The Liver Spot Communities | Support From a Patient's Perspective
The Liver Spot Communities | Support From a Patient's PerspectiveWhen facing the complexities of addiction-related medical conditions, the greatest breakthroughs often come not from a doctor's chart, but from a peer's experience.
The Liver Spot, The Liver Spot | XYZ, and the Post-Transplant Liver Spot are more than just meetings—they are powerful, thriving lifelines where individuals facing serious medical conditions related to substance use disorder (SUD) find unmatched peer support. We are dedicated to the simple and profound idea that the best guidance and deepest understanding often come from someone who has authentically walked the same path.
While the medical realities we discuss can be grim, the feeling of the community is anything but. This is a place for honest sharing, deep camaraderie, and finding practical hope built on shared, lived experience.
Endorsed by Medical Experts
The critical social impact of The Liver Spot Community's unique patient-to-patient connection is recognized and relied upon by leading University Medical Centers. Our members are referred by treatment specialists and the medical teams of UCSF, Stanford, Sutter Health CPMC, UC Davis, UT Southwestern, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and the Mayo Clinic. People often join us directly from their hospital beds—and yes, hospital gowns are always welcome! It’s a very supportive and genuine space.
The Liver Spot has been a lifesaver for SO many of my patients!
I am so grateful to this community for their incredible support!
Courtney Sherman, MD | UCSF Health
Director of the UCSF HALT (Healing Alcohol-associated Liver disease Together) Clinic
Trusted by participants and leading medical experts, The Liver Spot Community provides a vital connection with peers who don't just sympathize — they truly understand the journey. This is the critical, real-world support healthcare professionals recognize as essential for thriving in long-term recovery.
The Liver Spot Communities: Connection and Understanding
LifeRing offers these focused, online communities built entirely on a patient-to-patient model:
The Liver Spot — The OG | Open to Everyone
The Liver Spot is the first of its kind. It was introduced on December 23, 2020, in response to a LifeRing Convenor asking, “Will someone please start a liver transplant meeting? I can’t understand a word they're talking about.” Built on the LifeRing "How Was Your Week" check-in format, The Liver Spot provides a safe space to openly share the unique challenges of managing recovery and complex health issues.
We’re an active and engaged community who join together to support our own recovery and the recovery of others. Many of our participants are referred by their physicians and treatment specialists.
Who It's For: People in recovery diagnosed with related medical conditions, as well as anyone else seeking a sobering perspective or a deeper understanding of this journey.
The Focus: This wildly popular meeting unites people at every stage of recovery who connect to share vital insights and resources. This knowledge exchange empowers participants to better understand their medical issues and promote more informed and effective conversations with their health providers.
When We Meet: Online every Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM Pacific Time. Learn more and click to join: The Liver Spot meeting.
Learn more about The Liver Spot: The Liver Spot Is Growing | The LifeRing Liver Spot
The Liver Spot | XYZ — Supporting the Next Generation | Open To Everyone
The Liver Spot | XYZ is a welcoming and supportive recovery community for younger people who are navigating both substance use recovery and related medical conditions. If you're looking to connect with others who understand what it's like to be a patient in recovery, this is the place for you. No matter your current condition or age, you'll find a warm welcome and a safe space to share your journey.
Who It's For: Gen X, Y, and Z people in recovery diagnosed with related medical conditions, as well as anyone else seeking a sobering perspective or a deeper understanding of this journey.
The Focus: This open meeting invites younger people at every stage of recovery to share vital insights and resources. This knowledge exchange empowers participants to better understand their medical issues and promote more informed and effective strategies to thrive.
When We Meet: Online every Friday evening at 5:30 PM Pacific Time. Learn more and click to join: The Liver Spot | XYZ meeting.
Learn more about The Liver Spot | XYZ: The Liver Spot | XYZ — Supporting The Next Generation
The Post-Transplant Liver Spot — Supporting Post-Transplant Patients | Targeted Support
This groundbreaking meeting originated in partnership with UCSF Health’s HALT Clinic in January 2025. The Post-Transplant Liver Spot offers specialized support for liver recipients wanting to connect with others who understand the intricacies of life post-transplant.
Who It's For: Exclusively for liver post-transplant patients. This connection ensures those on the intensive post-operative journey have a dedicated, confidential peer community.
The Focus: This unique meeting offers a nurturing environment tailored specifically for navigating the emotional and medical complexities of the post-operative journey.
When We Meet: Online every Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM Pacific Time. Learn more and click to join: The Post-Transplant Liver Spot meeting.
Learn more about The Post-Transplant Liver Spot: UCSF and LifeRing Join Forces to Empower Liver Post-Transplant Patients
Never Walk This Path Alone
Don't walk this path alone. Join the community where your health journey is understood from the inside out. Whether you're navigating the complex process of getting waitlisted or managing life years after a transplant The Liver Spot communities are here to foster the resilience and community spirit you need to thrive.
For more information about these unique and powerful recovery communities, please reach out to Sue Betts | [email protected]