Frequently Asked Questions
On 12-step Meetings by Your Peers
How old do you have to be to go to a 12-step meeting?
There is no age minimum. Some meetings are for young people in recovery.
AA is Alcoholic Anonymous & NA is Narcotics Anonymous. It’s a group of people who meet regularly to share their experiences of staying sober.
Can I bring my family to a 12 step meeting?
Yes, if it is an open meeting (open meetings are for anyone who wants to attended).
What are the different types of meetings?
There are many different types of meetings, here are just a few, check your local meeting schedule for other meeting types.
• Open Meeting (O)
• Closed Meeting ©
• Step Meeting (S)
• Beginners Meeting (B)
• Young People (YP)
• Men Only (MO)
• Women Only (WO)
- anyone interested in alcoholism/addiction my attend meetings that are coded with an (O), all other meetings are to be attended by people who have a desire to stop using and/or drinking.
What advice do you give new members?
Keep coming back and stay open-minded. Get a sponsor, work the steps, just stick with it!
People share their experience, strength, and hope. People also talk about their experience and give advice.
Do I have to talk or identify myself as a newcomer?
No, not if you don’t want to. You don’t have to, but it will help you if you share. You only have to do what you are comfortable doing.
Absolutely not! You can have whatever opinion you want.
How can going to meetings help me not drink or use drugs?
Meetings will make you think and give reasons why its not a good idea to use. Meetings can also give you strength through the group to not use.
Is it a religious organization or do I have to believe in God to go?
No, AA/NA and all 12-step meetings are spiritual programs so a Higher Power can be anything.
Why do I need to associate with other recovering addicts or alcoholics?
They understand us, they know how hard it can be. WE RELATE! Because they have been in the same position you have. They can help you by giving suggestions and advice.
Do I really have to go to meetings the rest of my life?
The choice is always yours, but people who keep coming back generally stay clean the longest. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Everything is just a suggestion.
A person who helps you work the steps – who has more experience than a newcomer.
Find one you want to go to, and walk, take a bus, drive, take a train, or hit people up to get a ride!