Alcohol addiction can be a serious condition; one that often requires medical intervention. Without this, your personal and professional life will soon be in shambles.
Rehab can help you kick off the addiction, but the chances of relapse remain high during the first few months. This is when you are most vulnerable because you have stepped out of a secure and comfortable environment.
You are now in the real world, probably alone, and without a home to return to. Who do you turn to for help and support? Local AA meetings can give you the support and guidance you need to stay committed to sobriety.
Why is attending an AA meeting so important when you are out of rehab?
If you have been suffering from alcohol use disorder and are out of rehab in Missouri, you need to look for an AA meeting in Missouri to continue staying sober. Once you find names of meetings in and around you, start by attending a few of these. You can then decide which type of meeting is best for you.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are meant to bring together recovering alcoholics so that they can help one another. These meetings use the 12 steps of AA as a guide for overcoming alcoholism and leading sober lives.
The images of what these meetings are like as shown in movies should not dissuade you from attending one. AA is actually a forum where alcoholics who have overcome addiction or are battling addiction can find support in their struggle.
The meetings work based on social interaction. Members are encouraged to talk about their struggles and victories and listening to these stories inspires others. To change one’s behavior, it often helps if you can be with people who are also keen to make the same changes.
AA meetings are meant to help you stay committed to your sobriety goals, especially when you are on your own. It works both for the individual addict and for the group.
How AA meetings benefit alcoholics
While the individual follows the 12 steps, the group conforms to the 12 traditions of AA. Both these sets of guidelines ensure that AA plays a key role in helping addicts overcome alcoholism.
Attending a meeting for the first time may not be easy. It’s sure to give you cold feet. Why not take someone with you the first time around? AA meetings can be open meetings where this is possible. You can walk in with your closest friend or spouse to get a feel of the meeting.
Meetings are usually for an hour or slightly more during which there are readings and inputs from different members. They share their experiences and weaknesses, and listening to their stories can be more inspiring than you can imagine.
When you attend an AA meeting for the first time, you don’t have to stand up and talk. You can simply listen to others. Once you are familiar with the faces around you, share your story.
To make the most out of AA meetings, you need to attend them often. Unless you are involved, you won’t feel a difference. Find a sponsor to reach out to when cravings seem overwhelming. Studies suggest that those who have attended AA meetings regularly have been more successful in abstaining from alcohol. So, take that first step and say goodbye to alcoholism for good!
