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Alcoholism AAAlcoholism AA Why should I go to a support group meeting? Many people are afraid to go to a meeting. Moreover, many people are afraid even to talk about going to a meeting. Perhaps it is the shame attached to being an addict, or being a family member. Perhaps a person is just shy and finds the idea of going to a group overwhelming. Perhaps a person firmly believes he/she can overcome any problem on his/her own and does not need or desire the company of others. There are hundreds of reasons why you can’t or don’t want to go to a meeting. Since Alcoholics Anonymous developed the 12-Step Recovery in the late 1930’s, over 250 self-help groups have used this approach, and part of that approach requires contact with other people. Why do all these groups meet? Put the 12-Step aside for a moment. Why would you go to a group of people you don’t know to share your inner most secrets or fears? The value of other people This may sound silly, but it could be for the same reason this writer is a member of the Wisconsin Umpires Association. I go for training. I go for access to those who schedule games. I go because everybody in the room is an umpire. Some do NCAA games, or even professional. Some do local recreational league games, or what I like to call “ankle biters.” There is commonality and we all understand each other. We share “horror” stories, we laugh, we complain a lot about coaches and players, but we’re all on the same page because we are a fraternity. Try it you’ll like it If a person can overcome his/her reluctance to attend a support group meeting, the chances are very high that he/she will receive a warm welcome, understanding and compassion. Maybe you’re not a “group person” and would rather listen and not talk. It’s OK. Maybe you’d be more comfortable observing and gathering information. That’s OK too. You’re probably afraid that somebody is not going to approve of what you say, or criticize you for something. Maybe you’re afraid of being rejected, or laughed at. If you’re an addict, or the spouse of an addict, believe me, nobody in the room is looking to put you down because they are just like you. What you get I facilitate spirituality groups for recovering addicts. Over the years I have seen how they interact with each other, how there is a bond between them. They are on the same path and share so many life experiences. The meetings that are the most meaningful, at least for me, are the ones when the group members engage each other and offer support and understanding. That’s what you get and that’s why you should go.
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