A common phrase in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is “It Works If You Work It.” AA is one of the world’s most well attended 12 Step organizations and is the originator of many other 12 Step self-help programs. AA is responsible for the recovery of many recovering addicts. However, the program does not work for everyone. Some people give up too quickly, or some people attend one meeting and then quit. Why do people stop attending AA when participating has improved the quality of their lives? What are the roadblocks to continued involvement, and what scares them or drives them away? Read on to learn about the top reasons why people stop attending AA meetings and how attending 12 Step programs can help you recover from drug addiction.
People Stop Attending AA Meetings Because Life Gets Good Again
One of the most common reasons why people stop attending AA meetings is because they see significant improvement in their life and recovery. Some people who attend AA turn their lives around fairly quickly due to their 12 Step involvement and then stop participating in their recovery. The heat is off or the pain has subsided, so they believe there is no need for them to attend recovery sessions anymore. Days, months, or years later, they return in worse emotional and mental shape than when they first arrived at a 12 Step fellowship.
The truth is that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process. You will need to stay on top of treatment and continue to make good choices throughout your life in order to fully recover.
“I Am Too Busy”
Many people will stop attending AA meetings because they believe they are too busy or do not have enough time for the program. However, if you are an addict, attending weekly meetings and getting yourself on track will be the best use of your time. Attending AA can actually help you prioritize your time and focus on the important things in life. Beating your addiction will allow you to improve your quality of life and focus on other things.
Fear Or Reluctance
Another common reason why people stop attending AA meetings is due to fear. They are scared for multiple reasons. For one, they can be afraid of the use of “God” in the steps. They can also have the fear that the program will not work and that it will be a waste of time. Additionally, they can be reluctant to choose a sponsor when they work through the steps. Choosing a sponsor is one of the most important steps in the 12 Step program recovery because this person will hold you accountable and will be with you every step of the way. It is important to not go through the process alone.
They Do Not Believe They Have A Problem
Some people might attend an AA meeting and think “I don’t believe my problem is as bad as those people.” They make this rapid assessment and then will continue on with their addiction. This is a false way of thinking. You should not compare your story to others and think that just because others have worse addictions that yours is no longer there.
Social Fears
The social fears of, “What will I do at parties?” can be a huge reason why people stop attending AA meetings. They are worried about what people will think. For example, they think: “What will I tell people when they ask about my involvement or ask if I go to those meetings?” Or, “Will I ever have fun again?” These questions and concerns about the future that scares people from committing to live one day at a time. This is why it is important to have a sponsor who can help you work through these issues.
How The Right Step And 12 Step Programs Can Help You
It is scary to change. Most people who attend 12 Step meetings are not attending because they have been on a “winning streak.” In fact, most are seeking answers about serious life issues. Some people who attend need more or different help than a 12 Step fellowship can offer them. Some need immediate assistance, such as medical detoxification under the care of a physician or an inpatient psychiatric stabilization for severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
However, a majority of people who attend their first meeting do and can get relief if they are indeed attending the fellowship most designed to help them. How can working or following a 12 Step principled life solve so many very complex problems? Maybe that is the beauty of it — it is not overly complicated. Successful involvement forces human fellowship, support, and a spiritual surrender that gives peace and comfort to those who have overactive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Those who do not follow the suggested steps tend to have more issues and emotional drama and often leave the fellowship. Contact The Right Step at 17135283709 for help with addiction. Continued involvement in 12 step programs can give you the wonderful, spiritually filled life that you have been seeking.
