Back in the day, it was pretty hard for newcomers to attend any 12-Step recovery meeting without getting noticed by someone and being taken in under their wing. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case anymore. With so many different forms of recovery programs, a vast amount of meetings available at any time, and with so many largely attended groups, it’s relatively easy to slip in and out of a meeting without a single person even saying hello. It’s sad to say, but it’s the truth as I’ve observed it time and time again. While there are those who still go out of their way to greet everyone in the meetings they attend, a good way for a newcomer to get noticed and stay around for awhile is to join a home group.
Joining a home group is one of the main things that are constantly reiterated to newcomers these days in all 12-Step recovery programs. In fact, it usually is thought to be one of the bare essentials to an individual’s recovery. And while it’s unfortunate how many choose not to take this simple action, those that do end up finding great rewards to their recovery and spiritual growth. One of the biggest is it helps to remove the loneliness an addict frequently endures.
When I was in in the throngs of my addictions, friends, family, loved ones, and relationships all tended to fall apart. This often left me in a perpetual state of loneliness and by the time I found 12-Step recovery, I felt the world had long ago forgotten about me. Joining a group helped to change that. It acclimated me to becoming a part of something again and gave me a sense of camaraderie.
Another benefit from joining a home group is the telephone support of its members. Especially during the first year or so when a newcomer is completely overwhelmed by everything, there are going to be plenty of times when a recovery phone call becomes necessary. Having a group phone list helps immensely in this. There were numerous occasions that I utilized those lists on days when everything seemed to be going wrong. Calling group members not only prevented me from going back out with a relapse, it also boosted their own recovery as they practiced the 12th Step in helping me. In addition, calling group members had an indirect benefit as well when I saw that it helped to create new friends.
For me, the most important thing I’ve seen that’s arisen out of being a part of a home group is those friendships I’ve made with group members. Many of the people I spend time regularly with today are from the groups I am a member of. I now enjoy on a weekly basis hanging out with people from my groups doing such things as card game nights, movie outings, coffees and meals, and attending other meetings of all things!
There are many more benefits of joining a home group, as these are just the ones that touched my life the most. I’m currently a member of two different ones as there are no rules to how many a person becomes a part of. The main thing is that I attend them regularly and do my best to get active in each of them. Whether that’s helping to set it up or clean it up, taking on a group duty, calling group members, or something else, each will end up showing you the purpose of having a home group in recovery.
So if you are an addict on any level and are tired of feeling that desolation, despair, and loneliness that comes with it, I encourage you to find 12-Step recovery if you haven’t already. And when you do, join a home group, get active within it, and you will find invaluable benefits coming to your recovery and spiritual growth in life.
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson