Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is LifeRing?
LifeRing is a network of support resources for people who want to live free of alcohol and  non-medically indicated drugs. We believe in your power to empower your sober self and overcome substance use challenges.

How does LifeRing work?
LifeRing works through positive social reinforcement. All LifeRing recovery resources focus on empowering the Sober Self within each of us.

What is the LifeRing program?
The hallmark of a quality recovery program is to match the treatment to the individual. We adopt that same approach in our self-empowerment work. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, LifeRing encourages each participant to develop their own Personal Recovery Program (PRP). Our group meetings serve as a workshop for this process. We also offer a helpful guide — the "Recovery by Choice" workbook to support you in building your PRP.

What is the LifeRing meeting format?
Meeting formats vary, but most center around the question  “How Was Your Week?” Participants share their successes and challenges from the past week and plan for the week ahead. Conversation ("crosstalk") is encouraged, fostering direct interaction. We discourage detailed accounts of past substance use ("drunkalogues") to keep the focus on the present and future. Each meeting typically ends with applause, celebrating everyone's successes big or small.

Where can I find more information about LifeRing?
This website is an excellent starting point! For deeper insights, explore the LifeRing Press bookstore for publications. For quick answers and connections, check out our online communities. You can also reach us directly by emailing service@lifering.org or call 1-800-811-4142.

Is LifeRing affiliated with another organization, or is it a subsidiary of something else?
No. LifeRing is an independent, freestanding organization. We're not a subsidiary or affiliate of any other group. However, we respect and support multiple paths to recovery and encourage our members to choose what works best for them.

How is LifeRing financed?
LifeRing is a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) charitable status. We're supported by voluntary contributions at meetings ("passing the basket"), sales of our literature from LifeRing Press, and individual donations.

Who runs LifeRing?
LifeRing is run by its members. Each local and online meeting can elect a delegate to participate in the annual LifeRing Congress. The Congress then elects the Board of Directors, who appoint the officers. You can find more details in the LifeRing Bylaws.

How come I’ve never heard of LifeRing before?
LifeRing was founded as a national organization in 1997. The LifeRing story is continually reaching more people.

How successful is LifeRing?
LifeRing is successful for individuals who find our secular, self-directed approach a good fit for their recovery journey. The best way to understand our success is to attend a LifeRing meeting and connect with our members. You can find a national study comparing LifeRing's efficacy with other recovery programs on our Overview for Professionals webpage.

Can friends and loved ones of alcoholics/addicts attend LifeRing?
Yes, provided they are sober at the time of the meeting. We also offer meetings for Family and Friends which can be found on our meetings calendar.

Is LifeRing a 12-step program?
No. LifeRing is not a 12-step program. We offer a distinct, secular approach to recovery that centers on your personal power and self-direction. Our model isn't based on steps, but rather on empowering your "Sober Self" to achieve and maintain abstinence.

Can I attend LifeRing if I'm also involved in other recovery programs?
Absolutely. We encourage you to explore and participate in any activities that support your personal recovery plan. Many LifeRing members find success by engaging with various recovery programs, whether they are 12-step, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, or others. We respect and support your individual choices on your path to sobriety.

Is LifeRing a treatment program?
No, LifeRing is not a treatment program. We are a network of peer-led support resources. While we often work alongside professional treatment centers, we are not therapists or counselors. LifeRing is made up exclusively of people in recovery with their own lived experiences and a desire to give back.

​Does LifeRing have sponsors?
The concept of a sponsor in LifeRing differs from other recovery programs. Because we emphasize individual self-direction, there's no need for a "program guide" to lead you through a set of steps. However, we highly value supportive connections between meetings. We foster this by creating deep connections between members and their core groups. In a sense, all participants in a LifeRing meeting "sponsor" one another through mutual support.

​Do I have to call myself an “alcoholic” or “addict” in LifeRing?
No. In LifeRing, we believe these labels can sometimes be stigmatizing or unhelpful. Whether you choose to identify with labels like "alcoholic" or "addict" is entirely optional and up to you. The core requirement for participation is a commitment to stop drinking and using drugs.

​What about smoking?
LifeRing meetings are non-smoking environments. While we don't require you to quit smoking to participate in our groups, we are here to offer encouragement, education, and support when you feel ready to quit.

​Are the meetings confidential?
Yes, we highly value confidentiality and protect our members' anonymity. However, we also believe in empowering individuals. Members are welcome to disclose their own participation if they feel that being open will strengthen their personal recovery journey.

Is LifeRing only for people with alcohol-related issues?
No. We view recovery from alcohol and drug use as fundamentally similar. We warmly welcome everyone into our meetings, regardless of their "drug of choice."

Is LifeRing primarily for atheists or agnostics?
No. LifeRing is a secular program, meaning it's not based on religious or spiritual beliefs. This makes it a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including those with religious or spiritual beliefs, as well as atheists and agnostics. Your personal beliefs remain private and do not become a topic of discussion in meetings. We do not permit religious proselytizing or attacks on religion in our meetings.

Does LifeRing cost anything?
No. There is no charge to participate in LifeRing meetings. We typically pass either a basket or virtual basket for voluntary contributions to help cover expenses, but contributing is entirely optional.

​How is LifeRing similar to AA or NA?
LifeRing is abstinence-based and utilizes group support as a core component of recovery. Our meetings also uphold confidentiality for all members.

How is LifeRing different from other recovery programs?
LifeRing stands apart in several key ways:

  • Personal Empowerment: We believe the power to get clean and sober resides within each individual, focusing on the "Sober Self."
  • No "Higher Power" Requirement: Your belief or disbelief in a 'higher power' is not a factor in your ability to get clean and sober with LifeRing.
  • Inclusive for All Substances: We welcome people regardless of their "drug of choice."
  • Open Communication: We encourage crosstalk and direct interaction during meetings.
  • Individualized Recovery: We emphasize and support each person in building a Personal Recovery Program tailored to their unique needs and experiences.
  • Abstinence-based Platform: LifeRing recommends complete abstinence rather than moderation as a goal in recovery. Many of our members have found moderation to be an impossible goal to achieve. Discussions of moderation can be unsettling for some members. If you're exploring moderation as a recovery model, please speak with a convenor after the meeting.