Refuge Recovery

Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired approach to addiction recovery that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and community support. It draws on Buddhist philosophies and practices like meditation, self-reflection, and ethical living. The program’s structure focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a framework for understanding the causes of addiction and transforming destructive patterns. Unlike twelve-step programs, Refuge Recovery doesn’t view addiction as a disease but as a cause of suffering that can be alleviated through awareness, personal responsibility, and consistent practice. 

www.refugerecovery.org 

All Substances and Behaviors   

Spiritual (Buddhist philosophy) 

Refuge Recovery was founded in 2014 by Noah Levine, a Buddhist teacher and author. Levine — who himself struggled with addiction — drew on his deep knowledge of Buddhist teachings to develop an alternative recovery model that didn’t rely on the twelve-step framework or the concept of addiction as a disease. Instead, Refuge Recovery interprets addiction through the Buddhist lens of suffering and the ways we can alleviate it.

The program’s foundation lies in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which Levine adapted to form a structured recovery pathway. Refuge Recovery is a comprehensive approach to healing addiction and the suffering it causes. Inspired by the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, the program uses a combination of practices, processes, tools, and treatments. The program places a strong emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, self-inquiry, and compassion, and it invites people from all backgrounds and beliefs. By replacing the traditional twelve-step framework reliance on a “higher power” with the Buddhist concepts of taking refuge in the Buddha (the potential for awakening within everyone), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community), Refuge Recovery created a secular but spiritual space for those in recovery.

Refuge Recovery has quickly gained traction as an effective addiction treatment program. There are currently over 700 meetings held across the United States and the program has begun to spread internationally as well. Meetings are open to anyone seeking recovery, regardless of their beliefs or experiences with other programs.

Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path To Recovery From Addiction by Noah Levine 

1. We take stock of all the suffering we have experienced and caused as addicts
2. We investigate the causes and conditions that lead to addiction and begin the process of letting go
3. We come to understand that recovery is possible and take refuge in the path that leads to the end of addiction
4. We engage in the process of the eightfold path that leads to recovery

1. Understanding
2. Intention
3. Communication and Community
4. Action and Engagement
5. Livelihood and Service
6. Effort and Energy
7. Mindfulness Meditation
8. Concentration Meditation

Refuge Recovery is an abstinence-based program. Participants are encouraged to maintain abstinence from all recreational drugs and alcohol, and to adhere to process addiction bottom lines.

While not required, the Refuge Recovery program does offer mentorship to participants. Mentors are individuals with more experience in both recovery and Buddhist principles who provide guidance and support to mentees working through the program’s practices. Unlike the sponsor-sponsee relationship in twelve-step programs, Refuge Recovery mentorship is non-hierarchical and focuses on personal empowerment and compassion. This approach is centered around mutual respect and encourages mentees to eventually become mentors themselves, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.

Meditation — including mindfulness meditation, heart practice meditation, and forgiveness meditation — is the stated cornerstone of the Refuge Recovery program. According to their website “This leads to seeing clearly and healing the root causes and conditions that lead to the suffering of addiction. We practice present-time awareness in all aspects of our lives. We take refuge in the present.”

In-person and online: www.refugerecoverymeetings.org/meetings