Walking into your first recovery meeting can feel daunting and uncomfortable if you’re unsure of what to expect. The great news is that by simply showing up, you’ve achieved a significant milestone. Congratulations! Hopefully, this information will help you feel more at ease about what to anticipate.
Finding a meeting is quite straightforward. Just search for “meetings near me” on Google, and you’ll find both in-person and virtual options that fit your schedule and needs. The wonderful thing about The Haven is that we can assist you! We maintain updated lists for NA, AA, and Al-Anon meetings. Just give us a call or visit our front desk. We fully support you in taking this step, whether you are a client of ours or not.
One important thing to understand about attending an in-person meeting is that just because it takes place at a church, it doesn’t mean the group is affiliated with any specific belief system. The church is likely the most convenient and comfortable location available for the meeting. Meetings do not judge you based on your spiritual beliefs, sexuality, gender, age, race, or religion. Everyone is welcome!
We also recommend arriving a bit early to settle in before the meeting starts. If you happen to be late, it’s alright to join in. Just be mindful that walking in late might interrupt someone who is speaking.
You may not be the only newcomer, and everyone there understands what it’s like to walk through those doors for the first time. You will most likely be welcomed with open arms, as helping newcomers is one of the primary goals of recovery groups. By allowing them to help you, you are also contributing to their sobriety.
The beautiful aspect of meetings is that you have a choice. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, you don’t have to. If you want to share, you can! After the meeting, you can stay and socialize or simply leave. If that meeting doesn’t resonate with you, it’s perfectly fine to try a different one. There is a variety of formats and topics available, so feel free to explore until you find one that feels right for you.
Meetings are not meant to be a forum for everyone’s pity party; this is not about competing with each other’s struggles. Take the time to listen. Listen to learn, not merely to respond. Share if you wish, but don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights from those who have successfully maintained their sobriety.
There is no need to feel embarrassed at your first meeting. You might discover that you have a lot in common with others. Meetings are designed to be judgment-free zones. Your past experiences will likely surprise very few, if any.
Attending a meeting provides a glimpse into your potential future. While listening to others share their experiences, strength, and hope, ask yourself: How are they living? Do I like what I see? What does living a sober life look like? What steps do I need to take to achieve a similar state? How are these individuals managing to maintain their sobriety?
Addiction is a disease. What does a person with a chronic disease do? They seek treatment. Meetings are part of that treatment. They help keep you healthy and sober. There is no quick fix for this disease, and there is no cure, but there is hope for a full and happy life if you are willing to put in the work. That effort will be what saves you from jails, institutions, and death.
There is nothing to fear from recovery groups. You can take what you need and leave the rest. It’s an opportunity to find fellowship, wisdom, and perhaps even solutions. Finding a long-term recovery support system can be the decisive factor between relapse and sustained sobriety.
Meeting Websites:
- https://aaminnesota.org/
- https://aastpaul.org/
- https://aaminneapolis.org/
- https://www.narcotics.com/na-meetings/minnesota/minneapolis/
- https://naminnesota.org/find-a-meeting/
Al-anon Meetings
If you have any questions about meetings, evaluations, or Intensive Outpatient Treatment please contact us at our Woodbury office 651-734-9633. Or email us at info@havensmn.com