12-Step meetings like AA and NA offer free, peer-supported help for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. By attending meetings and working the 12 Steps with a sponsor, many find the support they need to stay sober. Although some worry about fitting in or the spiritual aspects, the program is open to all and …
If you want to get or stay sober, 12 Step Meetings can be a helpful part of your recovery. Twelve 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 Twelve Steps | Alcoholics Anonymous
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.
Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous
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 recognize 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
For those who prefer meetings with absolutely no mentions of anything to do with God or religion, SMART Recovery meetings are an option. They pride themselves on being evidence-based and stigma-free. It can be more difficult to locate SMART Recovery meetings because they are not as plentiful.
Those who prefer meetings based on Eastern religious ideas can attend Recovery Dharma. Home • Recovery Dharma. And those who want meetings more focused on religion can attend Celebrate Recovery. Home — Celebrate Recovery
Types of AA and NA Meetings
There are many different types of AA and NA meetings. A closed meeting is only for those working on their sobriety and recovery. An open meeting is for anyone, including friends, family members, and students who are there to observe for a class. There are large speaker meetings with many people and smaller discussion meetings.
Some meetings have a specific focus, like 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
There are also many other types of 12 step meetings. Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are for family members of individuals struggling with addiction. There are also Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous meetings, as well as others.
If you are ready to take steps to get or stay sober, contact Believe Detox to help you on your recovery journey.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be required to make a donation if I go to a meeting?
Many meetings will take a collection in order to cover expenses such as coffee, meeting literature, or the cost of renting the space where the meeting is held. But no one is required to donate or turned away for not donating.
I got a copy of the Big Book and it doesn’t make sense to me. What should I do?
The Big Book is the primary book used in AA and NA but it was written in the 1930s, so it can be hard to understand for today’s readers. It can be helpful to choose and work with a sponsor to help you understand the readings and other parts of the program. You can also take what you need and leave the rest.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, or high fever, call 911 immediately. For questions about medically supervised alcohol detox at our San Fernando Valley facilities, call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904.
Book a Consultation
It’s easy and free!
