Using Buddhist Practices and Principles to Recover from Addiction

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to be a Buddhist to participate in Recovery Dharma?

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Recovery Dharma is a program of empowerment and doesn't ask you to believe in anything other than your potential to change and heal. People from any and all backgrounds attend our meetings.

We explore a Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery of addiction of all kinds, but you don't have to be a Buddhist or identify with, believe in, or practice any other religion to participate in Recovery Dharma meetings - nor will you be asked to.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcome people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation, physical abilities, backgrounds, and philosophies. 

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2. What if I'm not ready to end my addiction or I'm unsure about it -- "I'm ambivalent"?

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Making a decision to end your addiction(s) is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, and we know how hard and daunting that can be (because all of us have been there before). That's why we are here: doing it together is a lot easier than trying to make a go of it alone.

If you are struggling with drugs, alcohol or substance misuse, or any other addiction (physical or behavioral) and are curious about Recovery Dharma, we hope you'll join us and see if it's for you.

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As part of our practice, we do commit to the intention of abstinence from alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors, and our sangha is here to support you on your journey to a healthy, happy and peaceful addiction-free life. 

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3. Who leads Rockland Recovery Dharma meetings?

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We are a peer-led group and do not follow any one leader or teacher. Our meeting facilitators are not Buddhist teachers, nor do they have any particular authority in our meetings: they are fellow members of the recovery community here in Midcoast Maine who have volunteered to help facilitate our meetings, meditations, and discussions. 

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Similarly, there are no "sponsors" in Recovery Dharma, however many of our regular group members happily make themselves available during non-meeting hours to help those in need of friendship and support. 

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4. Can I be in another recovery program and also attend Recovery Dharma meetings?

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While many of our sangha members exclusively attend Recovery Dharma meetings, we recognize it is not the only path to recovery, and many may choose to combine Recovery Dharma with other recovery programs, including, but not limited to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), and others.

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5. What are the "steps" in Recovery Dharma?

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There are no steps in Recovery Dharma. Group members can and do have relapses or "slips" (it is a reality of recovery) -- we are here to support them as best we can, and there is no "starting over" in Recovery Dharma.

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Part of our approach does involve what's called an Inquiry Practice, a tool we use to strengthen our recovery. Inquiry questions can be found throughout the Recovery Dharma book (link in Q6 below), and have been written with a vision that combines the wisdom of recovery with Buddhist teachings.

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6. Where can I learn more about Recovery Dharma? Is there a book?

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Recovery Dharma Global Website: https://recoverydharma.org

Recover Dharma book (free PDF download): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cTdhP86resGks2KK3S3r6tRVCmyI-cKQ/view

Recovery Dharma book (other formats): https://recoverydharma.org/book/

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Global Meeting Directory (in-person and online): https://recoverydharma.org/find-a-meeting/

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Sample Group Readings

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7. Where is Rockland Recovery Dharma?

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Rockland Recovery Dharma meetings are currently being held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, at 11 White Street in downtown Rockland, Maine. Our meeting space is directly to the right when you come through the main entrance of the building. There is plenty of free parking at the church.

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Our meeting is centrally located, and easily accessible to residents of Knox County (e.g., Rockland, Camden, Hope, Rockport, Warren, Thomaston, South Thomaston, the St. George Peninsula, etc. - are all within a 5 to 20 minute drive), as well as towns in Lincoln (e.g., Waldoboro, Damariscotta, etc. - 20 - 40 minutes) and Waldo (e.g., Lincolnville, Northport, Belfast, etc. - 30 - 40 minutes).

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Of course, anyone throughout the state, country, and world is welcome to come and be part our special sangha here in beautiful Rockland, Maine.

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8. How can I donate to Rockland Recovery Dharma

Participation in Recovery Dharma meetings is always free, and payments or donations are never required.

At our in-person meetings, we pass a basket for dana, which is a Buddhist term for generosity. Dana helps us support our local Rockland chapter's meetings, conduct community outreach to those in need, and helps us pay our "rent" (we donate what we can to the organizations and facilities who have been generous enough to allow us to hold our meetings in their spaces).

Dana/donations can be made online via PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9NLKJA33CCHVC&source=url. 

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We thank you in advance for your kind support.

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9. Who can I talk to if I have any questions?

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RocklandRecoveryDharma@gmail.com​

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Check out our Contact page here.

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