| I would like to preface this article by saying alcohol is | | | | their situations and their lives reflected in what the |
| a drug. Therefore, I may use the terms "alcoholism" | | | | speakers say at these meetings, often gathering up |
| or "addiction" interchangeably, but in the end we are | | | | the courage to turn up for one's first 12 step |
| all addicts! If there is anything that is crucial for an | | | | meeting is the first major step in the direction of |
| addict seeking recovery, it is twelve step meetings. | | | | recovery. |
| Here is something which will not scare off a person | | | | There are two types of meetings: open and closed. |
| struggling with a drinking habit. In the company of | | | | Anyone can attend open meetings, including people in |
| like-minded people who are ready to share their | | | | the health sector, family members, or anyone |
| experience strength and hope, addicts participate in | | | | interested in learning more about addiction recovery |
| such a simple yet effective way to combat addiction: | | | | via the twelve steps. Open meetings are typically |
| One addict helping another. | | | | beginner meetings that have at least one speaker |
| 12 step meetings have a life changing effect on | | | | that tells his or her's story and how they recovered |
| people's lives. You will see people come for these | | | | from their addiction. Closed meetings are reserved |
| meetings in the worst of shapes. Often you will see | | | | for addicts or people with a desire to stop using or |
| them look broken and weak in spirit when they | | | | drinking. Closed meetings also may have a speaker |
| stagger in for the first time. But the transformation | | | | but have more specific meeting styles such as big |
| that occurs in the same people after they have | | | | book meetings, where there is discussion about a |
| attended only a few of these meetings is sometimes | | | | part of the basic text of a particular fellowship, or |
| nothing short of miraculous. You will see the same | | | | step meetings, in which a step is discussed every |
| people looking far more hopeful and in charge of their | | | | week. This information is based on the knowledge I |
| lives. Gone will be the feelings of self-pity and | | | | have about meetings in my area. Meeting styles vary |
| uselessness. Instead you will notice the beginning of | | | | widely in different countries or even different states, |
| hope and resolve on their part. Just listening to the | | | | but thankfully, the goal is always the same - to assist |
| stories of former addicts, as well as those on their | | | | in one's addiction recovery. |
| way out of the addiction is an enormous source of | | | | To find a meeting, call your region's intergroup office |
| inspiration and motivation to these people. They see | | | | or search online. |