There are several types of meetings specifically designed for individuals who have been sober for less than a year or are new to recovery. These meetings often provide a safe and supportive environment for newcomers to share their experiences, seek guidance, and receive encouragement from others who have gone through similar challenges. Some common types of meetings for people with less than a year of sobriety include:
Beginner's Meetings: These meetings are specifically tailored for newcomers and individuals with little sobriety time. The format typically focuses on explaining the basics of the recovery program and offering support to those who are new to the process.
Newcomer Meetings: Similar to Beginner's Meetings, Newcomer Meetings provide a space for people who are new to recovery to discuss their struggles and progress with others who have recently started their journey.
90-Day Meetings: These meetings are intended for individuals who have completed approximately 90 days of sobriety. Participants can share their experiences from their initial phase of recovery and learn from others who have reached this milestone.
Chips or Tokens Meetings: In some 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), individuals receive chips or tokens to mark their progress in recovery. Meetings dedicated to chip or token recipients allow them to celebrate their achievements and share their stories with others.
Step Study Meetings: These meetings focus on working through the 12 steps of the recovery program in a systematic and structured manner. They can be beneficial for individuals who are new to the steps and want to learn more about their significance.
Speaker Meetings: In Speaker Meetings, individuals with varying lengths of sobriety share their personal stories of addiction and recovery. Newcomers can gain insights and inspiration from the experiences of those who have been successful in their journey.
Discussion Meetings: These meetings have a more open format where attendees can discuss various topics related to recovery, sobriety, and personal growth.
The availability and specific names of meetings may vary depending on the location and the recovery fellowship (such as AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, etc.). To find meetings for newcomers or individuals with less than a year of sobriety, you can visit the websites of the respective fellowships or contact local central offices or intergroups for meeting information in your area. Many meetings have adapted to virtual formats, making them accessible to people worldwide.