If you’re familiar with AA and Al-Anon, then the chances are that you have dealt with addiction in some form. Addiction is a tricky thing to overcome, but it is possible. And after everything else has failed, going to a meeting may be the best option for your recovery.
This post will cover:
-What are AA and Al-Anon meetings?
-What can they do for me?
-How do I find a meeting?
-How can I make use of these meetings in my life?
AA and Al-Anon have several basic values in common.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on the 12 steps of recovery, which is widely regarded as the best form of therapy available to anyone with a problem they are trying to overcome.
Many people have found success in Alcoholics Anonymous and have since created other variations of recovery meetings. There are many different forms of AA meetings, and it is safe to assume that every variation has its own set of traditions and ways of doing things. It is very different from one meeting to the next, depending on location, issues that come up during meetings, etc.
AA is a self-help program, and each person is their own sponsor.
There are some traditions that are common to all AA meetings, even though the group or group of people may vary from one meeting to the next. Some of those include:
-No drinking until one has had a few moments of reflection at the beginning of every meeting.
This helps to keep an open mind and stay focused during the meeting. It also helps that no one gets bored with talking about problems for long periods of time.
- AA is about friendship and building trust between members. That doesn’t mean people don’t talk about problems, but it’s important to act kind and compassionate toward those struggling with addiction issues. It is also important to stay with the group and not completely rely on one’s sponsor.
- Members should ask for advice, but never give judgment. This means that members shouldn’t be surprised if someone has a new problem or a different approach to dealing with an issue.
- No one should be judged unless there is something harmful being done to another person.
- People should help each other, especially those who need it.
- Members do not speak about “getting sober” or “making it.” It is seen as too controlling and negative in nature, even though it still takes hard work and dedication to get sober.
The primary purpose of Al-Anon is to help families or friends of alcoholics. It is sometimes called an extended family because of the close and supportive nature of the people.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Meetings are often a support system for youth where they can be treated like an adult, as opposed to being treated like a child in a dysfunctional family. Serious drug abuse tends to occur in the homes where addicted children are put in charge and left with the task of abusing substances themselves. Many parents become addicts themselves, but they continue to give their children substance abuse weapons while they remain unconscious of the danger their actions pose.
If you are looking to attend a virtual AA and Al-anon meeting please check out the Double Winner’s Anonymous Meeting Directory!
If you’d like to add your meeting to our meeting directory please contact us with all the corresponding information!