Reasons to Go to AA Meetings
The effects of alcoholism can be deadly. What makes alcohol addiction extremely insidious is that it seeps in without the affected person realizing that he or she is getting sucked into the vicious well of substance abuse! Alcohol addiction is way more difficult to manage as compared to drug addiction. There are many reasons for the same.
To start with, alcohol is not a so-called “forbidden” substance in society. It is available freely and can be sourced easily. There are no restrictions to the purchase of alcohol once the person is an adult. Unlike drugs, there are no legal restrictions applicable for procuring your favorite brand of whisky! Therefore, the chances of abusing alcohol become higher.
Also, drinking is somewhat of a social norm in many circles. Raising a toast and enjoying a drink is considered customary for celebrations and commemorating happy occasions. This is why detecting alcoholism or compulsive drinking behavior is difficult to detect!
What are AA Meetings?
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings are meetings conducted by alcoholics where the group sits and discusses stories and challenges concerning their struggles with alcoholism. There are a set of rules that are followed in AA meetings, and the format is adhered to by every meeting. Although prayers are involved, AA meetings have no religious connotation as such. People from any religion can take part in these meetings without any prejudices whatsoever.
The benefit of alcoholics anonymous meetings stems from the support group comprising of dedicated members who attend these meetings regularly and support others, helping them on their path to recovery. What makes these groups unique is that every member of this group has already been through the challenges you must have been facing as an alcoholic. These people are the ones struggling with alcohol dependency themselves. Yet they have managed to reach a point where they can start helping others. This works as a driving force for others still on the cusp of the curve, struggling with dependency and other associated issues stemming from the dependency factor.
When you are being guided and encouraged by a person who has been dealing with the same situation as yours, connecting to him becomes easy. You feel he is among you and understands your trials and tribulations. AA meetings can help improve the scores on the Sobriety Calculator substantially. All you need to do is be regular for the sessions and attend these meetings with dedication and seriousness.
What’s the Point of AA Congregations?
Why are meetings important? What’s the point of AA congregations? Why can’t the same results be achieved without gatherings and meetings? It is important to remember that any form of drug dependency is worsened by depression and loneliness. Gathering in groups where members extend support to each other and attempt to understand each other to overcome a sense of loneliness is the ideal starting point for the recovery journey.
Shared experiences and constant support of a group of members sharing the same goals help in cutting through the cycle of the self-destructive mindset that is accompanied by addiction and alcoholism. Supporting as well as helping one another creates wonders! When you have a group struggling with similar problems to depend on for your addiction problems, you tend to start depending less on the substance you are addicted to!
It is essentially a win-win situation where everyone helps everyone; collaboration works as medication here.
The Many Reasons for Considering AA Meetings as Suitable Options
There are many conveniences associated with AA meetings. Some of the key ones have been listed below:
- There is no obligation to come. You are free. Whether you wish to come or not depends on you and you alone. There are compulsions to return or stay. It is completely voluntary. This lends a sense of freedom that is much needed. Those struggling with substance dependency have a problem dealing with compulsions. A compelling schedule tends to put them off! A free regime triggers their sense of freedom and motivates them to stay invested in disciplined attendance.
- These meetings are free of cost. There are no spends to worry about. Also, because there is no cost involved, a member is free to decide whether he or she wishes to attend or not. It’s easy and simple.
- With AA meetings offering flexi-timings and also multiple location options, finding one at a convenient time slot close to your home is not a problem at all! You are in complete control of where you go and what time you go.
- It is a completely noninvasive kind of platform where no member is known to the other personally. You can keep your identity shrouded in anonymity. There are no intrusions whatsoever, and that is exactly what you want. You can share your woes, your challenges, your fears, and just about anything without your audience knowing who you are!
- These sessions are open to just about anyone. This is inclusivity personified. You can be a part of AA meetings irrespective of the caste, gender, and community you belong to! Consider choosing the best meeting that is conveniently located so that attendance can be regular. As much as possible, try to stick to one meeting and pay repeated visits there! There would be many AA meetings in Illinois to pick from!
It is important to understand what AAs don’t do as well so that expectations can be set right. They do not indulge in any form of research, for instance. They also do not accept monetary payments for services. They also do not diagnose any physical, mental, or psychological issues. They also do not keep any records of attendance. They will also not advertise themselves or solicit members. They will also not play any role in initiating motivation for recovery.
The success of AA meetings depends largely on self-motivation and self-participation. It is not something like a rehabilitation program. It is simply a support group congregation. However, it does play a major role in recoveries. All one needs is the motivation to be part of these meetings.