How to Find the Right Recovery Meeting for You
How do you find the right recovery meeting for you?
There are hundreds of recovery meetings in any given area, in some cases more. It can be overwhelming sorting through the names, types of meetings and how they can support you and your recovery lifestyle. Some meetings don’t allow children, others won’t allow spouses. Everyone’s personal situation requires something different. There isn’t a cookie-cutter one-sized-meeting-fits-all. Below are steps that will help you discover the meeting that’s best for you.
Identify your overall recovery meeting type
This is simply to narrow down one or two meetings that match your need. For example, do you identify more with NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or AA (alcoholics anonymous)? Or do you want emotional support? Many that have overcome opiate use disorder feel that NA is a better option for them because only another previous opiate user can truly identify what withdrawals and those cravings are like.
Alternatives to 12 Step programs
One of the biggest challenges for those who want to receive support during recovery is the spiritual aspect of NA or AA. Neither of these programs endorses any one religion but most of the context is based upon Christianity which can turn people away.
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
This alternative to a 12 step program emphasizes person-first approach that build self-confident and using tools like a cost-benefit analysis worksheet for drinking. In addition, the meetings are centered around four core ideals:
- Building and maintaining motivation
- Coping with urges
- Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors
- Leading a balanced life
Women for Sobriety
This program connects women with other women; allowing them to help each other come to terms with substance use and change for the better through sobriety. Instead of 12 steps, this program is abstinence-based and includes 13 affirmations to its New Life Program. It includes mantras such as:
- “Happiness is a habit I’m developing.”
- “Love can change the course of my world.”
- “All love given returns.”
- “I am a competent woman and have much to give in life.”
LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular has only been active since 2001 but offers a program that doesn’t place ultimate sobriety in the hands of a “higher power.” Many participants appreciate that faith is not the constant to recovery and they use recovery methods that rely on human efforts rather than divine intervention. Similarly, this is an abstinence program and uses cognitive behavior approaches. For example it empowers the sober mind and constrains the addict mind. For example, there is a “3-S” philosophy.
- Sobriety
- Secularity
- Self-help
Everyone’s journey to recovery is different and we all benefit from different meetings. Likewise, there is no right or wrong way to approach recovery support. Above all, at Lifeline Connections we support your unique recovery journey and offer a list of community-based recovery meetings to help everyone’s different lifestyle.
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