12 STEP MEETING BASICS
Who can attend 12 step meetings?
Anyone who wants to stop using or drinking or wants to support someone who wants to stop.
What does "one day at a time" mean to you? How is it helpful?
Anything that creates a thought of use or drinking, or creates stress or changes your mood
What does powerless mean?
Inability to control something
What is a sponsor? What are two traits of a good sponsor?
A person who guides us through recovery.
Any logical traits.
Why do members share their own experiences instead of giving advice?
a) To teach others how to live
b) To show they are better than others
c) To help others learn from real experiences
c) To help others learn from real experiences
Live and let live.
This emphasizes tolerance and respect for others, especially fellow alcoholics. It encourages focusing on one’s own recovery journey without judging or trying to control others.
Give three examples of "people" triggers.
Any three logical answers: people who use, people who sell, people who create stress or mood changes in us
What does surrender mean?
To stop fighting a losing battle.
What is the difference between sobriety and abstinence?
Abstinence: Simply not using the substance.
Sobriety: A deeper level of recovery involving emotional, behavioral, and spiritual change.
What is the difference between an open meeting and a closed meeting?
Open - anyone can attend
Closed - only those who want to stop using or drinking can attend
When you strongly notice a behavior in someone else, it may be because you struggle with that same behavior yourself.
Name three examples of "places" triggers.
any three logical answers: where people use, where people can buy substances, or places that create thoughts of use: old neighborhoods, hangouts, etc.
Give two examples how addiction makes life unmanageable.
Any two realistic and logical answers.
Problems, relationships, money, job, mood, stress, etc.
What is a character defect or shortcoming? Give two examples.
Character Defect- typically understood as a deep-rooted habit, pattern, or trait that consistently causes problems.
Shortcoming - usually seen as a specific behavior or occasional failing rather than a core personality pattern.
When someone comes to a meeting and talks about their life story, this is called a _____ meeting.
Speaker
One day at a time.
This is a core principle. It reminds us not to be overwhelmed by the prospect of lifelong sobriety. It focuses on managing cravings and temptations for just one day at a time, making the process feel more manageable.
Three examples of "things" that can trigger us
Any three logical answers: old room, family home, paraganglia, found drugs, seeing drugs or alcohol, etc.
How does admitting powerlessness actually increase your ability to get better?
(Challenges misconceptions and builds motivation.)
What are "amends"? Name three people we may need to make amends to.
Amends: Making reparations or apologies for harm caused.
Five types of people we may need to make amends to:
Family members
Friends
Coworkers or employers
Romantic partners or spouses
Ourselves
Why is regular meeting attendance encouraged during early recovery?
Any logical or realistic answer.
Increases likelihood of success in sobriety - support, structure, community involvement, sober recreational experiences.
Bonus: What is 13 Stepping?
Seeking romantic relationships from members of 12 step meetings.
What can you do or say to refuse a direct offer to someone who offers you drugs or alcohol (friend, family, or stranger).
Any logical answer.
I don't use drugs or alcohol.
No.
I'm in recovery.
What is a higher power? Or give three examples of what a higher power could mean.
Religion, God, the universe, nature, science, anything other than you
What is a dry drunk? What are hints that someone is a dry drunk (give at least three).
Any logical answer:
Irritability and moodiness
Old attitudes come back (blaming, denial, controlling)
Isolation or avoiding support
Obsessive thinking or cravings
Lack of growth or willingness