National Methadone ClinicsMedication-Friendly Meetings
Plenty of people go to meetings while on methadone or buprenorphine. What matters is finding a group where you are comfortable.
SMART Recovery supports legally prescribed addiction medication, according to its own published position.
Twelve-step meetings vary, because every group decides its own customs, so it is worth asking before you go.
- Phone or message the group contact listed on the meeting finder and ask how members on medication are received.
- Online meeting lists sometimes have a filter or tag for medication-friendly meetings.
- Nobody at a meeting needs to know what you take.
- Going with someone who already attends can make the first visit easier.
About Your Medication
Talk to your prescriber before changing how you take any medication. This is general information, not medical advice.
Attendance Slips and Court Requirements
Some people come to meetings because a judge or probation officer requires it. That is common, and open meetings welcome them like anyone else.
Signing an attendance slip is up to each group and whoever leads the meeting. Twelve-step groups have no link to the court system.
- Find out exactly what your order or program asks for.
- Check whether online meetings count and how they can be verified.
- Keep your own log of dates, times and meeting names.
- Raise any problem with proof of attendance with your officer early.
Your Requirements
This page cannot give legal advice. Follow the instructions of your court or probation officer.
Which Group Fits You
Medication for opioid use disorder and support meetings can work side by side. This page covers how to find a meeting in New York where you feel at ease while taking methadone or buprenorphine.
No group is right for everyone. Many people try a few kinds of meetings before they find one that suits them.
- SMART Recovery is for people with any substance use or addictive behavior. It is secular and uses tools drawn from cognitive behavioral and motivational approaches. It is for the person in recovery, with separate meetings for family and friends.
- N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous) is for people who want to stop using drugs, including alcohol. It is a twelve-step program with a spiritual basis. It is for the person in recovery.
- Nar-Anon is for relatives and friends of someone with a drug problem. It is a twelve-step program with a spiritual basis. It is for family and friends.
- A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) is for people who want to stop drinking. It is a twelve-step program with a spiritual basis, and each member defines a higher power for themselves. It is for the person in recovery.
- Al-Anon is for relatives and friends of someone with a drinking problem. It is a twelve-step program with a spiritual basis, and Alateen is for younger members. It is for family and friends.
- Recovery Dharma is for people with any addiction. It is peer-led and draws on Buddhist meditation and practice, and no belief in a god is required. It is for the person in recovery.
- Refuge Recovery is for people with any addiction. It is mindfulness-based and draws on Buddhist practice. It is for the person in recovery.
- Celebrate Recovery is for people with addiction and other struggles. It is Christian and Christ-centered and meets in local churches. It is for the person in recovery, and many groups welcome family members.
Official Meeting Finders for New York
Peer support groups and mutual-aid programs run their own meetings. The links below go to each organization's official pages for New York, 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.
Before You Go to a Meeting
Check the meeting type first. An open meeting suits a first visit or a family member; a closed meeting is for people who share the group's goal.
Formats differ: a speaker shares a story, a discussion goes around the room, or a study group reads together.
If an in-person room feels like too much, an online or phone meeting lets you try from home.
- Nobody will make you talk.
- You can stay anonymous.
- No payment is expected.
- Arrive or leave when it suits you.
Meetings Plus Treatment
Support meetings help many people stay on track, but they are not treatment. They do not provide medical care, medication or a treatment plan.
If you or someone close to you needs detox, medication or a structured program, a treatment provider can assess which level of care fits. Many people go to meetings during and after treatment.
This site lists methadone clinics in New York. See the map and city pages below, or call the number on this page to talk through options.
This number connects to our central helpline, not directly to a listed facility.
Search and Map Facilities in New York
Press Search to list facilities in New York, or type a city or ZIP code.
Where to Find Methadone Clinics in New York
Pick a city to see the facilities this site lists there.
Common Questions About Meetings in New York
Will a meeting accept me if I am on medication treatment?
People on medication can attend support meetings. Attitudes toward medication vary between twelve-step groups, so asking ahead helps; SMART Recovery states it welcomes people using prescribed medication.
Can meetings replace rehab?
Meetings are not a substitute for medical or clinical treatment. They are often used alongside it and afterward.
Are there non-religious recovery meetings?
Yes. SMART Recovery is secular. Twelve-step groups describe themselves as spiritual rather than religious and leave the idea of a higher power to each member.
How do I prove I went to court-ordered meetings?
Ask your officer what they accept. Many people bring a sheet for the meeting chair to sign, but groups are not required to sign.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, to an open meeting. Closed meetings are kept for people who want to stop drinking or using themselves.
Is there a group for parents or partners?
Al-Anon serves relatives and friends of people who drink, Nar-Anon those of people who use drugs, and SMART Recovery has Family & Friends meetings.