Addiction recovery alternative takes root in SWFL with Naples chapter – Florida Weekly

Scott Dorris was on a trip for work in Kansas City when he decided to attend his first Refuge Recovery meeting.

Mr. Dorris had completed an Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program in the past, but lately he was gravitating toward the Buddhists teachings promoted by Refuge Recovery.

“I had been interested in Buddhism and dabbled,” the Naples resident said. “And I’d been reading a book.”

After his first meeting, Mr. Dorris returned to Naples, having decided to start a local chapter himself. Refuge Recovery Naples completed its first year in October.

“AA literature hasn’t changed much since it started in the 1930s,” Mr. Dorris said. “And Buddhist teachers are 2,600 years old, but it’s a different pace. The meditation really allows you to process your thoughts and get along with people going through the same thing.”

The group meets once a week and about 10 to 20 people struggling with addiction or working to maintain their sobriety attend each session.

Mr. Dorris is the mediator most weeks, but part of Refuge Recovery involves sharing that role. So some other group members will take the torch for a few sessions at a time.

“We try to have each person lead for a month, then switch,” he said. “We try to change it up.”

Mr. Dorris learned how to run the meetings using a guidebook from the national nonprofit chapter of the program. Each session involves a guided meditation that addresses an aspect of addition and sobriety.

For the most part, the local group has gained members through word of mouth. They have tried social media as well, but most folks find them through an online listing or by wandering up to them on the beach in Naples where they often sit in a circle, meditating.

Most meetings are held at the Open Mind Zen Center in Naples, 1250 Tamiami Trail N.


“The sunset meetings on the beach work well with the sound of the ocean, but some people prefer the ones at the event center too,” Mr. Dorris said.

The newest endeavor for the group has been taking meditative walks through the most natural parts of Florida. The walks last about 90 minutes to two hours and are silent. They mimic the walking meditations Buddhists are known for.

Refuge Recovery members have walked through Picayune Strand State Forest beginning at the Sabal Palm trailhead and said the stillness, quiet and simplicity helps some members of the group to focus on their meditations and their breathing.

Mr. Dorris said meditation is not only helpful for addiction recovery. It’s also a good starting place for those struggling with addiction to their phones, social media and technology — even those struggling with eating disorders.

“I get a lot of feedback about how this really applies to things in your daily life,” Mr. Dorris said.

And he says it’s a great option for folks who have tried AA but wanted something different.

“The 12-step programs are really good for a lot of people, but some people just need a different approach, something more secular and less god-centered,” he said.

Mr. Dorris said the meetings are open to the general public and anyone who might be interested should get in touch.

“You don’t need to be a Buddhist or have any meditation experience,” he said.

Visit their Facebook page for details about upcoming meetings and meditation walks at www.facebook.com/refugerecoverynaples or email refugerecoverynaples@gmail.com. ¦

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