There are a variety of formats for A and A meetings. And every meeting adopts the feel of its local area. At most meetings, you'll hear members talk about what drinking did to them and those around them. Most also share what steps they took to stop drinking and how they live their lives today.
At most meetings, people simply share what their alcoholism was like. They can also share how they overcame it and what it's like now. The goal of each person who shares is to convey a message of hope to new members. In addition, the speakers let them know that they no longer have to live the way they do if they are ready to be sober.
Of these millions, only 11% receive treatment for their addiction. And while 11% is a significantly low number, that equates to about 2.5 million Americans seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD). There are millions of people who want to be sober and stay sober. The good news is that many of these millions will be living in recovery.
At Futures, we understand how important it is to create a support system when you return home. Many of our staff members are recovering and understand first-hand what the early days of rehabilitation are like. Futures exposes clients to several support programs during treatment. This gives you an idea of how each of them works and which ones interest you the most.
From Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to Refuge Recovery, there's a support program for everyone to help maintain long-term recovery. Over time, there are numerous types of 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Learn more about the different 12-step programs. It's also important to know that there are many people who attend AA meetings but have drug problems.
This is widely practiced and accepted in AA. It is important to note that AA meetings often ask that the topic of drugs not be mentioned at meetings. Many creatively use terms like “dry goods” when talking about their drug problem at AA meetings. However, this is what an AA meeting can look like (there are variations from one AA group to another).
In those cases, you can just say “hi” or “hi, I'm (insert name)” or whatever you're more comfortable doing. AA groups aim to make meetings as comfortable as possible, especially for newcomers. One of the reasons most people don't try AA meetings is because they think it's primarily a religious program. No one is required to do so, but the AA tradition is maintained that when an alcoholic asks for help, AA's helping hand will be there.
An intergroup group dedicated to online AA meetings can be found, which is an extraordinary resource for anyone who is in a state of sobriety, whether they are five days old or five years old. With the start of restrictions associated with COVID-19, AA and other 12-step programs quickly transitioned to using Zoom for their online meetings. So what can you expect from your first AA meeting? In general, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms. Later, different members of the meeting read sections of AA literature, such as the book Alcoholic Anonymous (commonly known as The Big Book) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
The meeting begins with the president reading the AA Preamble and then leading a group prayer, the Serenity Prayer (abbreviated version). One of the problems a person may have when attending an AA meeting is that they think they will have to talk. This is very normal, however, with a little information about the format and what to expect from an AA meeting, you can calm down.
Leave Message