Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Founded in 1991 by Pastor John Baker at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, the program has grown to more than 35,000 churches worldwide and has helped over 5 million people.

What Makes Celebrate Recovery Different?

Unlike AA and NA, which define a “Higher Power” broadly, Celebrate Recovery explicitly identifies Jesus Christ as the Higher Power. The program addresses not just substance addiction but any life struggle — codependency, anger, depression, food issues, financial problems, and more.

Program Structure

A typical Celebrate Recovery meeting includes:

  1. Large group worship and teaching — music and a lesson based on one of the Eight Recovery Principles
  2. Small group share time — gender-specific groups where members share openly about their struggles
  3. Fellowship — casual time for snacks and connection

The Eight Recovery Principles

Based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5), these principles guide the recovery journey from denial through healing and into service. They form a Christ-centered alternative to the traditional Twelve Steps.

Find Celebrate Recovery meetings near you or visit celebraterecovery.com. For additional recovery resources, explore Red Door Recovery Network.

Need Help Finding Recovery Support?

Whether you’re looking for treatment providers, community meetings, peer support, or harm reduction services, Red Door Recovery Network can help. All services are free to search and access.

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