BACKGROUND This study explores how Special Interest Meetings (SIMs), also called topic-specific meetings (e.g., meetings for young people), support recovery in 12-Step fellowships for Special Populations like young people, women and LGBTQIA+ members. Despite their emergence to address the needs of these groups, the specific ways Special Interest Meetings contribute to recovery experiences are understudied.

METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants who had attended Special Interest Meetings in 12-Step fellowships to explore the role of these meetings in recovery. The interviews were analysed using the CHIME-D personal recovery framework (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life, Empowerment, Difficulties).

RESULTS Special Interest Meetings serve as recovery pathways for Special Populations, incorporating CHIME-D elements to aid recovery and address challenges. This study found four "Special Population Pathways" for recovery: Traditional, Hybrid, SIM-Only, and Outside-Sim Hybrid Pathway.

CONCLUSIONS Special Interest Meetings address specific challenges like discrimination and exclusion faced by Special Populations in recovery. These meetings offer tailored support, deeper connections, improved recovery outcomes, and a sense of empowerment. The existence of "Special Population Pathways" emphasises the ongoing need to address diverse individuals' specific needs throughout the recovery process.