Recovery from addiction is a journey best taken with support. In Lexington, Kentucky, individuals seeking help have access to a variety of support groups and meetings designed to provide encouragement, accountability, and community. Whether you’re beginning your recovery journey or looking to maintain long-term sobriety, this guide highlights key resources available in the Lexington area.

Why Support Groups Matter in Recovery

Support groups offer a safe space for individuals to share experiences, challenges, and successes. They foster a sense of belonging and understanding, which is crucial for sustained recovery. Engaging with others who have faced similar struggles can provide motivation and reduce feelings of isolation.

Prominent Support Groups and Meetings in Lexington

1. Voices of Hope Recovery Community Center

Located at 644 N. Broadway, Voices of Hope offers peer-led recovery support services, including: 

• One-on-one recovery coaching
• All-Recovery meetings open to all pathways of recovery
• Family support groups
• Telephone recovery support
• Social events to build community

Their mission is to promote lifelong recovery through education, advocacy, and support.

2. Recovery Café Lexington

At 1109 Versailles Road #200, Recovery Café provides a welcoming space for individuals in recovery from various challenges, including substance use, mental health issues, and homelessness. They offer:

• Peer-led support groups
• Recovery circles for sharing and accountability
• Creative classes and workshops
• Community meals and social activities

The café emphasizes the importance of community in the healing process.

3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Lexington hosts numerous AA and NA meetings throughout the week, catering to various needs and schedules. These 12-step programs focus on mutual support and personal accountability. Meeting types include: 

• Open meetings for anyone interested
• Closed meetings for those with a desire to stop drinking or using
• Specialized groups (e.g., women’s groups, LGBTQ+ groups)

A comprehensive list of meetings can be found on platforms like In The Rooms.

4. Changed Lives Recovery Community

This organization offers 12-step groups and sober living environments to support individuals in their recovery journey. Their programs focus on building a strong foundation for lasting sobriety through:

• Structured living arrangements
• Regular support meetings
• Peer mentorship

More information is available at Changed Lives Recovery Community.

5. NAMI Lexington Support Groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Lexington offers support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. Their programs include:

• Peer-led support groups
• Educational programs
• Advocacy initiatives. 

These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

6. Young People in Recovery (YPR) – Lexington Chapter

YPR Lexington focuses on empowering young individuals in recovery through:

• Life skills workshops
• Community service projects
• Peer support meetings
• Advocacy for recovery-friendly policies. 

Their goal is to create a supportive network for young people navigating recovery.

7. Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction. In Lexington, they offer:

• Weekly meetings
• Gender-specific small groups
• Biblically-based curriculum

The program is open to individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including substance abuse, codependency, and more.

Specialized Support Groups

Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR)

DTR is a 12-step fellowship for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The group provides a supportive environment to address both challenges simultaneously.

Recovery Skills Groups at Invictus4Core

Invictus4Core offers recovery skills groups focusing on: 

• Coping mechanisms
• Stress management
• Trigger identification and response

These groups aim to equip individuals with practical tools for maintaining sobriety.

Finding the Right Support Group

Choosing a support group depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Type of Support: Peer-led vs. professional-led
• Focus Area: Substance-specific, mental health, co-occurring disorders
• Meeting Format: In-person vs. online
• Philosophy: 12-step, faith-based, secular

It’s important to try different groups to find the best fit. Many individuals attend multiple groups to address various aspects of their recovery.

Don’t Navigate Recovery Alone

Lexington, KY, offers a diverse array of support groups and meetings to assist individuals on their recovery journey. Engaging with these resources can provide the necessary support, accountability, and community to foster lasting change. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate recovery alone.

Sources:

Voices of Hope

Recovery Café Lexington

SAMHSA

NAMI Lexington

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Veterans Affairs Lexington Healthcare

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

 

• 

  🛫 Plan Ahead for a Sober-Friendly Trip

  Travel is all about making memories—not undoing progress. The key to staying sober while on vacation is to plan your trip with your recovery in mind. This means choosing destinations and activities that minimize exposure to triggers and encourage healthy habits.

  Instead of resorts known for party scenes, consider wellness resorts or yoga retreats, where the focus is on relaxation and holistic health. If you’re craving adventure, nature trips like hiking Kentucky’s Red River Gorge or exploring nearby national parks can provide peace and purpose without temptation. Cultural vacations are another great option. Spend your days immersed in art, history, and cuisine that doesn’t revolve around alcohol or nightlife.

  Pro Tip: Download recovery apps like Meeting Guide and Sober Grid before you leave. These tools can connect you to in-person meetings near your destination or virtual ones accessible anytime—ensuring you stay connected no matter where your travels take you.

• 

  🎒 Pack Recovery Essentials

  Packing isn’t just about clothes and travel gear. For someone in recovery, your suitcase should also include tools that help you stay grounded and emotionally balanced.

  Bring along a recovery journal to reflect on your experiences and emotions throughout your trip. Add meditation playlists or podcasts to your phone for moments when you need calm and clarity—whether it’s during a long layover or a quiet evening in your hotel room. And don’t forget your support network’s contact information, including sponsors and sober friends who can be your lifeline in moments of need.

  This “sobriety toolkit” will serve as a reassuring reminder of your commitment to yourself.

• 

  👥 Stay Connected While Away

  Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean your support system should take a vacation too. Maintaining connections with your recovery network is crucial.

  ✅ Schedule regular check-ins with your sponsor or trusted recovery peers.
  ✅ Take advantage of technology by joining virtual recovery meetings. Many groups now offer 24/7 online meetings, which are invaluable for travelers crossing time zones or staying in areas without local meetings.

  These connections keep you accountable and remind you that no matter where you are, you’re never truly alone in your recovery journey.

• 

  🛑 Anticipate Triggers and Create Plans

  Airports, hotels, and tourist destinations often expose travelers to alcohol or substance use. By anticipating these triggers ahead of time, you can create practical strategies to manage them.

  • Practice saying no: Rehearse polite but firm responses to offers of alcohol or drugs.

  • Plan alternatives: Request sparkling water or mocktails in social settings to avoid standing out and to feel included.

  • Choose safe environments: Prioritize activities like sightseeing, hiking, or spa treatments that don’t center on alcohol.

  Having these plans in place can help you navigate challenges with confidence and minimize anxiety about unexpected situations.

• 

  🌱 Take Care of Your Well-Being

  A healthy body and mind are your best defenses against relapse. Traveling can disrupt your sleep, eating, and exercise routines, so make self-care a priority.

  • Get enough rest: Avoid overpacking your itinerary to ensure you’re not running on fumes.
  • Eat balanced meals: Proper nutrition supports emotional stability and energy levels.
  • Exercise: Whether it’s a hotel gym, a walk in the park, or a yoga session, physical activity helps relieve stress and reinforces positive habits.
  • Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability, which may heighten cravings.

  These small daily actions strengthen your resilience and keep you focused on enjoying your trip without compromising your sobriety.

	Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Vahid Osmanm, M.D. Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
	Clinically Reviewed By: Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W. Board Certified Clinical Social Worker