Frequently Asked Questions

What is Refuge Recovery?

We are a peer-led movement using buddhist-inspired practices and principles, combined with successful recovery community structures, to overcome addiction. We offer recovery from all forms of addiction through participation in our Refuge Recovery program. The book, Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Inspired Path to Recovering from Addiction; is the foundation of our program and used by all Refuge Recovery groups.

Refuge Recovery members practice a daily recovery program that includes meditation and personal inventory, mentorship, retreat and service as integral components. Our program includes regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for all who wish to pursue and maintain an addiction free life. Refuge Recovery Meetings are available in over 500 locations worldwide.

What Is A Refuge Recovery Meeting Usually Like?

Refuge Recovery groups practice meditation at every group meeting. The group offers a variety of meditations and practices.
Refuge Recovery meetings use the following format:

  1. An Elected Volunteer who acts as Secretary opens the meeting with an introduction.

  2. Volunteers read the Preamble, the Process and the RR Guiding principles.

  3. 20-minute meditation led by a different group member each meeting.

  4. Volunteer reads from the book, Refuge Recovery or other RR literature.

  5. The Volunteer who chose the reading then shares their experience for about 5 min.

  6. Group sharing, with each person offered 3-5 minutes to share something related to the topic, or their experience with Refuge Recovery.

  7. Volunteer reads the dana (request for donations) statement.

  8. The Secretary closes the meeting with some standard announcements and a reminder of the importance of confidentiality.

  9. Secretary asks for RR community Announcements and a group dedication of merit.

  10. Secretary closes the meeting.

Are there online Refuge Recovery meetings?

There are online Refuge Recovery meetings. Online meetings are offered for those who don’t have a local in-person meeting yet. Online RR meetings use the Zoom platform which supports both video and audio for all participants. Zoom also supports dialing in by telephone.

Online meetings are included on the refugerecovery.org website. Find “All Online Meetings ”in the Meetings menu on refugerecovery.org.

Does Refuge Recovery require complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol?

Refuge Recovery is an abstinence based program asking our members to practice abstinence from all recreational mind-altering substances in order to promote mindfulness. We suggest that our members renounce the substance or process addiction that is causing the most harm, then to begin looking at all the ways craving is causing suffering in their lives.

Does Refuge Recovery offer recovery from addictions other than drugs and alcohol?

We satisfy cravings in many ways. In Refuge Recovery groups, we offer recovery from all forms of addiction, including food, sex, technology, gambling, relationships, spending, codependency, and more. All are welcome to find recovery and a community in Refuge Recovery.

Do I have to be a “buddhist” to participate?

There is no requirement to call yourself a buddhist to benefit from the Refuge Recovery program. Our program uses non-religious early buddhist principles as the heart of our program. We believe early Buddhist principles are a practical and applicable humanist psychology that teaches us that we all have the power to relieve suffering through our own efforts.

Is Refuge Recovery a faith based program?

Refuge Recovery is not a faith-based or theistic program, and we welcome people of all faiths. Our program does not require belief in a God or higher power. We have found many of our members participate in Refuge Recovery seeking an alternative to 12-step recovery. We also have many members who practice 12-step or other recovery programs in addition to Refuge Recovery.

Can I start a Refuge Recovery meeting?

Yes, if you are practicing abstinence from all recreational mind altering substances and are willing to commit to the responsibilities of starting a local meeting.  

What is Refuge Recovery World Services?

Refuge Recovery as a whole, consists of an individual program of recovery from addiction, Refuge Recovery meetings held by Refuge Recovery groups, and our Inter-Sangha, State and World committees that give democratic voice and structure to our recovery society. All groups are supported by a democratic service structure and a dedicated non-profit service organization, Refuge Recovery World Services.

RRWS is a non-profit organization that administers the refugerecovery.org website and Refuge Recovery intellectual property on behalf of our community, provides support to autonomous RR groups through the creation of a democratic service structure and by providing literature, online resources, and connection to our international community. In addition, RRWS provides Refuge Recovery retreats, led by qualified, trained teachers, and works with treatment centers to offer a Refuge Recovery treatment modality.

 
 
 

Addiction

Addiction is the repetitive process of habitually satisfying cravings to avoid, change, or control the seemingly unbearable conditions of the present moment. This process of craving and indulgence provides short-term relief but causes long-term harm. It is almost always a source of suffering for both the addict and those who care about the addict.

 
 
 
 

Recovery

Recovery is a process of healing the underlying conditions that lead to addiction. It is establishing and maintaining the practice of abstaining from satisfying the cravings for the substances and behaviors that we have become addicted to. Recovery is also the ability to inhabit the conditions of the present reality, whether pleasant or unpleasant.

 
 
 

Refuge

Refuge is a safe place, a place of protection—a place that we go to in times of need, a shelter. We are always taking refuge in something. Drugs, alcohol, food, sex, money, or relationships with people have been a refuge for many of us. Before addiction, such refuges provide temporary feelings of comfort and safety. But at some point we crossed the line into addiction. And the substances or behaviors that were once a refuge inevitably became a dark and lonely repetitive cycle of searching for comfort as we wandered through an empty life.

Active addiction is a kind of hell. It is like being a hungry ghost, wandering through life in constant craving and suffering.

Refuge Recovery, the Buddhist-inspired approach to treating addiction, offers a plan to end the suffering of addiction.

Traditionally, Buddhists commit to the  path  of  awakening by taking refuge in three things: awakening (Buddha), truth (Dharma), and community (Sangha). If the teachings and practices offered here resonate with you as true and useful, we invite you to take refuge in this process of awakening, truth, and community. Practicing these principles and developing these skills will lead to a safe place, a true and reliable refuge, a place that is free from addiction, to a full recovery.