SMART Recovery NYC
SMART Recovery NYC offers free, peer-led mutual support meetings for anyone working to break free from addictive behaviors — whether the substance is alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, or something else. Unlike traditional 12-step programs, SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is rooted in cognitive-behavioral science and emphasizes self-empowerment, practical skills, and self-directed progress. Meetings are available across New York City both in person and online, making consistent support accessible no matter where someone is in their journey.
What to Expect
A typical SMART Recovery meeting feels like a working group, not a confession. Trained volunteer facilitators — many of whom have moved through their own recovery — guide a structured conversation grounded in SMART’s 4-Point Program: building and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts and feelings, and living a balanced life. Members are invited to share what’s going on for them that week, identify the thinking patterns and triggers driving urges, and choose a small, concrete tool to practice before the next meeting. The tone is collaborative and pragmatic. There are no labels, no required steps, and no expectation to share if you’d rather listen.
Who This Group Is For
SMART Recovery NYC welcomes adults at any stage of change — whether you’re considering whether your relationship with a substance or behavior is healthy, in the first weeks of sobriety, or several years into recovery and looking for a community to stay grounded. It’s a strong fit for people who want a science-based framework, those who don’t connect with the spiritual language of 12-step programs, and anyone who wants tools they can apply immediately. The chapter also offers dedicated meetings for family and friends of people with addictive behaviors.
Why Peer Support Works
Addictive behavior thrives in isolation. Sitting in a room — whether physical or virtual — with people who understand the pull of cravings, the shame of relapse, and the quiet relief of small wins is powerful in a way that nothing else quite replicates. Peer support meetings give members a place to practice honesty, hear strategies that worked for someone else, and feel less alone in the daily work of choosing differently. Over time, the meeting itself becomes part of the structure that holds recovery in place.
How to Join
All SMART Recovery NYC meetings are free of charge and open to anyone seeking to abstain from addictive behavior. To find a meeting, visit smartrecoverynyc.org and use the meeting finder, which lists in-person locations across the five boroughs as well as virtual options. You can drop into any meeting that fits your schedule — no registration or referral required. New members are encouraged to attend a few different meetings to find the facilitator style and group culture that fits best. For additional online forums and 24/7 chat support, the national SMART community at smartrecovery.org offers further options.