Are you having issues with alcohol or illicit drugs? Perhaps you're drinking too much, and your problem is bleeding into areas such as your work, family, or other relationships. Or maybe you're addicted to an illicit substance, and you're finding yourself crossing lines in the sand when it comes to behavior to find ways and means to get more drugs. Whatever the case, there is hope. At the end of the line, people all over the world have found hope and recovery in addiction anonymous meetings. This article will provide those attending an anonymous meeting for addiction (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) for the first time with some advice on what to expect and how to prepare.
It's important to note that seeking professional help, such as from a qualified psychiatric nurse who has completed online PMHNP programs, is as important as self-help and peer support meetings, but there is definitely a role for both in the recovery process. Read on to learn more.
What Are Addiction Recovery Meetings?
As mentioned above, the two largest addiction recovery fellowships in the world are AA and NA. AA was the first alcohol recovery group, founded in the 1930s. NA followed a couple of decades later in the 1950s. There are several smaller fellowships, such as Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and Crystal Meth Anonymous.
These groups are what are called 12-step programs. This is because their mode of recovery involves working the 12 steps, which are a series of admissions to yourself about the nature of your addiction, coming to believe that you can recover, and making a moral inventory of your past and current behavior. You'll also make amends to those you've harmed and then carry the message of recovery to newcomers once you've completed the steps.
It is important to note that the 12 steps do mention a higher power and a God, but it is not a prerequisite to believe in this to recover. There are thousands of agnostic and atheist members around the globe, and there are even some special interest meetings, including those tailored to atheists, agnostics and freethinkers.
Another important thing to note is that these programs are abstinence-based, where you need to completely abstain from alcohol and drugs in order to work the program.
How Are Meetings Formatted?
AA and NA meetings follow a range of different formats. Typically, there is a person acting in the role of secretary, who will open the meeting, do some basic housekeeping such as toilet locations and where the tea and coffee is, and will hand the meeting over to a chairperson who will select speakers. Some meetings operate where people volunteer themselves to speak. In addiction recovery meetings, speaking is known as “sharing.”. People will share about their recovery journey when they speak. They might share a bit about their drinking or using, how they found recovery, and what their life is like today.
In addition to sharing, there is often a section of the meeting where newcomers are welcomed, and those who have accumulated consecutive days sober or clean collect chips or key tags to commemorate the occasion.
Some meetings have special topics, such as a particular step out of the 12 or another topic selected by the group at the start of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to share on the topic.
The Importance of an Open Mind
It is important to keep an open mind when attending an addiction recovery meeting. The terminology used may be confusing, and the format of the meeting may be as well. You may feel bewildered, anxious, or nervous. Those attending have been where you are and are best placed to support you. You may want to get some phone numbers after the meeting and consider finding a sponsor who can help you to stay sober or clean and work the 12 steps of the program.
Consider What You Want to Contribute/Share
When attending your first addiction recovery meeting, you may want to consider what you want to contribute or share, if at all. There is no expectation to share at your first few meetings. However, it might be useful to eventually share what brought you to a meeting, and this is a chance to get some things off your chest and open up about your substance abuse problems and seek some help with them.
In Summary
This helpful article has shared about what you can expect at your first addiction recovery meeting. We've covered what these meetings are, how they are formatted, as well as the importance of keeping an open mind when you attend. We've also covered what you may want to share at a meeting. All the best in your recovery journey.
