Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can be intimidating. But if you’re looking for a way to get the most out of your time there, you’re in the right place. The support and accountability that come from being around other people in recovery are invaluable to anyone trying to stay sober. But knowing what to do, and how to make the most of your AA meeting is important for getting real lasting results. In this blog post, we are going to discuss 12 ways to get the most out of your AA meeting. Whether it’s taking advantage of the different activities available or introducing yourself and speaking up in discussions, these tips will help you make the most of your time there.
Go to more than one meeting per week
If you want to get the most out of your AA meetings, it is important to go to more than one per week. This allows you to hear different perspectives and experiences, and also get a variety of support. It can be helpful to have a regular meeting that you attend weekly, and then supplement this with another meeting or two. This way you can get the consistency of support from a regular meeting, as well as hearing new things at other meetings.
Get a sponsor
If you want to get the most out of your AA meeting, one of the best things you can do is to find a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who has been through the AA program and can help guide you through it. They can offer support and advice, and help you stay on track.
Finding a sponsor can be a great way to accountability and keep yourself accountable in your sobriety journey. If you’re not sure how to find a sponsor, ask your AA leader or another member of the group for help.
Get involved in service work
If you want to get the most out of your AA meeting, one of the best things you can do is get involved in service work. There are a number of ways to do this, and it can really help you to feel more connected to the program and to other members.
One way to get involved in service work is to volunteer to be a sponsor for someone new to the program. This can be a great way to help someone else stay sober and also to deepen your own commitment to sobriety.
Another way to get involved in service work is to help out at your local AA meetings. This could involve setting up chairs or taking down names at the door, or helping with refreshments. It’s a great way to show your support for AA and also meet other members.
There are many other ways to get involved in service work within AA, so talk to your sponsor or another trusted member about what might be a good fit for you. Whatever you do, getting involved in service work can be a great way to enrich your experience of AA and help you stay sober for the long haul.
Work the steps
1. Work the steps
The first step to getting the most out of your AA meeting is to work the steps. This means that you need to be actively involved in the program and working towards sobriety. It is important to remember that AA is a program of action and not just a place to sit and listen to other people talk about their problems. If you are not actively working the steps, then you are not going to get the full benefit from the meetings.
2. Be open-minded
It is also important to be open-minded when you are attending AA meetings. This means that you should be willing to listen to what others have to say and learn from their experiences. You should also be open to trying new things that may help you in your own journey towards sobriety.
3. Participate in activities
Another great way to get the most out of your AA meeting is to participate in activities. Many meetings will have different activities that you can participate in such as sharing your own experience, leading a discussion, or volunteering for a service project. These activities can help you feel more connected to the group and give you a sense of purpose.
4. Connect with other members
One of the best ways to get the most out of your AA meeting is to connect with other members. This means taking the time to get to know people in the group and forming relationships with them. These relationships can provide support and friendship during
Go to meetings with an open mind
If you’re new to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or are considering going to your first meeting, it’s important to keep an open mind. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything that is said, but rather be respectful and willing to listen to others’ experiences.
At AA meetings, members share their stories of addiction and recovery in a safe and supportive space. This sharing is vital to the process of recovery, as it helps members feel less alone and provides hope that sobriety is possible. It also allows members to offer and receive advice and support from others who understand what they’re going through.
So, when you go to an AA meeting, try to be open-minded and receptive to what others have to say. You never know, their words might just help you on your own journey to sobriety.
Be respectful of others’ opinions
When you attend an AA meeting, it is important to be respectful of others’ opinions. This includes respecting the opinions of those who are sharing their experiences, as well as those who are leading the discussion.
If you find yourself disagreeing with someone, try to avoid getting into a heated argument. Instead, respectfully explain your point of view and why you feel that way. Remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and that there is no one right way to recovery.
If you are respectful of others’ opinions, you will likely find that they are respectful of yours as well. This mutual respect can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved in the meeting.
Don’t be afraid to share your story
When you share your story in an AA meeting, you are sharing a very personal and intimate part of yourself with a group of strangers. This can be a very daunting experience, especially if you are new to the group. However, it is important to remember that everyone in the room has been in your shoes before and they understand what you are going through. They are there to support you and help you on your journey to recovery.
Sharing your story can be a very powerful experience. It can help you to connect with others who have similar experiences and it can also help you to see your own progress. It can be a difficult thing to do, but it is definitely worth it.
Listen to others’ stories with an open mind
If you’re new to AA, it can be helpful to go to a few meetings and just listen to what others have to say. Don’t feel like you need to share your own story right away. Just sit back and listen to the stories of others in the program. You may be surprised at how much you have in common with other members.
Take advantage of resources offered by AA
AA offers a wide variety of resources to help its members stay sober. These resources include online tools, literature, and sobriety support groups.
Online tools:
AA’s website provides a wealth of resources for members looking to stay sober. The site includes an online forum, where members can share their experiences and connect with others in similar situations. There is also a library of AA literature available online, including the Big Book, which contains the stories of AA members who have overcome addiction.
Literature:
In addition to the online resources mentioned above, AA also offers a variety of printed materials to help its members stay sober. The most well-known of these is the Big Book, which contains the stories of AA members who have overcome addiction. Other helpful materials include pamphlets and brochures on topics such as alcoholism and its effects, how to stay sober, and how to find an AA meeting near you.
Sobriety support groups:
In addition to the resources mentioned above, AA also offers sobriety support groups for its members. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for people in recovery to share their experiences and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Try not to take yourself too seriously
If you’re new to AA, or even if you’re not, it’s important to try not to take yourself too seriously. This is a program that is designed to help you live a healthier, happier life, and that means making some changes. Some of those changes may be difficult, but they will be worth it in the long run. So, try to keep an open mind and remember that this is all about helping you get better.
