Most individualswho have been advised to attend12 Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous or Al-Anon and Nar-Anon (the latter two are for those in relationship with an alcoholic or addict), will have conflicting thoughts and emotions. Some may think: "Oh, my God, so this is what I've come to, attending meetings with a bunch of losers." Or: "Not AA or NA; they'll be trying to convert me to religion." Fear, self-pity, anger, loneliness and a host of other negative feelings may be present. All of these thoughts and feelings are normal. I know of few who have welcomed the suggestion of attending 12 Step meetings with wholehearted enthusiasm.
After this sentence, I'llgive some tips that I offer to those starting attendance of 12 Step meetings, but there are many more and I invite comments from anyone registered with this site.
1)The very first suggestion I have is that you, the newcomer, try not to drink or drug, or engage in any other behavior bringing you to 12 Step recovery, before attending a meeting. The 12 Step Recovery Programs work better if you abstain.
2) Have an open mind. Try to listen without judgment to what you hear. If the information does not immediately appeal to you, just file it away in your mind; perhaps it will be usefullater on in your recovery.
3) Compare in, not out. In other words, try to listen for information that you can relate to, rather than being on the lookout for information that you do not relate to.
4) Try to avoid an all or nothing reaction to what you see and hear. Remember that members of 12 Step Programs are not professional counselors but people like you who attend meetings to help themselves recover from drug or alcohol addictions.
5) Strive for willingness to stay away from the first drink or drug or the behavior you are powerless over (for example, rescuing the addict or alcoholic), just one day at a time.
There are many more tips I could provide here. I hope that members of this site and others who read the post will share their own tips for success in the 12 Step Programs. Jan Edward Wiiliams, 02/22/2016,www.alcoholdrugsos.com.
