We want you to be
Find your freedom from addiction.
Join a community who have recovered from a variety of addictions, such as drugs, alcohol and self-harm.
We are committed to helping others break free from their addictions through spiritual retreats, workshops, and virtual meetings; providing the tools to thrive in life again.
Steps
Following the 12 Steps that worked for our Founders
Years
Over 50 years of experience in recovery and retreats
Retreats
40+ Retreats held in the UK since the 90s
WE CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF RECOVERY GROUNDED IN THE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING & EXPERIENCES THAT RESULT FROM THE 12 STEPS.
Established in the UK as a community organisation in the 90s, now a registered charity in England and Wales as of 2026, continuing the work we are passionate about, with proven long-term results.
We believe there is nothing shameful about struggling with addiction. Accessing support should be easy and accessible for everyone who wants it. Those with addictions deserve to feel understood and supported in a world where everyone feels safe to talk about the topic.
It’s easier to thrive if you are well-prepared, so we bring non-clinical residential weekends where the sessions to give you the tools you need are led by lived-experience practitioners who are passionate about giving back the support they received when they needed it most.
We understand progress isn’t always linear, and finding the right way to manage yourself is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Our format has worked time and time again, with a history of strong community and support. We meet people where they’re at, leaving them empowered to make choices leading to a healthier life. A small step goes a long way, leaving positive changes in the friends, family, and wider community of those battling addiction.
Face-to-face retreats are running across England and Wales, led by our passionate team.
We also provide weekly follow-up meetings every Tuesday evening over Zoom, in order to support you on an ongoing basis. These allow you to continue supporting your future recovery by staying engaged in a safe and supportive community.
In the past 2 years alone, we have supported over 550 individuals across the UK in overcoming addiction, rebuilding their lives, and encouraging them to make choices to become healthier, more resilient individuals. Many of our attendees return to volunteer and support newcomers in their recovery journey.
Our vision?
To make long-term recovery from addiction accessible to anyone who may need it, creating a culture that reduces the shame and stigma around addiction and leaves people empowered and able to make more positive choices in all aspects of life.
Our mission?
- Offer residential retreats and weekly online meetings led by lived-experience practitioners, where those attending can get the tools needed to overcome addiction, allowing them to rebuild their lives and thrive
- Create a sense of community amongst those suffering from addiction, and empower them to continue to engage through volunteering
- Deliver a non-clinical approach to managing recovery, whether as an alternative or complementary as appropriate, through spiritual non-proselytising guidance.
Our values?
Community: Building a supportive environment where individuals can connect, share experiences, and grow together.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensuring that recovery resources and support are available to all, regardless of their background, beliefs, or financial means.
Growth: Encouraging exploration of personal spirituality as a cornerstone of healing and recovery.
Integrity: Maintaining transparency, honesty, and ethical practices in all activities, ensuring trust and respect.
Empowerment: Equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge and confidence to take control of their recovery journey.
Creating life-long
Freedom & Spiritual Awakening
We create and promote opportunities for life-changing spiritual experiences for individuals and families suffering from all forms of addiction. Our practitioners share our experience, strength, and hope through our own stories of how we ‘came to believe.’
Driven by the original Spiritual principles found in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, we connect people with the Source of spiritual and physical freedom to discover a new way of living.
Although the 12 Steps are founded in Christianity, we don’t carry ties to any specific religion or church. We welcome those from any faith, or no faith at all.
We understand that faith-based language can be uncomfortable to some, and when referencing text and literature, it can be unavoidable. However, wherever possible, we will give you options for more neutral language to use. We have no interest in converting you or making you join a church; we just want to help you recover!
It must be remembered that our services are not designed to replace professional medical support, such as GPs or therapists, but to complement them.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer our services to under-18s; however, please get in touch and we will help however we can.
With a Powerful
Network
Volunteers are the backbone of Came to Believe Recovery UK. Our recovery programs are volunteer-based, where those who have benefited, and continue to benefit, from our work then come to give back to their community and offer peer support to new people seeking recovery.
With 100 volunteers in our network, we share a message of hope in recovery across the UK. Our retreats and programs welcome both those addicted as well as their family members and loved ones.
Volunteering allows us to support our newcomers and demonstrate the positive impacts of being free from addiction, as well as make meaningful and fulfilling contributions in their lives, which can consequently help with getting back into employment or education opportunities.
View Upcoming
Recovery Retreats
CTBR UK events are designed to kick-start recovery, or reinforce long-term freedom from addiction.
Our retreats all around the United Kingdom are led by recovered addicts and family members who are part of the CTBR network.
Click below to find out more about our upcoming retreats.