How Can I Attend 12-step Meetings without Abandoning My Other Responsibilities?

Mutual-help groups that follow the 12-step philosophy are still some of the most sought out treatment options for addiction, whether for substance abusers or individuals addicted to a certain behavior like shopping or gambling. Since 12-step groups exist for almost any addiction, it can seem like a very favorable option for a person who does not need to attend more intensive treatment and who has a busy lifestyle.

However, after joining a mutual-help group, it is apparent that the program becomes more effective based on the time you put in as a member. So how can you attend 12-step meetings without abandoning your other responsibilities?

Make a Schedule

You can find 12-step meetings that fit your schedule.

It can be difficult to work full time, attend meetings often, and have time for yourself and your family as well. This is why it is very important to make a schedule and to adequately budget your time. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Often, people can attend mutual-help groups at convenient times, like evenings and weekends,” leaving them the time to work during the day and not to have their meetings conflict with their work schedule. But it is still very important to know what you have time for and to allow yourself time for every important activity.

Choose the Number of Meetings You Can Attend

Yes, members often benefit more from 12-step groups when they put in more time, but if you cannot attend meetings every day, you don’t have to. It is important to consider your responsibilities and your abilities when it comes to attending meetings without feeling like you should be doing more. Perhaps, if you come to a point where you can attend more meetings in the future, you can do so, but only take on that which you can reasonably handle.

Ask Friends and Family Members to Attend Open Meetings

If you are hoping to spend more time with your friends and family members and also to help them understand what you are going through as a recovering addict, it could be beneficial on both fronts to ask your loved ones to come to a meeting with you. Most 12-step groups have open meetings where friends and family members are allowed to attend, and this can let you spend time with the people you care about without missing out on a meeting.

Ask The Advice of Other Members

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “These groups offer an added layer of community-level social support to help people in recovery with abstinence and other healthy lifestyle goals.” Scheduling yourself adequately is also one of these goals, so why not ask the other members of your group how they learned to schedule their time and to make room for the 12-step meetings? It could start a beneficial conversation with other members, helping you make friends and allowing you to learn helpful tips as well.

Do You Want to Learn More About the Best Ways to Attend 12-Step Meetings?

Call 888-905-9004 to speak to someone about the benefits of the 12-step philosophy and how you can begin to attend local meetings in the ways that will be most beneficial for you.