Friday, August 21, 2020

Open and Closed 12-Step Meetings

Open and Closed 12-Step Meetings Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Print Open vs. Closed 12-Step Meetings By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Updated on September 23, 2019 Tom Merton / Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Overcoming Addiction Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use On published schedules of 12-step meetings, some are designated as open meetings, while others are shown as closed meetings. Open meetings are open to the public while closed meetings are for members onlyâ€"however, each programs guidelines define who counts as a member.?? Closed 12-Step Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups, and Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings are generally closed meetings unless otherwise stated. Closed meetings are limited to members and prospective members only. It is up to individuals to determine if they are qualified for membership, based on the following criteria from Tradition 3 of the 12 step groups: Alcoholics Anonymous: The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.Al-Anon Family Groups: The only requirement for membership is that there be ?a  problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.ACOA: The only requirement for membership in ACOA is a desire to recover from the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family.Narcotics Anonymous: The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs.Gamblers Anonymous: The only requirement for Gamblers Anonymous membership is a desire to stop gambling.Debtors Anonymous: The only requirement for D.A. membership is a desire to stop incurring unsecured debt. Reasons for Closed 12-Step Meetings The spiritual foundation of all 12-step groups is anonymity. Members of the group can choose to attend closed meetings knowing that everyone in the meeting is guided by the groups steps and traditions, which encourages each member to maintain their own anonymity and the anonymity of others in the meeting.?? In a closed meeting, members can speak openly and honestly about their problem or situation, knowing that everyone else in the room has experienced similar situations. Open 12-Step Meetings If the meeting is an open meeting, however, members understand that there may be visitors from the public or even the media in the meeting and they conduct themselves accordingly. Usually, but not always, open meetings are speaker meetings, at which one person has been designated to speak, telling their storyâ€"what it was like, what happened, and what their life is like now. The speaker knows ahead of time that the meeting is an open meeting and there may be non-member visitors present. Open meetings are for anyone who is interested in learning more about the support group program. Open meetings can be attended by students, professionals, and other non-members interested in learning more about the recovery programs. Primary Purpose of Open Meetings The designation of a meeting as open does not change the meetings primary purpose of the group. Generally speaking, when attending one 12-step meeting, members do not mention their membership in other 12-step groups during the meeting, to keep the meeting focused on its primary purpose. If a meeting is not designated either open or closed on a published schedule, in most cases, it should be considered closed.

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