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Who Answers?The 12-step recovery program created by Alcoholics Anonymous is designed to help alcohol addicts achieve and maintain sobriety. During 12-step AA meetings, participants follow a set of steps from the The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) to help them overcome alcoholism and addiction.
Originally published in The Big Book in 1939, the 12 steps have helped millions of addicts throughout the years, and are viewed as the best way to overcome alcohol addiction, according to recovering addicts who have used the steps to stay sober.
Considering there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, and recovering from alcohol addiction can take years, there’s no wrong way to approach the 12-step program, as long as it helps you achieve lifelong sobriety. To begin your journey toward an alcohol-free life, call
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
to learn more about available treatment programs and resources.
Ready to attend your first AA meeting? Check out these 5 benefits you can gain from attending 12-step AA meetings.
1. Learn New Strategies for Overcoming Addiction
You can speak openly at AA meetings without fear of being judged.
AA meetings are the ultimate setting in which to learn new tricks and tips for overcoming alcohol addiction. At nearly every 12-step meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to other addicts describe and share their personal experiences with addiction. Not everybody is obligated to speak out and share during meetings, but doing so can ignite inspiration and hope in those who are struggling with addiction.
Take time during meetings to really listen to your peers as they describe and share their stories. You might just pick up a few new ideas that can help you achieve lasting sobriety.
2. Connect With Like-Minded Individuals
Nearly everyone you meet at 12-step AA meetings understand what you’re going through as a recovering addict. This bond allows you to help one another get through difficult roadblocks on the path to recovery, especially on days you’re feeling lost, hopeless, and alone. Going to 12-step meetings allows you to share experiences, strength, and hope as you all pursue the common goal of sobriety.
3. Thrive Where There’s No Judgment
Judging others is not part of the 12-step AA philosophy; therefore, you can attend AA meetings with peace of mind knowing that you won’t be judged for your actions, past or present. When you attend 12-step meetings, the general focus will be on honesty, sincerity, compassion, and a strong willingness to help alcoholics overcome their problems with addiction.
If you attend an AA meeting and feel that you’re being judged, try attending other 12-step meetings that make you feel more comfortable in regards to sharing your struggles and experiences with alcohol addiction. Sometimes, you might have to attend different AA groups before you find the right group that works best for you as an individual.
10 Things you Won’t Learn in an Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting—and Why You Should Attend Anyway
AA has worked for an extremely large number of people; in fact, millions of individuals have been helped by this program. Therefore, trying it out could possibly benefit you in a number of ways, but it is still important to note what the program won’t actually teach you. If you haven’t attended professional treatment, it…
4. Get Help Whenever You Need It
The early stages of recovery are often perilous and extremely difficult. You might feel a strong urge to drink, and face problems with breaking old habits. You might even experience intense cravings that threaten to lure you back into your most darkest place. Joining a 12-step AA group gives you access to help whenever and wherever you need it, even when you’re at your worst.
When combined with encouragement and support from other AA members, the 12 steps can help you avoid relapse. Your AA sponsor and the members of your AA fellowship have experienced similar roadblocks, and can help you get back on the path to sobriety and recovery.
5. Meetings Are Free to Join
Best of all, 12-step AA meetings are free to join, and available in nearly every town and city. The only requirement to join AA is the desire to stop drinking and achieve lifelong sobriety. To find a 12-step AA meeting in your area, ask your counselor or physician for referrals. These types of health care professionals will be more than happy to pass along your information to an AA group or sponsor who can get you started on the 12 steps to recovery.
Do you need help finding 12-step AA meetings in your area? Call
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
to get started on the path to recovery today.