Five Useful AA Tips for Newcomers

Better Addiction Care specializes in providing amazing resources for those in need. This includes professional tips for getting sober as well as a comprehensive drug rehab directory. Below we present our AA tips for making your experience with the group amazing and productive for growth. 

When to Use Alcoholics Anonymous Tips

For decades, organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have been around to provide the necessary help and guidance for individuals suffering from alcohol abuse. AA, in particular, was founded on the premise that an external support group is necessary in order for an individual to attain their personal goals by bringing them back to sobriety. In many ways, this technique has been proven effective by the countless people who have been through the program and who have been able to turn their back on their destructive lifestyles.

While outside support is important for a person seeking self-improvement, the key is internal transformation as well. Discipline and determination are equally vital in ensuring that long-lasting change is attained by an individual who wishes to break away from substance abuse.

The good thing about groups like Alcoholics Anonymous is that they also use tools and techniques that guide members toward self-empowerment. This enhances the external support that is being provided to individuals. It is this interplay between self and others that many alcoholics find effective in organizations such as AA.

Despite all of these benefits, many still find it difficult to follow AA tips to stay sober. Some people might not even have enough confidence to ever become a member of the group. 

Our Expert AA Suggestions for First Timers

Once you have found the right AA group for you, don’t get anxious about attending your first meeting. Remember that everyone is there for the same reason -to share their stories and grow as a group.

Below are some tips for sharing at an AA meeting. These tips relate to becoming a more active part of the group, some AA speaking tips, and how to get started on your journey to recovery:

• Be Punctual: This is a very basic indication of how successful you will be with your goal to stop your substance abuse. Have a good sleep the night before so you are relaxed and well-prepared. Having the self-control and enthusiasm to show up on time is important. It also communicates to your mentors that you are serious about achieving your objective of turning your life around.
• Keep an Open Mind: Perhaps one of the most important things to do before stepping into an AA meeting for the first time is not to have any preconceived notions about others or yourself. You have come this far to seek help, so make sure you take small but sure steps toward complete healing. This can only happen if you don’t resist the help that is being offered to you, no matter how unconventional or unexpected it may be.
• Make Friends: It is vital that you establish personal connections with others as soon as possible. While you shouldn’t force yourself to socialize if you don’t feel like it, be aware that your companions need emotional support just as much as you. Perhaps there is no one who understands your state in life better than a fellow alcoholic. This is a good way to put your personal pain and experiences to good use in helping others.
• Don’t Hesitate to Speak Up and Share: On that note, don’t be ashamed. Be honest and forthcoming about yourself. AA meetings are a safe place where you can be yourself, and you can release any tension, shame, or negative emotions that are connected to your substance abuse. At the same time, be respectful of others and listen intently to what they have to say about their own experiences. You will surely be able to learn from them.
• Don’t Pity Yourself: As you find yourself amid a group of individuals who seem to share the same difficulties and struggles, it may be easy for you to be scared or to fall into despair. Make sure to address this, and don’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, look at the situation as an opportunity to identify areas of improvement in your life and to work on them intently.

To truly get the most out of your in-person or online AA meetings, it is encouraged that people share their experiences and truly dive into how they made them feel and act. These AA tips are not just great for making new friends and expanding your knowledge of alcoholism. They are also incomparable in success when it comes to staying sober.

Our Resources for Finding Help From Drug and Alcoholism Treatment Centers

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a more active part of their meetings, then these AA tips are sure to come in handy. Use them the next time you need to speak up or want to be better integrated into the group.

Be sure to take a look at our national directory of drug and alcohol abuse treatment facilities if you are still in the opening stages of recovery. You can also find an AA meeting near you today to join one of these amazing groups.

Feel free to read some of our other addiction treatment blog articles for more insights into everything from insurance for addiction treatment to breakdowns of different addictions and treatments.

Do you have any questions concerning our services and how they can help you change your life for the better through the help of a professional alcohol and drug rehab team? Give our team a call today and have all of your questions answered by our team of experts.