Do You Think AA Meetings Will Make a Difference – Even After Seven Years of Sobriety?

by Lauren

I’ve been sober and in recovery from alcoholism for just over seven years now. I actually had my 7th birthday last week. I’ve pretty much done my whole recovery on my own. I didn’t go to rehab and I’ve basically been working the 12 steps as my recovery program, but doing it by myself without going to meetings.

Thing is I’m pretty much a loner and that’s why I’ve preferred working the steps myself. I don’t like the idea of large groups because they make me uncomfortable. But recently I’ve started wondering if I shouldn’t maybe face my fears and try attending AA meetings if they will help enhance my recovery process. What do you think or do you think I’m doing okay as I am?

Lauren

Answer

Hi Lauren

Congratulations on your recent birthday! You’ve come this far so your approach is obviously working. Some people just naturally are more solitary and prefer working or doing things by themselves. There is nothing wrong with that so give yourself a pat on the back for having come as far as you have.

There is a 'but' however:-) I do think AA meetings could definitely enhance your addiction recovery process. A huge benefit to meetings is the interaction you get with people going through exactly what you are. Experiencing a sense of fellowship and belonging from people who understand alcoholism and what successful recovery is all about is tremendously powerful.

Also, even as a loner you're likely to meet people you can relate to and I'm sure you could quite easily make a friend or two just by going to a meeting you like regularly. Because the path of sobriety and recovery can be a very lonely one - most of the world don’t really get addiction - making it hard to meet people who can relate to the journey you’re on. So by attending meetings you suddenly have a room full of people who can pretty much relate exactly to what you’re going through and that creates a very powerful bond.

Now I’m going to throw in another 'but' (just to confuse the issue even further) - having said all that, some people still prefer to follow their own path, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that if it works for you.

So in your scenario why don’t you try a few meetings and see how it goes? You may be pleasantly surprised, but if you don’t like it at least you’ll know either way.

All the Best.

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