Do I Have to Go to Meetings?
Nope.
That’s my simple answer to that question, but it’s probably not very helpful. Here are my thoughts on it, as a person in long-term recovery, a counselor, and a former member of AA/NA.
First off, AA, NA and the other groups for marijuana, cocaine, and even sex addiction have helped hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of people, find and maintain recovery. They’ve been around for a long time: AA since 1935, NA since 1953. The fellowships are stable, and have decades of history and experience as well.
There are many practical reasons to go to meetings. They are a great place to start, meet other people either looking for or maintaining recover. They offer far more than meetings, but also parties, dances, potlucks and even conventions. More than that, they have a lot of ways to serve or get involved: from greeting people and making coffee to representing your group, area, or region (which is all the groups in your area). AA/NA also have a lot of literature for you to read, like books, pamphlets which let you know everything you need to know about them.
Oh, and they’re also FREE, with only suggested donations to pay for rent and supplies. Anyone can join, and you’re a member when you decide to be.
12-Step programs are the oldest form of treatment in. the U.S, and one of the most respected. Most of the treatment options available suggest, support, or even require attendance. I personally limit myself to support, and suggest only if I have a reason to, or if my client asks.
My reasons for this are pretty simple: 12-Step programs are faIth-based. Yes, AA is associated with the disease model of addiction and treatment, but 12-Step is focused on the spiritual aspect of the disease. They do not advocate medical treatment, or even medical prescriptions, for their members. NA goes even further and limits members on methadone or Suboxone to only attending while discouraging sharing or holding any service positions. The belief is that only total abstinence can work, and that people on medically-managed therapy are not “clean.” This can be found in the pamphlet Bulletin
I have years of experience in abstinence-based treatment, mostly in DWI, Criminal Justice and Military settings. While, as a counselor, I fully endorse abstinence, I also have to recognize that some people do not like 12-Step meetings or sponsorship. There are many reasons for this, including; religious/spiritual beliefs, difficulty with the concept of powerlessness, cultural or personal difficulties talking about things in public, or simply not like or relating to them.
As a counselor, my job is to honor and support my clients’ personal choices, needs, and preferences. Yes, I enjoy doing 12-Step Facilitation, which is a treatment option. But there are other methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement, and Harm Reduction. All have been found effective.
So no, you don’t have to go to meetings. If you want to, you may experience social support and help unlike anything you’ve ever had. If you don’t want to, there are many other groups, meetings, and therapies you might like. Either way, there are resources available, no matter your preference is.
I’ll write more about those options soon.
If you need or want help, please reach out to me at (984) 249-2218, or email me at cssspiers@gmail.com or to schedule an appointment, you can click here
If for any reason you think you might hurt yourself or someone else, please contact the Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255
-S
