The Power of Meetings and Sponsorship in Sobriety
Photo By Author: Sponsorship Family
Everyone’s journey to sobriety is different. What works for one, might not work best for the other. But, if I can give any advice - challenge yourself. If the things you have tried in the past are not working, it’s time to try something new.
It was continuously suggested to me, that I should start going to AA or NA meetings. I was not about it. Nothing about it peaked my interest. I was uncomfortable with the thought of going to an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar faces, and participating in any form of public speaking. All of it, was one big NO THANK YOU from me.
Photo By Author: Author And Her Sober Family
After many failed attempts at total sobriety, I was desperate. I wanted this to work. I wanted to be sober, and happy while I was doing it.
In 2019, I found myself in the Taylor County Drug Treatment Court Program. My use had landed me into some major legal trouble, and I was granted the ability to successfully complete the program over a lengthy prison sentence.
I needed to get sober. I needed to make sure it stuck this time. Not only because I was sick and tired of going through the same cycle, but because I genuinely didn’t want to miss any more of my life.
I wanted to accomplish things. I wanted to be a good mom. I wanted my parents to be proud. I wanted to be able to keep a job. I wanted to be able to pay my bills. I wanted to just live.
Once again, my counselors and probation agent made the recommendation that I start going to meetings. I fought them tooth and nail, reassuring them that meetings were not going to benefit me.
They continued with persistently encouraging me to at least try. Fine. I would try. If anything, I was ready to prove them all wrong and show them that meetings were not the answer.
I was humbled, when the exact opposite happened.
Photo By Author: Authors Sober Family
I started attending meetings online, at first. SMART Recovery is a wonderful online resource to utilize, if you are anything like me. I struggled a lot when it came to putting myself in new social situations. My anxiety held me back for a long time.
I didn’t start going to in person meetings until a friend of mine said she knew someone who was going to meetings. She offered to give me her contact info, and recommended I start going with her.
The thought of reaching out to a complete stranger still made me uncomfortable, but I figured, why the hell not? I reached out to her and explained that I wanted to start going to meetings, but I didn’t know where to go and was really uncomfortable with the thought of going alone. No questions asked, she told me she would pick me up that upcoming Friday and I could go with her.
Photo By Author: Author and Her Sponsor
After attending my first meeting, I knew I wanted to go back. I was greeted with warm smiles and hugs from people who were so excited to see me, and I had never even met them before.
I sat and listened to others share about hardships and inspirational moments of triumph. I was motivated to want to be where they were. I watched others collect key tags and idolized being in the same position. I learned about what a sponsor was, and it was encouraged that I find one, especially if you were new to all of this. So, that is exactly what I did.
Since offering to bring me to my first meeting, and learning all I had about her own story - I chose Jess to be my sponsor. She was everything I hoped to be in a person, friend, mother, and recovering addict. I asked her if she would want to be my sponsor, and she was excited to accept.
Photo By Author: Author and her sponsor
Jessica has been my sponsor since 2019. She has stood by my side through every obstacle imaginable. She has given me unlimited guidance and support throughout the years. I have gained such a beautiful and strong bond with her. She’s not just my sponsor, she’s family.
Photo By Author: Author and her sponsor on her wedding day (2023)
Our friendship is one of the many blessings gifted to me since making the decision to remain consistent with going to meetings.
In no time at all, it was me up there collecting my 30, 60, and 90 day key tags. I made so many great friendships within the recovery community. We would all go to the meeting, and then afterwards, a group of us would meet up for dinner, laser tag, or bowling.
The connections I made helped tremendously with my recovery. It wasn’t hard to stay sober when all of the friends I was spending my time with were also dedicated to their sobriety.
Photo By Author: Author and her sober fam
I found life-long friendships within the recovery community. I am so very grateful that I was able to overcome my fears and social anxiety or I would have missed out on so much.
For years, I have routinely made going to meets a part of my recovery. I have been given the most amazing support system, and in return been able to offer support to others. We go on sober retreats and participate in sober activities making sobriety so much fun.
If you are interested in going to meetings but don’t know how to get yourself started try a few of these things:
Start by doing online meetings, or personalized one on one mentoring if something like that seems more due-able and comfortable at first. SMART RECOVERY is a wonderful option for online meetings and 24/7 services. At Celebrate You we offer online one-on-one peer mentoring services. Work along side me, personally, as we configure a unique treatment plan that helps you achieve long-lasting sobriety. If finding a meeting in your area is a goal you would like to meet, I can make it a priority to help you with that! Head over to our Services Page by CLICKING HERE and reserve a session with me!
Go online and search your area for local NA or AA meetings. Listed you will find the time and location. Prioritize attending and mark it on your calendar. In early sobriety they say “90 meetings in 90 days.” It has shown to have incredible benefits to helping individuals stay on track to go to one meeting per day. If that is not obtainable for you, it is with understanding. The more meetings the better. Make as many as your schedule allows. Just remember your recovery must come first, so every thing that you love doesn’t come last.
Introduce yourself. Reach out to others that you know in your area are sober and attend meetings, or that can offer positive support. Bring a friend. If you know someone else who either already goes to meetings, or is on the same page as you and interested in starting to go to meetings - go together. Sometimes, it’s easier to get over those initial feelings of fear if you have support. Join sober support groups on Facebook or other social media platforms.
Photo By Author: Authors Sober Fam
Finding and maintaining sobriety became much easier the more I established a strong support system. Meetings have been a place for me to find comfort, decompress, dump out my garbage and struggles, laugh, and reestablish a sense of hope.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, know you are never alone! There are people who have been where you are. There are people who want to support you on your journey!
The best way to learn and grow is through one another. Share your experiences. Do you attend support groups? How have support groups helped you in your recovery? If not, what’s holding you back? Let’s hear your stories!
Now Available!!
Attending meetings is a powerful tool for maintaining your sobriety and connecting with others who understand the journey. To add a touch of humor to your commitment, check out our vintage race car unisex white Comfort Colors T-shirt, available now in our online shop. This tee is a fun way to stay motivated while embracing your recovery. Grab yours today and wear your sobriety with pride! Click Here To Get Yours!!
