What to Expect from Your First Addiction Recovery Meeting

Quick links for What to Expect from Your First Addiction Recovery Meeting

What are addiction recovery meetings?
What is the purpose of an addiction recovery meeting?
What types of addiction recovery meetings are there?
How long is an addiction recovery meeting?
What happens during the first addiction recovery meeting?
Do I have to talk at my first addiction recovery meeting?
How do I find an addiction recovery meeting?
Frequently asked questions about your first addiction recovery meeting
References for what to expect from your first addiction recovery meeting

If you’re thinking about attending your first addiction recovery meeting, you should be very proud of yourself.

This is a huge step towards your recovery and shows that you are committed and serious about getting help.

Addiction recovery meetings can be an essential source of support and encouragement during one of the most difficult points in a person’s life.

Indeed, many people credit addiction recovery meetings as being a key part of why they have been able to stay sober after formal addiction treatment has come to an end.

Read on to learn more about addiction recovery meetings including how long they last, what happens during a meeting and whether you really have to speak in front of a group of strangers (spoiler – you don’t have to!)

What are addiction recovery meetings?

People talking in an addiction recovery meeting

You may have seen addiction recovery meetings portrayed on television or in movies, showing a group of people gathered in a circle as they pour their hearts out to one another.

While these portrayals can be a little exaggerated, they really aren’t too far from the truth.

Meetings are a way for people who want to recover from a drug, alcohol or behavioural addiction to come together and support each other.

They are safe spaces with no judgment, and each organisation runs their meetings a little differently.

At their essence, however, they are an essential tool for addiction recovery.

What is the purpose of an addiction recovery meeting?

Peers working together during an addiction recovery meeting

Addiction recovery meetings exist as a support system, bringing people together who have the desire to recover and providing a space to share their emotions, experiences and thoughts.

They can motivate and inspire you to stay sober, as well as provide an emotional outlet and give you the chance to help others.

Meetings are a great way to build routine into your life, particularly if you are struggling to know how to fill your days while in recovery.

They can also give you somewhere to turn if you are at risk of relapse, particularly if you cannot afford professional counselling.

Attending meetings can help you to find community and build a social life.

Studies have found [1] that those who regularly attend support group meetings are less likely to relapse and this is partly due to the friendships that are made during these meetings.

What types of addiction recovery meetings are there?

Black and white photo of people at their first addiction recovery meeting

Just as there are many different types of addiction, there are also many different types of recovery meetings and programmes.

If one programme doesn’t work for you, don’t give up – try another.

There are meetings to suit anyone, from faith-based approaches to less religious spiritual journeys and clear programmes of actionable steps.

See below for some of the most common types of addiction recovery meetings.

12 Step programmes

12-step groups meet regularly to discuss addiction, recovery and the 12 Steps, which are a specific set of steps that must be completed to help become and stay sober. [2]

The most well-known 12-step programs are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) [3] and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) [4] which focus on alcohol and drug addiction.

However, there are many different types of 12-step programmes including Gamblers Anonymous, [5] Sex and Love Anonymous [6] and Overeaters Anonymous. [7]

SMART Recovery

Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) meetings are based on certain aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

SMART focuses on four main goals: [8]

Build and maintain motivation
Cope with urges
Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Live a balanced life

Members focus on these actionable steps as well as mindfulness to recover from addiction and meet regularly to discuss their emotions and experiences.

People standing outside watching a sunset after their first addiction recovery meeting

Celebrate Recovery

If you would prefer a Christian faith-based approach to addiction recovery, you may be interested in Celebrate Recovery. [9]

Similar to the 12 Steps programmes, Celebrate Recovery is focused on specific steps that members should take on their journey to sobriety.

Christian values are emphasised throughout the meetings and Bible verses are often incorporated into the steps.

Refuge Recovery

Refuge Recovery [10] focuses on Buddhist concepts as a way to both understand and heal from addiction.

The programme involves spiritual practices along with a systematic approach that consists of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which are both rooted in Buddhism.

Refuge Recovery members can meet in-person or online and can also attend retreats and meditation sessions.

How long is an addiction recovery meeting?

Addiction recovery meeting in progress

If you are preparing for your first meeting, you may be wondering how much time you should set aside.

Each support group is different so some meetings may be longer or shorter than others.

In general, an addiction recovery meeting will last for around 60 minutes.

This allows time for introductions, news updates and for each member to speak if they wish.

It’s common for members to arrive slightly early to meetings.

This is an opportunity to speak with other members, help to set out the chairs, make coffee and get comfortable.

Many people attend more than one meeting each week, so keeping the length at around 60 minutes per session can make it easier to fit them around work and other commitments.

What happens during my first addiction recovery meeting?

Therapist at a drug and alcohol rehab leading their first addiction recovery meeting

The thought of attending your first addiction recovery meeting can be intimidating, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident.

Meeting new people, facing your addiction and potentially sharing some of your most vulnerable emotions may feel impossible right now.

But once you’ve attended one meeting, you’ll realise how welcoming and non-judgemental these spaces are.

Introductions

In your first meeting, you may wish to introduce yourself to the group.

This can be a great way to build initial connections and feel more comfortable in this new environment.

Even if you don’t have the confidence to introduce yourself to everyone, other members will likely recognise that you are new and will approach you to say hello.

You will also receive any paperwork and recovery literature that may be useful, and you can take this home with you to read after the meeting.

Sharing and listening in a supportive and non-judgmental environment

Many meetings revolve around discussions between other members, sharing their experiences with addiction and recovery.

Each member will be invited to share with the group on a voluntary basis, so you do not need to speak if you don’t feel comfortable.

Discussions can revolve around the struggles people have faced, the methods they used to overcome these problems and/or how recovery has changed their lives.

Some meetings may focus on a specific speaker who will share their experiences in more detail, providing advice and guidance to other members.

Anything discussed in meetings is strictly confidential and should not be repeated to anyone outside the group.

People sat together at their first addiction recovery meeting

Learning about the 12 Steps

If you are attending a 12 Step meeting such as AA or NA, or any other programme that focuses on specific steps, a large part of the meeting will be spent discussing one or more of these steps in detail.

This may involve reading from the literature, discussing other members’ experiences with the 12 Steps or examining journal entries and writings from anyone who volunteers.

Receiving a sobriety chip

Many support groups provide tokens to mark milestones in your recovery, and you may receive your first sobriety chip at your first addiction recovery meeting.

AA members receive a silver chip to mark their first 24 hours of sobriety, graduating to different colours after one week, one month and onwards.

These chips serve as a daily reminder of the commitment you have made to yourself – a life of sobriety.

They also represent the strength and bravery it takes to get to this position.

Do I have to talk at my first addiction recovery meeting?

Addiction support group sat together and listening to a member speak

It’s very normal to feel nervous about speaking at your first addiction recovery meeting.

Most people are intimidated by the thought of public speaking in general, so the idea of sharing your most vulnerable emotions and experiences with a group of strangers can be terrifying.

You will never be forced to speak at a meeting if you don’t want to.

You may wish to spend your first few meetings listening to others until you feel more comfortable and acquainted with the group.

However, speaking at an addiction recovery meeting can be very beneficial.

It’s a chance to lean on others for support, share your thoughts and experiences and make connections.

Once you feel ready to do so, try stepping outside of your comfort zone and speaking up. Everyone in the meeting is on your side and no one will be judging you.

How do I find an addiction recovery meeting?

Person searching online to find their first addiction recovery meeting

Finding an addiction recovery meeting is simple, and you will usually be able to find one in your local area or even online.

If you are attending professional addiction counselling, your therapist may be able to connect you to a meeting.

You may also find one through your inpatient or outpatient rehab clinic if you have attended in the past.

A simple way to find an addiction recovery meeting is by searching for them online.

AA and NA both have online tools that require you to type in your postcode to find meetings, and you can select the date and time that works best for you.

Once you have found an addiction recovery meeting, you can usually rely on them to meet at the same time and place each week.

If a meeting is cancelled, you should be notified by phone or email.

Frequently asked questions about your first addiction recovery meeting

Addiction support worker and patient discussing addiction recovery meetings

Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about attending your first addiction recovery meeting below.

How much does an addiction recovery meeting cost?

Most support groups and recovery meetings are free to attend, so you don’t need to worry about a lack of funds preventing you from seeking help.

Some groups may ask for a voluntary donation at the end of each meeting, but this is not mandatory.

These donations can help to fund the meetings and pay for any room hire fees or paperwork printing.

Only donate if you can easily afford to do so.

Remember, these meetings are there to help you recover from addiction and get your life back on track – don’t spend more than you can afford.

Do I have to attend in person?

Addiction recovery meetings and support groups can be found all over the world, and most towns and even villages have a branch of some kind.

However, there are some situations where it is difficult or impossible to attend in person.

This may include people who are living rurally, have no means of transportation or have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from attending.

For these reasons, it is possible to attend a recovery meeting online.

AA has a simple tool [11] that allows you to search for online meetings at a time that best suits you.

Members of an addiction recovery meeting bumping fists

Can I remain anonymous?

If you don’t want to use your real name at a meeting for any reason, you can remain anonymous.

Many addiction support groups such as AA and NA encourage anonymity – after all, it’s in the name!

They understand that addiction carries a stigma and shame for many people and that it may be easier for them to open up and seek help if they are able to remain anonymous.

It can also be helpful for people with high-profile jobs, as they can seek help without worrying about the public finding out about their addiction.

If you recognise someone else in an addiction recovery meeting, you must respect their right to anonymity. [12]

Do not reveal details about them to other people, both online or in-person, and do not approach them outside of meetings in a way that could let others know that they are attending meetings.

What are some other ways to recover from addiction?

Addiction recovery meetings and support groups can be an effective way to recover from addiction, but they are not your only options.

From professional counselling sessions to a 30-day stay at an inpatient rehab clinic, there are many ways to seek help.

Rehab Recovery is one of those options – we are a free service that connects you with the right addiction treatment.

There are many factors that can influence the type of support you may require, including your budget, lifestyle and any other physical and mental health disorders.

Call us on 0800 088 66 86 for a free consultation and let us do the hard work of finding addiction treatment for you.