The Benefits Of Attending AA Meetings

February 22,2013

œHelp is an essential aspect of recovery, that allows the addict to bring Everything into Perspective. The probability that they can do it alone is between slim and slimmer.

œWhat does it matter? I don't need to go to meetings? I can do this on my own. How many times do you hear these words, or something similar, from an addict? So you might ask, why go?

I'm going to share something with you. They don't need to go. They can do it for themselves. They have the answers and understand their situation better than anyone else. People won't get them (they'll say they're making excuses). The bottom line is that addicts don't need all that gibberish and hand-holding to find recovery. Right¦?

”Wrong. œHelp is an essential aspect of recovery, that allows the addict to bring Everything into Perspective.

Well, I don't know any other way to say this, but it's time they put on their big-boy underwear and listen carefully.

The probability that they can do it alone is between slim and slimmer. Not only do they not have the answers, but they don't even know all the questions. Why not? Because they haven't lived through this before, and others in meetings have. They have walked in their shoes, and understand exactly what they're going through. Unlike people œon the outside, the people in meetings will get them! When they make excuses, when they rationalize their bad choices and behaviors, they won't let them œoff the hook. They will be held accountable for their actions, and have to face themselves. The hand-holding is, in fact, exactly what they need. They need to walk side-by-side with others who know the drill¦who can help them find the way out of the maze.

Many people think that because they are agnostic or atheists, because they have control over their lives (or so they think), 12 Step meetings aren't for them. They don't accept the œhigher power concept, and effectively throw the œbaby out with the bathwater. Guess what? I have great news if you fall into that category. You don't have to believe in a higher power, in a God, or in the existence of a God. According to a study conducted through the Harvard Medical School of 1500 people in recovery, attendance at AA meetings œenhanced spirituality for those not spiritual or religious before attending, and showed robust association with better recovery outcomes for those who did believe.

Meetings are about far more than baring your soul. It's about hearing the struggles others have faced, and how they how overcome the obstacles. It's about talking to people who really œget it. It's about having structure in your life and people to surround yourself with that aren't going to suggest that you go out and have a beer with them. It's about understanding that you aren't in control of the addiction, and untethered, it can control you.

Attending AA meetings may not be the œcure, but it is certainly an ingredient in the formula for recovery. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. As they say, nothing changes when nothing changes. This is a change for the better. Try it tonight!

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When a person suffers from a severe case of drug or alcohol addiction, the best method of treatment is seeking professional help at an addiction treatment facility. Licensed therapists and counselors are trained to conduct effective treatment for various kinds of addictions, as well as mental health issues and those suffering from psychological distress. For more information on addiction treatment services and available programs, please don't hesitate to reach us at:

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery

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Florida Center for Recovery

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MARK KILLAR

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