Do you attend meetings? Support groups?

Recovery
#1

I’ve been doing sobriety with a VERY small support group, and until recently, no sober peers. I have never attended AA or any type of meetings, other than with my therapist...

Was anyone else hesitant or intimidated by the idea of finding support meetings? What made you take that step? Do you attend in-person, or do you have a virtual/video meeting? How does/has attending meetings help YOU in your recovery? How often do you attend?

I’m going to look up “nearby” AA meetings in my area (I live in an extremely rural town) but I’m sure I’ll have to drive at least 30-45 miles one way to the nearest one. So, I’ll likely only attend one a week.

Please drop your insight, experiences, and/or answers to any of the above questions! :slightly_smiling_face:

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#2

I’ve never really been a fan of AA, I did LifeRing instead.

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#3

There are no meetings in my state. Did you do in-person or online?

#4

Hi there. AA isn’t my pathway, but I am a part of an active sober group called The Phoenix. They are nationwide and have virtual events too. thephoenix.org

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#5

I have been going to AA for 26 days now and even though I am not religious in any way(agnostic actually) I find the meetings very helpful. There are even AA meetings that are Agnostic "based". Honestly the meetings are great. I have been to 16 of them now, and the people are amazing. People remwbr your name, they are genuinely happy to see you. They care about how you're doing. Nobody has tried to force religion on me, it's been very welcoming and I am glad to have them. It takes the place of the bar for me, easily and I need that especially right now. I would def recommend it. The numbers are there, the data shows that it has helps millions of people. It's worth a shot to live better, right?

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#6

I go to AA meetings. In person at least 2 a week. And I am lucky I have several sober clubs pretty close to me I can go hang at if needed. When I am in the north woods in WI I do attend a meeting Saturday night and yes have to drive 1/2 an hour to get to it. “In the rooms” or “meeting guide” are two free apps you can download that tell you where and when meetings are. For me the fellowship and accountability are key and AA did that. It has the “religious” overtones but it is a more a spiritual program. “God as you understand it” I am not a religious man. But AA definitely saved me.

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#7

Meeting makers make it. Get plugged in. Open arms await

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#8

Whats lifering? I have always had a rough time with AA/NA

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#9

Hello: I was introduced to both AA and NA during treatment. Today, I have 4 years, six months and 11 days clean and sober. I even have 14 months off nicotine!

I've only ever known 12-Step programs for my recovery. Personally, since I used drugs, I attend NA meetings. I have a sponsor and have sponsees. Neither NA or AA are religious programs. The word "God" is there only to describe a concept of a "Higher Power.". An HP is something loving, caring and greater than yourself. It can be the group, the program, God, etc. WE are spiritual, NOT religious!

Yes, I have a support group/network. I had to build it one recovering addict at a time. The people in my network really know me and love me for who I am and where I am. It takes time to build one, but it's important!

Whew, I'm long-winded today! Thank-you for letting me share.

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#10

Awesome response and insight. Thank YOU for sharing!

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#11

There has to be meetings in your state download the app

#12

SMART Recovery is another option if AA isn’t your thing. I use both.

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#13

3 meetings a week (at least) for 3 years. No change since the first lockdown. I do one in person and two or more via zoom.

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#14

My first year meetings every day.no car walk to meetings and work.weekends two or three a day.now 2 to 3 a week.aa is what works for me .since Covid still going to in person meetings.35 years Aa.saved my life :dromedary_camel: