For many people who are recovering from alcoholism, going to different kinds of AA meetings regularly becomes part of their life. Some people generally love doing this; for others it is a bit like taking medicine in order to stay well. Some meetings will be light hearted and enjoyable; others on occasions heavy and seem to be full of people with problems.
If we are facing any challenges ourself we are often told to get to a meeting. Why? There are a number of reasons. First, if we go to a meeting we are surrounded by people. These people are sober and are supporting the sobriety message. This is much better than sitting at home or going to the pub where we might well be tempted to escape our problems in the usual way.
Also, people at the meetings will be willing to help and support us with our problems and there is a chance that someone there will have been through the same thing. We share our issues and see what help comes back – and usually we will not be let down.
Meetings can be subtly different and here is an insight into what the different types are:
Beginners’ or newcomers’ AA meetings
These are often smaller meetings and are particularly aimed at people who think they might have a problem or who are new to recovery. Not all meetings are small though. One local to me had around 70 people. Each week and as a beginner this one was not for me (but obviously suited lots of people otherwise they would not all have been there week in and week out!).
I did not like this meeting because people had to introduce themselves and say how sober they were. As a serial relapse in those days. I was embarrassed to be always saying less than 24 hours, 1 day etc. At this particular meeting, you were invited to say something rather than volunteer, so I did not like being suddenly singled out. So although my local beginners meeting was not for me, I did do as advised and go to lots of different meetings till I found the ones I was more comfortable with.
Open AA meetings
These are AA meetings for everyone, whether or not you have a drink problem. Of course, we do not expect people there just to be nosy! Most people attending who are not alcoholics are addicts of some kind or relatives or friends of those affected by alcoholism (usually accompanying a family member). In contrast…
Closed AA meetings
…. are just for those with an alcohol problem or those who think they might have one.
Open and closed meetings are different kinds of AA meetings, the format is often a recovering alcoholic sharing their story ‘their experience, strength and hope’ with the people attending. These are then followed by people sharing back to the speaker. People share how they identify with and where they are today in their recovery, including the good things and challenges faced.
Step meetings
These meetings usually take in turn each week. One of the twelve steps of recovery and discuss people’s understanding of how these steps help our recovery.
If you are some way along in your recovery from alcohol addiction and there is not a local meeting to your liking for you – start one up! And if you are looking for some support as a family member of an alcoholic, try Al Anon. A group that will support you and give you an insight into the 12 Step Programme recommended to the alcoholic.
If you have a drink or drug related problem, please call 01462 851414 for confidential help and advice