For treatment referral and information, SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357, free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.
Your First Meeting
Open meetings welcome anyone, including family, friends and people who are simply curious. Closed meetings are only for people who share the group's purpose, such as wanting to stop drinking or using.
At a speaker meeting, one or two people tell their own story. At a discussion meeting, members take turns talking about a topic or a reading. Some meetings study the program's book or steps.
Many groups also meet online or by phone, which can help if you live far from a meeting, work unusual hours or want to try a meeting from home first.
- You do not have to speak. You can say you would rather listen, or simply pass.
- You do not have to give your full name.
- Meetings are free to attend. Many pass a basket for voluntary contributions, and you do not have to give.
- Arriving a few minutes early is fine, and so is leaving early.
Meetings Are Not Treatment
Peer groups offer support and shared experience. They do not diagnose, prescribe or supervise withdrawal.
Someone who needs medical detox, medication or a full program should speak with a treatment provider; meetings can continue alongside that care.
Our listings cover methadone clinics in New Jersey; the map and city pages are just below, or call the number on this page to talk it through.
This number connects to our central helpline, not directly to a listed facility.
Search and Map Facilities in New Jersey
Press Search to list facilities in New Jersey, or type a city or ZIP code.
Where to Find Methadone Clinics in New Jersey
Pick a city to see the facilities this site lists there.
Support Meetings in New Jersey: Questions
Can I go to a meeting if I take methadone or buprenorphine?
Yes. SMART Recovery says it supports legally prescribed addiction medication. In twelve-step groups each meeting runs itself, so ask the group or look for meetings described as medication-friendly. Talk to your prescriber before you change any medication.
Will a meeting sign my court attendance slip?
Some groups will and some will not; each group decides. Ask your court or probation officer what proof of attendance they accept before you go.
What is the difference between an open and a closed meeting?
Anyone can attend an open meeting, including family and friends. A closed meeting is only for people who share the group's purpose, such as wanting to stop drinking or using.
Can family members go to a meeting?
Yes. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are for relatives and friends, SMART Recovery runs family and friends meetings, and anyone can attend an open A.A. or N.A. meeting.
Are there online meetings in New Jersey?
Yes. Most of the organizations linked on this page list online or phone meetings as well as in-person ones, so you can join from anywhere in New Jersey.
Do support meetings cost anything?
Meetings are free to attend. Many groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions, and you do not have to give.