How to Prepare for Your Share as an AA Speaker

For example, if you share that you hit rock bottom when you lost your job, be honest about the fact that you were fired for showing up to work high and you didn’t quit your job. This may not be the most glamorous detail, but it is an important one. It shows the raw reality of addiction and how it can affect every aspect of your life. Some observers might not relate to the ease with which you “quit your job” to pursue treatment, so they could tune out and miss key points in your story. This is one example of how embellishing your story can actually do more harm than good. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

• Is important, but does that mean you can’t share your recovery story?
• Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, OH in 1935.
• Visit AA’s meeting finder page on their official website or download the AA Meeting Guide App to check out local and online meeting options.
• Even if you know nothing about substance abuse or the pursuit of sobriety, you’re very likely aware of AA and its prolific dozen rules.
• The first time I went to AA, all I heard was how much different I was than everyone else in those rooms.
• Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program for people struggling with alcohol abuse.

They will walk away lamenting their own similar stories, rather than embracing the joy they have discovered in sobriety. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ When telling your story, you may feel the urge to start off as you would start any other story—from the beginning.

thoughts on “Sharing My Story at Meetings”

Sometimes, bringing a friend or family member to a meeting makes it easier to open up and share with the group. In an open AA meeting, any community member is welcome, and you can bring someone with you if they agree to respect the members’ anonymity. Beginner meetings are led by AA members who are further along in their recovery journey.

It bears mentioning that while this is a step down in time requirements, it is not a step down in treatment or effectiveness. And it is also worth mentioning that sharing your story in recovery we do not expect you to know which program will best suit your needs. All you need to bring to an AA meeting is an open mind and a desire to stop drinking.

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

For almost 90 years, AA has helped millions of people stop drinking and remain sober. However, it’s important to note that AA is not a substance abuse treatment facility or medical provider. In the present moment, we are the experts in our own lives. We have the power to change our story and write a new chapter. When you share your story, be sure to include what you are doing in the present moment to stay sober. This can be anything from attending 12-step meetings to working with a therapist. If your family played a role in getting you into treatment, make sure to share that.

One of the top benefits of going to AA meetings is being able to talk about your recovery journey, and about any roadblocks you might be facing along the way. Plus, your stories might even motivate and inspire those who are still in the early stages of sobriety. There are different types of AA meetings, and some involve more group participation than others. AA meeting schedules will typically state whether a meeting is closed or open or another type of meeting. Most AA meetings are “open,” which means that anyone is welcome to attend.

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The chairperson asks if there are any newcomers, or first-timers, attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. You may or may not be one of them as this is an option and not mandatory. After the first date – some people prefer for the first date to be finished before they bring up their history of addiction. Waiting until the date is over might also give the other person a chance to process their feelings and ask questions before agreeing to a second date. On the first date – if you’re on a date with someone, there may be a natural opportunity to share your sober status when it is time to order a beverage.