A retreat creates a special time for quiet, rest, prayer, and contemplation. It is a chance to deepen your connection to self, others and a larger spiritual truth.

There are different types of retreats such as silent retreats, directed retreats at religious centers, or secular retreats featuring active learning workshops.

Located in the Santa Cruz mountains of northern California at the Presentation Retreat & Conference Center. Experienced retreat leaders guide you through the principles and steps of the 12-step program in 5 one-hour talks. There are scheduled meetings for AA, Al-Anon, and sharing meetings, with additional rooms available for NA, Nar-Anon and other 12 step meetings.

Cost: $325 for a weekend retreat.

These 12-step weekend retreats focus on the 4th step (making a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself). They offer one-on-one guidance, peer support and time for reflection. Locations are at different retreat centers in the U.S.

Cost: $195 to $425 depending on the center and accommodations. Covers lodging, food and materials for two nights.

Located on Hazelden's 500-acre wooded campus in Center City, MN, the Renewal Center is a peaceful setting for group connection or private time. There are special Recovery Retreat programs or day, week or longer stays as part of your ongoing recovery. The focus is on the spiritual needs of those in a 12-Step program. You do not have to have been treated at Hazelden to participate.

Cost: Call for fee information

This Catholic retreat house located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin welcomes people of all faiths to their retreats. Twelve-Step weekend retreats include daily Mass, periods for private reflection and devotions, spiritual direction, and reconciliation and healing services. Specific retreats are designated for men and women in 12-Step recovery programs.

Cost: $390

Various retreats are held at the McIver Center for Family and Spiritual Recovery in Wayzata, Minnesota, a natural and quiet space with easy access to the metro area. Programs include the quarterly Roger B. Retreats on the 12 steps and an annual Women's Retreat.

Cost: $205. The weekend retreat includes lodging, meals and materials. Scholarships are available.

The Smoking Cessation retreats in Florida and Arizona include 7 nights stays with 3 healthy meals a day, daily morning counseling workshops, group check-ins and afternoon group therapy sessions. Quitting is on the 3rd day. Yoga, dance aerobics, adventure tours, Reiki energy healing sessions and use of pool and hot tub with spa amenities are available.

Cost: $2,695 per smoker. $750 for a non-smoker companion.

The Online Alano Club, a California nonprofit association, provides services for members of 12-Step Fellowships and other recovery programs. The website covers listings for sober vacations including cruises, tours, international hotels, and retreats.

Located in a wooded rural area near Milwaukee, weekend 12 step retreats for members of all recovery fellowships are held 4 times a year. Long format marathon meetings allow for in-depth sharing.

Cost: $50 - the suggested donation for the weekend.

Integrates Yoga and Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) with the tools of 12-Step recovery for body and mind healing. The retreat offers daily 12-Step meetings, vegetarian meals, and other tools of recovery including meditation and positive thinking. Retreats are offered throughout the U.S. and internationally. A schedule is available.

Cost: $750. Covers a 7-day retreat and accommodations.