How Often Should I Attend AA/NA Meetings in Recovery?

Addiction recovery isn’t a final destination–it’s a journey. Rehab is the first critical step of lifelong recovery, but lasting changes require time, patience, and ongoing dedication to your goal of a sober life.

Many people begin their recovery journey in a residential treatment program and then move to outpatient rehab after being stabilized. People benefit from the community, routine, and support of rehab and receive the treatment they need to address their substance abuse’s physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects.

But what happens when you leave rehab? Creating and following an aftercare plan that can keep you active and engaged in your recovery is essential. Lifelong sobriety requires ongoing support and a community that can keep you on track when recovery becomes challenging.

Many people attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings as part of their relapse prevention plan. If you are in recovery, you may find yourself wondering, how often should I attend AA/NA meetings?

This article will help answer that question. We’ll also explore the benefits of attending AA and NA meetings and provide information on how to get the support you need to be successful in recovery.

Reach out to the New You Sober Living team now to learn about relapse prevention strategies or our high-quality sober living programs.

How Often Should I Attend AA/NA Meetings in Recovery?

If you’re in addiction recovery, it’s likely you’ve come across literature from NA/AA programs advising people to attend meetings at least once per week. A weekly meeting gives you some structure and support and can help you stay accountable as you navigate early recovery. But is it enough?

Many addiction specialists advise attending as many AA/NA meetings per week as possible, especially in the earliest days of recovery. Attending 12-step meetings on a regular basis can help you create reliable structure in your week and the consistent support you need in early recovery. Some even advocate that people commit to attending 90 meetings in 90 days. Further, many people attend extra meetings when they are struggling and need additional support.

Many people leave rehab feeling energized and committed to sobriety. But after some time away from the supportive community, regular routine, and constant professional support, some people lose steam and need to find ways to get re-engaged with recovery.

Some people may leave rehab feeling anxious or uncertain about their ability to remain sober once they return to their daily routines. They may wonder if they can maintain sobriety without the structure and professional support they received during rehab.

By attending several AA/NA meetings per week, you can keep your momentum going and create a structure that will keep you on track in recovery after rehab.

The Benefits of Regular AA/NA Meeting Attendance

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide free, reliable support for people at any stage of their addiction recovery. The guidance, education, and non-judgmental atmosphere of AA and NA meetings are a valuable asset to people who have completed rehab, are in the earliest moments of sobriety, people who have maintained sobriety for years, and everyone in between.

Here are some of the most significant benefits of attending regular AA/NA meetings.

Community

Addiction can make life feel chaotic and lonely. People living with addiction often have strained relationships or become isolated from friends, family, and other supportive people. AA and NA meetings offer a welcoming community of people with shared experiences to gather and provide non-judgmental support. People can find comfort and camaraderie that may be missing from their lives.

Non-judgmental sharing and listening

One of the most fundamental aspects of AA and NA is sharing stories. People develop empathy and feel less alone as they listen to people’s experiences with addiction and recovery and often feel comfortable enough to be open and honest about their own.

Commitment and accountability

Attending regular AA and NA meetings is a meaningful sign of commitment to staying sober. Dedicating that time to your recovery will serve as a reminder about why sobriety is important to you and can give you an outside source of accountability that will help you stay on track.

New skills and strategies

AA and NA meetings often include discussions about managing triggers, coping with cravings, and other practical aspects of staying sober when faced with challenges. People who are new to sobriety can learn from others’ experiences and stories–and, someday, share their own effective strategies.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are an important source of support, camaraderie, and accountability that can help people navigate the earliest days of their recovery after leaving rehab.

Find Support Now

If you or a loved one is in rehab for substance use or addiction, creating an aftercare plan is critical so that you can stay on track after treatment ends. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be a valuable source of ongoing support.

Many people also choose to spend time in sober living after rehab. Sober living homes provide structure, support, and community that can help you thrive at any stage of your recovery. Contact the New You Sober Living team today to learn more about the benefits of sober living or to schedule a tour.