Recovery Groups

Regular support groups to connect with peers, learn more about alcohol and other drugs, develop coping strategies and prevent relapse.

Attending regular group sessions in a supportive environment can reduce loneliness, create routine, build healthy relationships and sustain your motivation to recover.

Being part of a group which includes people from all stages of recovery can help you see that while reducing the harms of alcohol and other drugs is difficult, rebuilding your life is possible.

The idea of speaking about your challenges in front of other people can be nerve-wracking. That is why our support groups are structured in a way that allows you to share when you are ready.

Support groups

We offer a range of recovery support groups at our community hubs.

We like to ensure that the groups meet your needs and are not crowded. If you want to join a recovery support group, please contact our team on 1800 397 739 or [email protected]

Recovery and wellbeing group

A 12-week psychoeducational group designed for those in the early stages of their recovery journey. This group educates and empowers members to start their recovery off well, while providing a supportive and non-judgmental space to talk through challenges. It combines topics in our alcohol and other drug and mental health groups (listed below).

What is psychoeducation?

Psychoeducation combines education, therapy, and support. 

Benefits of psychoeducation include: 

  • Increased knowledge: Better understand your condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.  
  • Improved coping skills: Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms, reducing stress, and improving their overall well-being.  
  • Empowerment: Feel more in control of your life and actively participate in your own recovery.  
  • Reduced stigma: Dispel myths about alcohol and other drug and mental health challenges and normalise conversations.  

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery groups

Whether you are just starting your recovery journey or looking for ongoing support we have a range of groups to suit your needs.

AOD recovery group (stage 1)

Kick-start your recovery by meeting with one of our highly skilled counsellors to set goals and create a personalised plan. From here you will attend one-hour weekly group sessions covering topics such as:  

  • The physical and emotional impacts of alcohol and other drugs  
  • Cause for substance dependence   
  • Harm reduction strategies  
  • Stages of recovery  
  • Navigating life stressors during recovery  
  • Relapse prevention  

 

Who is this for? Anyone worried about the way alcohol and/or other drug use impacts their lives and considering making changes.  

How long does the program run for? 4 x 1 hour sessions, once a week 

Location: Community Hubs (Campbelltown, Blacktown) and online.

AOD recovery group (stage 2)

Sustain your recovery during one-hour weekly group sessions covering topics such as:  

  • Identifying and managing high-risk situations, triggers and cravings  
  • Understanding negative thinking patterns  
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques  
  • Building social support networks  
  • Building healthy habits  
  • Navigating relapse  

Who is this for? Anyone who has completed Stage 1 and would like ongoing support to prevent or manage relapse. People who have completed residential treatment may also like to attend this group.  

How long does the program run for? 6 x 1 hour sessions, once a week 

Location: Community Hubs (Campbelltown, Blacktown) and online.

AOD relapse prevention group (stage 3)

Reflect on where you are in your journey and keep your recovery on track. Explore if there are any gaps in your recovery plan and learn to recognise the early signs of relapse. During one-hour weekly group sessions you’ll cover topics such as:  

  • Identifying barriers to recovery  
  • Exploring what keeps you on track  
  • Early signs of relapse 
  • Dealing with unexpected hurdles  
  • Creating a relapse prevention plan  
  • Sharing experiences of relapse 

Who is this for? Anyone who has completed Stage 2 and would like ongoing support to prevent or manage relapse. People who have completed residential treatment may also like to attend this group.  

How long does the program run for? 6 x 1 hour sessions, once a week 

Location: Community Hubs (Redfern, Campbelltown, Blacktown) and online.

SMART recovery group

Take control of your recovery with practical tools and strategies to make positive changes. SMART recovery is a self-management program designed to empower you in overcoming addictive behaviours and building a healthier, more balanced life. 

During one-hour weekly group sessions, you will focus on: 
• Building and maintaining motivation 
• Coping with urges and cravings 
• Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours 
• Finding a lifestyle balance 

We focus on the here and now, reflecting on the past week and planning for the next. This solution-focused program helps you develop skills to navigate challenges and stay on track. 

Who is this for? Anyone looking for practical support to manage addictive behaviours and make lasting change. 

How long does the program run for? Ongoing, with weekly sessions. 

Locations: Community Hubs (Hornsby, Redfern, Penrith, Blacktown) and online.

Mental health recovery groups

We offer mental health recovery groups designed for people managing both mental health challenges and substance use. Whether you’re looking for strategies to improve your wellbeing, build resilience, or connect with others who understand, these groups provide a safe space to share.

Mental health recovery group (stage 1)

Topics the group will cover include:  

  • Developing a personalised mental health recovery plan  
  • Identifying triggers and learning healthy coping strategies  
  • Challenging negative thinking patterns  
  • Managing emotions and feelings  
  • Improving your lifestyle  

How long does the program run for? 4 x 1 hour sessions, once a week

Location: Online.   

Mental health recovery group (stage 2)

Topics the group will cover include:  

  • Developing mindfulness skills
  • Understanding recovery from addiction and mental health
  • Developing positive relationships and support networks
  • Building resilience in recovery
  • Expanding knowledge and skills around managing depression and anxiety
  • Developing a mental health maintenance plan

How long does the program run for? 8 sessions

Location: Online.

group support

Benefits of group support

Whether you’re curious about the impacts of substance use on your life, want to address your dependence or prevent relapse after completing residential or other treatment, chatting to a professional can help you navigate and sustain recovery.

Access support around your work and life schedule

Make a weekly commitment

Connect with others going through a similar experience

Be held accountable by peers

Celebrate milestones

Learn healthy coping strategies

What people say

I am very grateful and feel more confident. After learning tools from this group, I feel more prepared for any situation I may face in future.
Odyssey has literally helped me restart my life when I was starting to feel there was little left to live for.
The AOD groups gave me an insight into how to identify and manage challenging situations involving drug use. I learned methods to refuse temptation and change negative thinking patterns. I would definitely recommend Odyssey to anyone looking to turn their life around.

Start your recovery journey

If you want to join a recovery group or you’re not sure which Community Program is best for you, get in touch with our team.

We are available Monday – Friday 8.30m-4.30pm (AEST).

Call us

1800 397 739

Email us

[email protected]

Referral form

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Parenting Programs

Parenting guidance in an individual or group setting, to help you strengthen family bonds while recovering.

Find out more

Mingu Yabun (First Nations Program)

Specialised, culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Find out more

Family and Friends Support

Counselling and group sessions for family and friends to share their experiences, connect with others and learn ways to look after themselves while supporting someone.

Find out more