12-Step Meetings

When a person decides to attend a 12-step
meeting, there might be some hesitation or uncertainty about what to
expect.  There might be questions such as
will there be anyone I know in this meeting or what do I talk about?  These concerns are normal and most
individuals experience doubt when attending their first meeting.

12-step meetings were designed to be a safe
place in which to share stories of recovery, hope, and strength.  There is a great deal of support in 12-step
meetings and at some point each person in the meeting has also experienced
their first meeting and might have felt the same way you do.

If you are new to a meeting, the group leader
may ask your first name and whether or not this is your first meeting.  You can sit wherever you want and wherever is
most comfortable for you.  You will
listen to the beginning of the meeting, which usually involves an introduction
from the group leader and a welcome to that particular meeting.  The group leader will ask if there are any
new members present and you should raise your hand and introduce yourself.  The group leader will read from a little book
that you were handed when you entered the meeting room.  Someone from the group will read the preamble
and the 20 questions.  Some 12-step
meetings may be organized differently but most begin this way, followed by
members who wish to share.

Many first-time meeting attendees prefer to
listen to the other members to see what is expected in a meeting.  You do not have to speak during your first
meeting unless you want to.  No one in
the group will pressure you to speak if you are feeling uncomfortable.  Many first-time attendees may start by giving
their first name and stating that they wish to listen only.  That is totally acceptable.

As you listen to the stories shared, you may
find yourself identifying with other members and what experiences they had
during their addiction.  Many seasoned
meeting attendees will also share stories of strength and hope.  They may talk about their first meeting and
where they are in recovery today.  After
all members have shared, and no one else wants to share, the group leader will
close the meeting.

Everyone who has attended a 12-step meeting
has been the new person once.  It can be
scary to reveal to others your experiences as an addict, but over time and with
continued meeting attendance, you too will share your stories and hopefully
help the next new person who is feeling uncertain about what to expect.

I am familiar with 12-step meetings and began recovery from gambling addiction by going to GA meetings regularly. My husband also attended Gam-Anon meetings and found them to be insightful and helpful. 

Without those meetings in my beginning stages of recovery, I might not be here today. And I mean that in all honesty and sincerity. 

The meetings gave me an opportunity to share my stories, but it gave me so much more. They gave me hope. I felt so supported by the other members and they knew exactly what I was going through. I have found over the years that support from others can really make the difference between recovery and relapse. 

I encourage all individuals who are entering recovery to try a meeting. Whether it is GA, NA, or AA, I am certain that you will find that openness and hope that I found.