If you want to get or stay sober, 12-step meetings can be a helpful part of your recovery. 12-step meetings are free, peer-led, mutual self-help support groups. The two most common are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The programs involve going to meetings and working through the 12 steps with a sponsor. The steps involve working on things like accepting being powerless over drugs and alcohol and making amends to those we have harmed.
The meetings are offered in person and virtually every day and at all times of day all over the world.
Will I Fit In at a Meeting?
Some people are hesitant to attend a meeting because they worry that folks at the meeting will be too different from them. Alcoholics Anonymous has a slogan to address this issue: “look for the similarities rather than the differences.”
You may encounter people who are a different age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or political leaning than you, and some people may have addictions which are more or less severe than yours. But it’s helpful to remember that everyone is there for the same reason — to work on their recovery.
Are 12-Step Meetings Too Religious?
Another objection that is sometimes voiced about AA or NA meetings is that they are “too religious”. The program does not follow any specific religious doctrine and does not require belief in any religious teachings. There is reference made to the concept of a “higher power.” Some people recognise this higher power as God. Others who are not comfortable with this, or who are atheists, may choose to identify their own understanding of what a higher power means to them.
As the AA slogan goes, “take what you need and leave the rest.” You can use what is helpful to you about the program and disregard what is not.
Alternative Recovery Meetings
SMART Recovery
For those who prefer meetings with no mentions of God or religion. SMART Recovery is evidence-based and stigma-free. Can be harder to locate as they are not as plentiful.
Recovery Dharma
Those who prefer meetings based on Eastern religious ideas can attend Recovery Dharma.
Celebrate Recovery
For those who want meetings more focused on religion, Celebrate Recovery is an option.
Types of AA and NA Meetings
There are many different types of AA and NA meetings:
Some meetings have a specific focus — newcomer meetings, young people’s meetings, meetings for the LGBTQ community, or meetings for women only. There are also often meetings in Spanish. The smaller meetings are often the best option for those newer in recovery because they make it easier to make connections.
Getting the Most Out of the Program
To get the most out of the program, it’s helpful to identify someone in the program to be your sponsor and to work with them on the 12 steps. Some people choose a sponsor who “has what they want” — meaning a person who is living the kind of life you hope to live in recovery.
It is also helpful to get phone numbers from people you meet at meetings and call them regularly. This helps build a sober support network and provides people to call if you are having cravings to drink or use, or are otherwise struggling with sobriety. This can help prevent relapse.
Other Types of 12-Step Meetings
If you are ready to take steps to get or stay sober, contact Believe Detox to help you on your recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be required to make a donation if I go to a meeting?
I got a copy of the Big Book and it doesn't make sense to me. What should I do?
References
- Alcoholics Anonymous. The Twelve Steps. aa.org
- Narcotics Anonymous. NA World Services. na.org
- SMART Recovery Global. SMART Recovery overview. smartrecovery.org
- Recovery Dharma. Recovery Dharma overview. recoverydharma.org
- Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery overview. celebraterecovery.com
