Amherst, OH – AA Meetings

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that was originally founded in 1935. They offer peer support for people who have made the decision to stop drinking.

AA has meetings scheduled all over the world, and there are several taking place each week in the Amherst, Ohio area.

AA memberships are open to anyone who has a drinking problem and who wants to recover. There is no charge to become a member, and members do not have to pay any fees to attend meetings.

The meetings are run by others who are also recovering alcoholics. They receive no professional oversight.

AA meetings are places where people can come and know that they will not be judged for their past, but applauded for their decision to get sober. The only requirement is to have a desire to stop drinking.

There are several different types of AA meetings, including:

• Open meetings – These are meetings that anyone can attend, even people who are just there to provide support to a loved one.
• Closed meetings – In order to attend these meetings, participants must be alcoholics in recovery or who desire to stop drinking.
• Beginner’s meetings – These are for people who are new to AA and most likely also new to the recovery process.
• 12-Step meetings – These meetings walk participants through the 12 Steps of AA.
• Big Book Study meetings – During these meetings, participants work together going through the Big Book of AA.
• Demographic-Specific meetings – There are AA meetings for young people, the LGBTQ community and more.
• Online meetings – It is possible to also find AA meetings online.

What to Expect During AA Meetings

Every AA meeting type has a different format that participants follow.

Newcomers are often nervous about what to expect when attending an AA meeting for the first time. They may be scared that they will be put on the spot or embarrassed in some way.

There is no need to be worried. New people are always welcome to sit and listen and then participate when they are ready to do so; although they will be warmly welcomed and asked to introduce themselves.

During AA meetings, any of the following may happen:

• Certain participants or members may be asked to share on specific topics.
• There may be an open discussion, during which time, anyone can share with the group.
• There may be a special speaker and participants are invited to listen.
• There may be a potluck dinner and/or a time for socialization.
• Members may be assigned sponsors, and it is their job to provide one-on-one support outside of group meeting times.

Attending AA can be very encouraging, and millions of people around the world have gotten the support they need. Many have been able to stop drinking for good.

What is Al-Anon?

Al-Anon is a program that is designed to offer support to families with an addicted or alcoholic loved one.

They also have weekly support group meetings and families are welcome to attend, regardless of their age.

Quite often, the needs of families are overlooked when they have someone at home who is struggling because of an addiction. It can be extremely hard for them to cope, which is why many families end up enabling the addiction to continue.

Attending an Al-Anon can stop that enabling behavior and instead, help families learn healthier coping skills. Going to meetings also provides them with an outlet where they can share their concerns with people who understand what they are going through.

There are several types of Al-Anon meetings as well:

• Regular meetings – These meetings typically have a special speaker featured.
• Open meetings – Members and visitors are welcome to attend.
• Closed meetings – Members and prospective members are welcome to attend.
• Alateen meetings – These meetings are for young people; typically teenagers, but young adults and older children are often welcome to attend as well.
• Al-Anon Adult Children meetings – Topics generally center around family issues.
• Beginners meetings – Topics focus on newcomers.
• Gay/Lesbian meetings – These meetings are for the gay/lesbian community, but all are welcome to attend.
• Literature – Topics focus on Al-Anon literature.
• Meditation – These meetings include a break for meditation.
• Men’s/Women’s meetings – These are gender-specific.
• Parents meetings – These meetings focus mostly on parents and the challenges they face, but all are welcome to attend.
• Problem-Solving meetings – These topics focus on finding solutions to problems.
• Step meetings – Topics center around the 12-Steps of recovery.

What to Expect During Al-Anon Meetings

During Al-Anon meetings, participants are invited to listen until they are ready to share about their own experiences. The people who run the meetings are very sensitive to the needs of the members.

Please note that Al-Anon meetings are not intended for people who have addictions; they are to offer support to their family members only.

Why is Attending Addiction Recovery Meetings Important?

Attending addiction recovery meetings can be so helpful for people who are either recovering from addiction or know someone who is.

Peer support is critical during the recovery process. It helps to know that people are not alone in the struggles they are facing.

Organizations like AA and Al-Anon make it possible for people to get the help they need and to feel heard by others who have walked in their shoes.

Traveling to SpringBoard Recovery in Arizona for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

People often choose to travel from Amherst, Ohio to SpringBoard Recovery for drug and alcohol rehab. There are many reasons why a person might make that decision, including:

• Wanting to find an addiction treatment program that accepts their health insurance plans.
• Having the desire to get away from home and focus on recovering from addiction.
• Needing to get out of a dangerous home situation and relocate somewhere else.
• Wanting to participate in a type of treatment that may not be available near where they live, such as holistic care.
• Recovering in an area that is free from potential triggers that might derail their attempts at recovery.

At SpringBoard Recovery, we offer recovery housing as well as our addiction treatment program. We are here to help. Please contact us today to learn more.