Support Groups in Florida: A Guide to Recovery Meetings and Mental Health Support

Recovery is much more manageable with the right support network. Whether you are working through a substance use disorder, mental health conditions, or both together, joining a group of like-minded people traveling the same journey as you can be beneficial. 

There are several organizations and groups located throughout the state of Florida that provide support for both people struggling with addiction and mental illness, as well as their families. Below, we will explore some additional information regarding what groups are out there and where you can find them.

What Types of Support Groups and Recovery Meetings Are Available in Florida?

Florida has many established recovery communities, each with a slightly different structure and philosophy.

AA Meetings in Florida

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are widely available throughout the state of Florida, whether you live in a big city or a smaller one.[1] AA follows the 12-step model and encourages peer-to-peer support, shared experiences, and a spiritual, though not necessarily religious, approach to recovery from alcohol use.

SMART Recovery in Florida

SMART Recovery is an alternative to 12-step programs that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy that encourages participants to identify and replace negative thinking patterns and behaviors with positive ones.[2]

SMART Recovery meetings are held throughout Florida, both in person and online. They emphasize personal motivation and development, and learning healthy ways to cope with situations.

Refuge Recovery Meetings in Florida

Refuge Recovery incorporates Buddhist principles of mindfulness and community support as a path to recovery from addiction.[3] While not as prevalent as AA or SMART Recovery meetings, you can still find them in several cities around Florida, most often through local recovery community directories or online meeting finders.

NAMI Support Groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers peer-led support groups throughout Florida that are designed to help those living with mental health conditions, rather than substance use specifically.[4] These groups are usually free and open to anyone, whether someone is directly affected by the issue or is a caregiver or helping a loved one.

NAMI Programs Available in Florida

NAMI has numerous programs, each specifically developed for a different audience:

• NAMI Connection: Emotional support through a peer-led support group for adults struggling with a mental health condition.
• NAMI Family Support Group: A peer-led support group for family members and caregivers of someone diagnosed with a mental health condition.
• NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program: An eight-session educational program for family members and caregivers learning to assist their loved ones.
• NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education Program: An eight-session educational program for individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition themselves.
• NAMI Basics (Education): Developed for parents or caregivers whose child or adolescent is exhibiting symptoms associated with a mental health condition.
• NAMI Homefront (Education): A program developed for family members or caregivers of U.S. military personnel or veterans diagnosed with a mental health condition.
• NAMI Conexión (Peer Support/Education): A Spanish-language peer support and education program.
• NAMI Family & Friends Seminar (Shorter Seminar): For people seeking an introduction to supporting a loved one diagnosed with a mental health condition.
• NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentation: Trained speakers present their personal recovery stories to help reduce stigma and promote understanding regarding mental illness.
• NAMI Ending the Silence Presentation: This presentation is intended for middle or high school students and staff to raise awareness regarding mental illness.
• NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Training: A training program for people interested in advocating for mental health issues at the local or state level.
• NAMI Provider Education: Educational program designed for mental health and healthcare professionals.

Each of the above programs is scheduled locally by NAMI affiliate chapters in their respective communities. Those looking for assistance finding the most suitable in-person or online meeting can contact their local NAMI affiliate chapter by phone to inquire about current schedules.[5] 

The NAMI Helpline may also be contacted by calling 1-800-950-6264 or texting “NAMI” to 62640 to help find recommendations for either in-person or online meetings.

Where Can People Find In-Person and Online Recovery Meetings in Florida?

Finding a support group in Florida usually starts with one of a few reliable resources:

• Searchable Meeting Finder Websites: AA maintains a searchable directory of both in-person and online meetings accessible by location. SMART Recovery also provides a searchable meeting directory accessible by location.[6][7]
• NAMI Florida Website: Each local affiliate maintains a listing of the currently scheduled support groups and educational programs for the area they serve.
• Treatment Centers, Hospitals, and Healthcare Providers: Many outpatient treatment centers and hospitals have created lists of available in-person recovery meetings. Many outpatient treatment centers and hospitals may also recommend certain meetings based on specific needs.
• Local Community Board Locations and Directories: Churches, community centers, and local health departments frequently display meeting schedules for support and recovery groups related to mental illness and substance abuse.

If you are unsure of where to begin searching for recovery meetings, simply contacting 211 or your local treatment center’s admissions line should provide you access to the correct information about meetings.[8]

How Can Joining a Support Group Help in Long-Term Recovery?

Attending a support group can provide several advantages over attending therapy sessions alone. Support groups help establish consistent daily routines, while keeping you actively engaged with peers recovering from similar experiences, which builds accountability. 

Because many support groups are peer-based, attendees are exposed to individuals who have experienced similar challenges. Hearing from peers in this way can reduce the isolation and self-pity that often accompany addiction or mental illness. Groups such as NAMI Family Support Group and NAMI Family-to-Family were established to provide emotional support and practical guidance for caregivers and family members assisting a loved one diagnosed with a mental illness, so caregivers don’t have to manage things entirely on their own.[9][10]

Over time, ongoing support from peers can provide reinforcement of the coping skills learned in therapy or treatment sessions, promote accountability in daily life, and enable people to recognize early warning signs of relapse if their mental illness or substance abuse issues become unmanageable.

If a crisis arises at any point, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, and it’s worth keeping that number on hand together with information about local support groups.[11]

Finding Comprehensive Support at The Lakes

Outpatient peer support is an important component of recovery, yet many individuals also find it helpful to have the added structure of clinical services. 

Our facility, The Lakes Behavioral Health, located in Lakeland, Florida, offers Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services that provide both mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Our team can help connect you with peer support groups and recovery meetings in your area as part of your individualized treatment program. 

Reach out today to begin developing a comprehensive treatment plan for lasting recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Support Groups in Florida