12-Step Programs in Colorado

Yes. Thousands of AA and NA meetings worldwide are online; Colorado groups list virtual meeting options at local area service websites. Virtual meetings cover the same format as in-person and often have 24/7 availability.

Open meetings welcome anyone — friends, family, curious visitors. Closed meetings are for self-identified alcoholics (AA) or addicts (NA) only, creating a safer space for personal sharing. Both formats exist throughout Colorado; check local meeting directories for labels.

Yes. Long-distance sponsorship by phone and video is common and has worked effectively for decades. Colorado members sometimes keep a home-area sponsor when they relocate, or pair with a new sponsor locally for in-person meeting fellowship.

Yes. A 2020 Cochrane review found that Alcoholics Anonymous participation produces abstinence outcomes comparable to or better than other treatments for alcohol use disorder. Evidence for NA is more limited but suggests similar benefit. Colorado treatment providers commonly integrate 12-step referral with clinical care.

Many meetings open with the Serenity Prayer and close with the Lord’s Prayer — though the Lord’s Prayer is less common and some groups have discontinued it. Secular meetings substitute non-religious readings. Colorado groups vary; check format listings.

You both agree to confidentiality by being in the room. Colorado members respect anonymity across professional roles; no one will discuss your presence outside. Attending meetings together often builds mutual trust rather than awkwardness.

Some older-generation members hold the view that medication undermines full recovery — this is a minority position and contradicts official AA and NA literature. If you encounter it in Colorado, find a different meeting or a MARA group where MAT is explicitly welcomed.

Health First Colorado does not pay for peer-led 12-step meetings directly — they are free. However, Health First Colorado does cover "12-step facilitation therapy" delivered by a licensed clinician, which is evidence-based and often offered at Colorado treatment programs.

AA’s aa.org and NA’s na.org maintain online meeting directories. Colorado intergroups list a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Apps like Meeting Guide (AA) and NA Meeting Search make finding online and nearby meetings easy.

Use aa.org or na.org meeting finders, search "Colorado 12-step meeting finder," call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357, or browse Colorado area service websites. Denver and other urban areas have meetings within walking distance of most residential zip codes.