When working on a path to sobriety, often group therapy can help. A regular meeting with people who understand your struggles both offers structure on a weekly basis and emotional support. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, and Narcotics Anonymous, or NA, offer that support in a confidential, respectful setting.
Choosing a meeting can be a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety, and many people start attending AA or NA meetings as part of a formal alcohol and drug rehab program in Palm Bay. But those unfamiliar with AA and NA may not be entirely sure about how to choose a meeting and what will be involved. Here, we offer an overview of AA meetings and NA meetings in Palm Bay and the overall area, a look at how they function, and what to expect.
AA Meetings In Palm Bay, Florida
AA meetings are open to all and are built around a theme of openness and acceptance. It is common that people looking for a meeting to attend regularly will “audition” meetings, and going to a meeting is not an obligation to keep attending. AA meetings are held in many different public spaces, from libraries and community centers to government buildings, and while they are spiritual in nature, they do not have a specific religious aspect to them.
All AA meetings are themed around the twelve step structure, which is a process that involves taking ownership of alcoholism, accepting responsibility for the actions taken as an alcoholic, and reaching out to other alcoholics. This is done with peer support and encouragement, and members teach each other appropriate coping skills and emotional approaches to everyday issues.
Finding AA Meetings Near Me
There are a string of factors to consider when choosing AA meetings. Some want a meeting close to their home or work, while others would prefer a meeting further away to avoid meeting coworkers or friends. Some are most comfortable in a co-ed environment, while others would prefer a single-gender meeting. There are even groups that request you do not smoke. There are large AA meetings, small groups, and a diversity of approaches to leadership.
Often the most effective way to choose a meeting is to find several that seem like they fit your needs and to attend a meeting. There are no educational requirements or financial expectations when you go to an AA meeting, and if you maintain an open mind, that will often serve as the best tool.
Club 62
6050 Babcock St. SE
Palm Bay, FL 32909
Palm Bay United Methodist Church
2100 Port Malabar Rd.
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Tropical Wellness Resort
4700 Dixie Hwy. NE
Palm Bay, FL 32905
You can find other AA meeting locations on the Alcoholics Anonymous website.
NA Meetings In Palm Bay, Florida
Narcotics Anonymous is an offshoot of AA that was founded in 1953 in order to serve the rising need for meetings for those struggling with different forms of substance abuse. Between the introduction of powerfully addictive pharmaceuticals and the increasing availability of “street” drugs such as heroin and cocaine, new approaches, coping skills, and meeting styles were needed, so NA has been designed to meet them.
NA has much the same approach as AA, using the twelve step program and with meetings held in a wide variety of public spaces. While there is a spiritual approach to the proceedings, like AA, it is not tied to a particular religion.
When on the path to recovery, group support is especially important. It is often more difficult for those struggling with substance abuse to open up about it to family members and friends. It is not unusual for people to quietly attend rehabilitation and NA meetings without the knowledge of many in their personal circle. Confidentiality is particularly important when it comes to meetings.
Finding NA Meetings Near Me
There is a wide diversity of approaches, leadership styles, and needs to be addressed by NA meetings. Some NA meetings are focused on a specific drug, such as prescription medication abuse or opiate abuse. Some are designed to help people who are recovering and who are also dealing with legal ramifications from their substance abuse problems. Some are open to spouses, some are co-ed, others are closed and single-gender, and so on. You should write out what you feel you most need out of a specific meeting and then attend several different ones to find the one with which you are most comfortable.
In some cases, you may wish to discuss which meeting to attend with your substance abuse counselor or family doctor. They may know of or be able to locate a meeting that best suits your needs and your path to sobriety. You can also find meetings on the Narcotics Anonymous website.
Peace Lutheran Church
1801 Port Malabar Blvd. NE
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Tropical Wellness Resort
4700 Dixie Hwy. N. E.
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Just like AA, it is expected that new attendees will “audition” meetings, and there is no expectation of education or financial contribution. You will be expected to have an open mind and to participate when asked, so you should be prepared to do so when you arrive. The meetings will offer group support and peer respect.
Fundamentally, no one can walk the path to sobriety alone. Support groups will help you get through the toughest aspects of recovery, and seeking out a meeting is a positive step whether you are just starting out or wish to maintain your sobriety. Reach out to the Recovery Village to find addiction treatment resources in your area today.