What is Buddhist Recovery?

The terms Buddhist Recovery, or Mindful Recovery, describe a path to living more happily without our harmful, compulsive behaviors. There are an increasing number of support groups around the world for people who are integrating meditation and mindfulness practices with programs of recovery from a variety of addictions. While there are many types of meetings to choose from, these support groups, or Sanghas all share the same basic elements:

  • They meditate together, and encourage the development of a regular sitting practice.
  • They study and discuss material based on Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and ethical behavior.
  • They encourage the development of Sangha, creating a safe environment for people to support each other in sobriety, health and happiness.

More Information

Get Started!

One of our community members has donated an informative video about how to get started in Buddhist Recovery

Common Questions

How do I find a meeting?
If possible, try several meetings and see what resonates for you.  Just go for it and refine as you go!

You can use our meeting search and filter for regions, types of meetings, day of the week. We also have some lists of online meetings by timezone and meetings by region.


Do I need to be a Buddhist?
You need not be a Buddhist to benefit from a Buddhist-oriented recovery meeting. Whether you are a practicing Buddhist, are curious about Buddhist teachings, or have been through a Mindfulness-based workshop or program, there is a meeting that will suit your level of interest in Buddhism and mindfulness practice.


Do I need to know how to meditate?
At all Buddhist-oriented recovery meetings, beginner as well as seasoned meditators practice sitting together using audio or written meditations by actual teachers. Some meetings are led by qualified instructors, or they may invite a guest teacher to do the instruction. If you want to go further with your meditation study, there are many resources for classes and meditation instruction online. Check your local online resource regularly for information about events and meetings in your area.

Meetings Oriented for Beginners

RD Ocala – The Practice – Beginners Meeting (LGBTQIA+ Friendly)
Thursday 7:00 PM
Region: Florida
Types: Identity - LGBTQIA+, Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
RD Ocala – The Practice – Beginners Meeting (LGBTQIA+ Friendly)
Tuesday 7:00 PM
Region: Florida
Types: Identity - LGBTQIA+, Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
RD Salem Virginia – Beginner’s Meeting
Thursday 7:00 PM
Region: Virginia
Types: Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
Core Concepts (Out of the Mud Intersangha)
Thursday 5:00 PM
Region: New York, NY
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
Online Beginner’s Meeting
Monday 7:45 PM
Region: New York, NY
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
DnD ❖ Beginners Metta Monday ❖ Daily Non-Dukkha
Monday 9:00 AM
Region: New York, NY
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
RD Chicago: Beginner’s Meeting
Friday 7:00 PM
Region: Chicago, IL
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
RD Chautauqua for Beginners @ MHA
Tuesday 3:30 PM
Region: New York
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
RD Lexington
Sunday 3:00 PM
Region: Kentucky
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
(90 min) Women/NB Only
Sunday 3:00 PM
Region: Baton Rouge, LA
Types: Format - Book Study, Identity - Women/Nonbinary, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
RD for Beginners @ Acqua Recovery
Monday 7:00 PM
Region: Utah
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma
RD Phoenix Refuge in The Desert Online (Beginners)
Monday 7:00 PM
Region: Phoenix, AZ
Types: Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
RD Los Angeles @ Beit T’Shuvah
Tuesday 8:10 PM
Region: Los Angeles, CA
Types: Format - Book Study, Language - English, Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting
Recovery Dharma at Discover and Recover
Thursday 5:00 PM
Region: Florida
Types: Topic - Beginners, Recovery Dharma, Online Meeting