Alcoholics Anonymous myths are everywhere thanks to TV shows and movies. The recovery program has been around for decades and yet many people don’t know what meetings actually are like. They envision the scene from their favorite cop show filled with drab people and sad refreshments where everybody has to stand up and say “I am an alcoholic.” In reality, you don’t have to share all of your secrets with the group. In addition, praying is not mandatory and apart from an opening statement, the meetings are non-religious. Group hugs certainly are not discouraged but you won’t be expected to take part. And finally, joining AA is nothing like joining a cult. It’s a vibrant program with plenty of very normal participants that will help you with your goals of getting sober.
Debunking Alcoholics Anonymous Myths: What’s True and What’s Not
Having to Share All Your Secrets
One of the most common Alcoholic Anonymous myths is that you’ll have to stand up and tell your whole life story. Or that every member will have a profound and dramatic story to share. In reality, the meetings are a place where people are encouraged to share their experiences. However, this is always voluntary. There is never any pressure for you to stand up and share anything with the group. You’re more than welcome to sit quietly in meetings and just observe.
Praying
Another of the Alcoholic Anonymous myths is that the meetings are very religious. The meetings do usually involve reciting something called the Serenity Prayer which is asking for strength. However, again, this is completely voluntary. There is absolutely no pressure for members to recite this if it goes against their beliefs or makes them at all uncomfortable.
Group Hugs
Group hugs are another of the common Alcoholics Anonymous myths. In general, the meetings are very friendly and members do become close over the time they spend together. Often members hug one another to show support or to celebrate goals. However, you do not have to participate if it makes you uncomfortable. Everything about AA is completely voluntary. So if sharing hugs makes you nervous, feel free to stay seated. In addition, with new Covid restrictions, this aspect of meetings is less encouraged anyway.
Joining a Cult
Finally, one of the most incorrect Alcoholics Anonymous myths is that going to the meetings is like joining a cult. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the meetings are very diverse and each has its own flavor. You can try several meetings to find one that works best for you. Members are generally very friendly and encouraging of one another. Members are regular people, just like you. You’re all just there to get support for your shared goal of being sober.
There are many Alcoholics Anonymous myths out there. In truth, the meetings are very helpful for many people. You will never have to stand up and tell your secrets or your life story. In fact, some members never publicly share their experiences. In addition, the meetings are not religious in nature except for the Serenity Prayer. You won’t have to say the prayer if you are uncomfortable with it. Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable with physical contact you can easily stay sitting during any group hugs and opt-out. And finally, joining AA is not joining a cult. AA attracts very normal people and is simply a helpful program to aid you with your sobriety goals. Feel free to check out a local AA meeting to dispel all these myths and see if this type of therapy is a good fit for you!
