Hope. Treatment. Recovery.

For some of us, the adjustment to 12-step groups and other recovery groups is not automatic. Groups built around honest sharing may intimidate more private individuals, and listening to other people’s problems may not always seem worthwhile.

Because attendance at these groups is such an integral part of recovery,  it’s vital to give them a chance. To find a 12-step group in your area, check out this map at AA.org, and try these tactics to make regular attendance at a recovery group work for you:

1. Try a group multiple times before crossing it off your list.Yes, there are other groups out there, but first impressions aren’t always accurate. Give each group a second chance to make a first impression. You might be surprised how different things are the second time around.
2. Try different kinds of groups. If you have a hard time with speaker groups, go to groups with more interaction. If you struggle with interacting, try a speaker group. There are even online groups, reading groups, etc.
3. Practice listening. You might have the desire to “tune out” when a certain person shares or when a certain topic comes up, but resist the urge. Be open to what you might learn from the experiences of others. It might surprise you.
4. Stop judging other attendees. For some, it’s easy to sit down and immediately feel that you have figured out everyone in the group–the person in the designer suit will never understand your problems, the guy in glasses is using bad language, etc. The truth is usually much more interesting. Give people the opportunity to become a meaningful part of your recovery.
5. Be realistic in your expectations. Twelve-step groups are not magical, nor are meetings as full of profound moments as movies would have you believe.  The effectiveness of the group is proven over time, and is rarely about any one meeting–though those special “ah-ha” moments may occasionally happen.
6. Surrender to the fact that you need a support community. Maybe the reason you are having a tough time is that you are used to doing things on your own. If that’s the case, it’s time to realize that recovery is not accomplished in a vacuum. You need the physical presence of other recovering addicts in your life and the encouragement they can offer.

Mt. Regis Center is a substance abuse rehabilitation center in Salem, Virginia, dedicated to providing you or your loved one with high quality medical treatment. Please call 877-217-3447 to speak with a member of our staff. Or fill out this help form, and we will contact you right away.

If attending a 12-step support group has been beneficial for you, please tell us about it in the comments below. You experiences may encourage others to stick with it.

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