Can I join a support group like AA as a Muslim?

Seeking help is part of your faith

Islam asks believers to help each other do good:

A group of people helping each other stay sober is cooperating in something good, even if most members aren't Muslim. Addiction is also a health condition, and the Prophet ﷺ said: "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5678).

What about the "higher power" and prayers?

AA isn't a religion, but it uses spiritual language. As a Muslim, you can handle that easily:

• "Higher power": AA lets each person define it. For you, it's Allah, the One God.
• Closing prayers: some meetings say the Lord's Prayer or hold hands. You can stay silent, make your own dua quietly, or step aside.
• Confession to the group: share what helps you recover, but you don't need to describe sins in detail. Repentance in Islam is between you and Allah.
• Other options: secular groups like SMART Recovery, or Muslim-run groups such as Millati Islami, if one meets near you or online.

Relapse doesn't make you a bad Muslim

A man in the Prophet's ﷺ time was punished more than once for drinking. When someone cursed him, the Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not curse him," and told them he loves Allah and His Messenger (Sahih al-Bukhari 6780). Struggling with addiction doesn't cancel your love for Allah. Keep repenting and keep going. See Will Allah forgive me if I keep committing the same sin?

If you're still on your way to Islam and worried about drinking, see Do I have to quit drinking before I become Muslim?

Making it work

• Find a sponsor who respects your faith.
• Tell a doctor: stopping heavy drinking suddenly can be medically dangerous, so get advice on safe withdrawal.
• Plan for social pressure at family events. See What if my family pressures me to drink at holiday dinners?