AA meetings can prove to be extremely supportive to those who are seeking help support and assistance for countering addiction-related disorders. Local AA meetings can be of two types, open and closed. Which one is best for you? Ideally, if you aren’t aware of the intensity of addiction you are in or if you are still wondering whether you are an alcoholic or not, starting with an open AA meeting in Delaware should be your best bet. So what is an open meeting?
What Does an Open AA Gathering Look Like?
An Open meeting is one where participation is not restricted. Here, participants understand that there may be visitors either from the media or from the public. As a result, they conduct themselves in a controlled fashion. Oftentimes, although not always, open meetings, are nothing but addressed by speakers. One person goes up on stage, narrating his story, elaborating what it was like in the past, what it is like now, and what is it likely to become in the future. This account is of course in context with addiction.
In addition, he also provides input about the workings of 12-step meetings, and how to record progress on sobriety calculators. The speaker is made aware of the fact that this is an open meeting where the press can also be a visiting member. They prepare speeches accordingly. Attendees may include any member of the general public, people who are perfectly sober but wish to attend such gatherings for either research purposes or for family members who may be affected by addiction, people who might be contemplating joining AA meetings formally, and just about anyone with an interest in AA gatherings.
What Makes them Popular?
Open meetings are popular firstly because anyone can attend. So if someone is hesitant about attending a formal AA meeting, they can start with open ones. Secondly, when the gathering is an open one, the family members and relatives of the affected person can actually join the meetings. This provides additional support to individuals as they make their way toward recovery.
Loved ones also get to know more about the challenges faced by those battling substance abuse and addiction. They can grasp facts that might have otherwise seemed alien. Understanding the skewed world of substance abuse victims may not be easy. An open meeting offers comfort and emotional stability and reduces the chances of relapse.
When is an Open Meeting the Right Choice?
An open meeting is a right choice when
- You are planning to join a 12-step group.
- You wish to hear more from those who are affected by substance abuse.
- You need support from friends and family members when you embark upon a recovery program.
- You wish to know more about the recovery process.
So next time you look for alcoholics anonymous meetings near me, make sure to specify your choice with respect to open and closed meetings. Closed meetings are typically for those who wish to remain discreet about their recovery plan and also for those wishing to maintain strict anonymity.
