- Find meetings near you
- Discover online or in person meetings
- Get 24 hour information on addiction
800-934-9518
SponsoredThe 12-step recovery program created by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is designed to help alcohol addicts achieve and maintain sobriety. During 12-step AA meetings, participants follow a set of steps from The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) to help them overcome alcoholism and addiction.
The 12 Steps were originally published in The Big Book in 1939 and have since helped millions of addicts throughout the world. They are one of the best ways 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
Sponsored
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
AA meetings are the ultimate setting in which to learn new strategies and insights 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 understands 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 and your peers 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 is 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 as you share your struggles and experiences with alcohol addiction. Sometimes, you may have to try different AA groups before you find the group that works best for you.
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 is necessary for a safe recovery to do so, and you can find reliable treatment centers by calling . What Won’t I Learn in an AA Meeting? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, AA helps to promote abstinence as well as other healthy…
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 struggle to break old habits. You might even experience intense cravings that threaten to lure you back into your 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.
Because AA meetings are held across the country—and even internationally—you can continue receiving support while traveling or relocating. No matter where you are, you’ll find a community of people who share your goal of maintaining sobriety and living alcohol-free.
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. 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. Healthcare professionals are usually 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
Sponsored
to get started on the path to recovery today.
Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN has over two decades of nursing practice with a clinical focus on rehabilitation medicine. She has published and lectured throughout her nursing and writing career. In the last 15 years, she has directed her energy and passion to create content that informs and educates readers with the goal of improving overall physical and mental health.
View Profile