Each person’s passage through the 12-step program is unique. Some people in recovery require a daily meeting with their sponsor and peer support group. Others need a weekly or monthly meeting to remain sober and confident. The frequency of attendance at meetings should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Let’s take a look at why some people might prefer weekly meetings while others are comfortable with showing up on a more infrequent basis.
The Monthly Meeting-Goer
The logic of the individual who shows up to a 12-step program meeting once per month is unique to his or her personal situation. Sometimes people think that reducing attendance to a weekly or monthly meeting will help them conquer their addiction on their own. In a way, they consider it an accomplishment to lean on their sponsor and support group as infrequently as possible. If they can successfully stay on the path to recovery without showing up to multiple meetings per week, they believe that they have achieved personal growth.
The Daily Meeting-Goer
Recovery program participants who show up to meetings on a daily basis also have their own unique motivations and logic. Some feel as if they are more likely to revert to their old habits if they aren’t constantly surrounded by people who share the same struggle of addiction. Others simply enjoy the camaraderie that daily meetings provide. They have developed meaningful friendships with their sponsor and those in recovery. Spending a substantial amount of time with these friends bolsters their commitment to sobriety and one another.
What is the Ideal Frequency of 12-Step Meetings?
Do not use AA meetings as a crutch. Meeting with your support group on a daily basis or multiple times per week can become an addiction in and of itself that limits your personal growth. However, those who are new to AA will find that frequent meetings are quite beneficial. As you progress in your recovery journey, it is imperative that you try your hardest to gradually become more self-reliant. This means reducing the number of meetings across posterity with the ultimate goal of not needing to attend 12-step meetings because you will have conquered your addiction.
My sponsor has always said go to as many meetings as it takes to stay sober, then add a couple more for good measure. I go to as many as work allows, but have constant contact with my sponsees and other sober friends several times a day. Sho far, God has kept me sober 11months, 5days and 24 years. I think it’s working. At one time I did go to 2-3 meetings a day. I still love meetings, so, as I said, go to add many as life allows today.