Trying to stay sober in a college town known for its bar scene can be especially hard. Luckily, Fort Collins offers a variety of peer- and counselor-focused support groups for those looking to quit drinking.

While many of these options focus on the 12-step program and aren’t secular, others are more individualized, giving people from all walks of life an option for moving toward sobriety.

1. LifeRing Secular Recovery

Unlike other programs, LifeRing Secular Recovery focuses on a secular approach to sobriety. This group centers on peer-to-peer support, according to their website. LifeRing Colorado focuses on personal development and sharing strategies for sobriety. Their approach to sobriety does not require any belief in a higher power and focuses on empowering individuals in finding their sobriety.

To learn more about this group, visit liferingcolorado.org or contact Patrick Renworth at renworth@frii.com. This group meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at AspenRidge Recovery Fort Collins, located at 706 S. College Ave., Suite 201.

2. Drugs, Alcohol and You Programs & Ram Recovery at the Colorado State University Health Network

While the Drugs, Alcohol and You Programs are generally used as a mandated option for students caught with alcohol before turning 21, their voluntary educational services are available to all Colorado State University students. From voluntary screenings and alcohol relationship counseling to the Taking Steps program, which focuses on a 12-step program similar to alcoholics anonymous, the DAY Programs support anyone wanting to become or stay sober at any part of their journey.

Individual counseling appointments with the CSU Health Network allow students to analyze their relationship with alcohol habits with a professional. A screening is required and can be done in person during drop-in hours or by phone at 970-491-6053. These services are available to all fee-paying students.

Ram Recovery offers group support for getting sober or dealing with other forms of recovery and is available to CSU and Front Range Community College students. This group offers both an in-person and online meeting option from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. You can get in touch with Ram Recovery on Instagram, RamLink or by reaching out to their president, Leah Winningham, by email at leah.winningham@colostate.edu.

3. Northern Colorado Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup

With a variety of meeting times and locations, including some offered online, Northern Colorado Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup focuses on a 12-step program for sobriety, which includes building a relationship with a higher power. With early morning and Spanish meetings to support a large variety of recovering alcoholics, NCIG AA is one of the most well-known and accessible options for recovery through peer support.

NCIG AA groups are open to anyone in search of a recovery community and offer a specific group for young people recovering from substance abuse in Fort Collins. This group meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, giving young people a space to engage socially with other young people choosing to live their lives without alcohol.

To view their full calendar and events list, visit nocoaa.org.

4. Harmony Foundation

For people seeking immediate rehabilitation services for alcoholism or other substance abuse issues, the Harmony Foundation offers detox services, residential recovery options, outpatient services and more. This organization provides a broad range of options for getting sober through medical intervention and takes private insurance. They also offer specialty groups, including an LGBTQ+-centered program that focuses on the unique challenges of the LGBTQ+ community that lead to substance abuse or make it difficult to stay sober.

Unlike some forms of medical intervention for alcoholism, this group does not require people to choose their residential treatment option in order to commit or recommit to sobriety from substance abuse. This offers more flexibility for patients who might not have a lot of support in seeking sobriety and allows people to deeply engage in recovery without giving up their life at work or in the community.

While their primary location is in Estes Park, Colorado, they do have a Fort Collins recovery center located at 109 Cameron Drive.

5. Colorado Crisis Services

Colorado Crisis Services offers crisis counseling by phone, which can be accessed by calling 844-493-8255  or by texting “TALK” to 38255. According to their website, the service is free, confidential and available at any hour. CCS offers counselor and peer support to anyone in the state who needs a place to talk about their mental health struggles or substance abuse.

By offering a text and call line, recovering alcoholics and those concerned about their substance use patterns can remain anonymous in seeking support. While all services to addicts are judgment-free, shame can prevent people from seeking help. Texts and calls only ask for a first name in case a call back or reconnection is needed, keeping your identity private as you find support.

While their services by phone are more advertised, CCS is located in Greeley, Colorado, at 928 12th St.

Reach Kota Babcock at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @KotaBabcock.