When you embark on the path to recovery or are just out of rehab, you can feel isolated. Many times, as alcohol is so appealing and normalized, many close to you may still be using alcohol – dangerously, even, and you can struggle with these strange feelings of being the odd one out of the crowd that you so seamlessly fit in once. This is why sober communities become important. When you join and cultivate micro-communities in your recovery, such as small group Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, you will find that smaller communities emphasize quality over quantity.
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is an informal peer support group that was developed by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson in Ohio. It follows the 12 Steps of declaring powerlessness over alcohol use, seeking help, self-reflection, making amends, and service toward overcoming alcohol use.
AA believes in the power of fellowship and mutual support in overcoming alcohol use. It creates a safe environment where you can share your struggles, learn from others’ stories, and grow together as you take personal ownership of your recovery.
What began as a coming together of two people today boasts a robust presence in over 180 countries and more than 2 million successful recovery stories as we speak.
What Are Micro-Communities in Recovery?
Micro-communities refer to small, tightly-knit groups of persons who share common interests, goals, and characteristics of a wider community.
Even within AA, you will find micro-communities. While large AA meetings do exist – for instance, online AA meetings sometimes have a presence of over 1,000 members, small AA meetings prefer quality and focus over quantity.
For instance, you will find different kinds of AA gatherings, like open meetings, closed meetings, and different format meetings. Closed meetings are smaller AA gatherings, which are more intimate as they are focused on those who want to quit drinking.
Why Are Small AA Meetings Growing in Popularity?
Small AA meetings, such as closed AA meetings, are for those who struggle with alcohol misuse and want to stop drinking, unlike those AA meetings that are open to everyone, including family and loved ones.
Closed meetings are smaller, intimate, and conducted with maximum informality as they encourage all members to participate in the conversations.
Closed meetings can be of use to newcomers and old-timers, as they provide an opportunity to ask and answer questions, which benefits both newcomers and old-timers who want to learn and grow. Such focus may not always be possible in large gatherings.
As closed meetings provide singular focus, time, and participation, they are growing in popularity. Members also emphasize this intimacy over the presence of a large number of people or connections.
How Micro-Communities Complement Larger AA Networks?
Micro-communities, by definition, represent the characteristics of a wider community. Within the AA ecosystem, while small group meetings are booking in popularity, they do not replace larger AA gatherings, like open in-person or virtual meetings.
Small group AA meetings enhance larger AA networks. While it is not mandatory for members to stick to one type of meeting always, many even attend both to experience the benefits of deeper conversations in the smaller meetings and broader connections in the larger meetings.
The Mental Health Benefits of Smaller Gatherings
When we speak of alcohol use, we cannot skim over mental health. Many times, alcohol use goes hand-in-hand with mental health complications, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Smaller AA gatherings are beneficial for your mental health as well, as micro-communities in recovery are known to provide specialized support, targeted learning, stronger networks, and belonging and connection.
When you achieve control and harmony over both substance use and mental health, you lay the foundation for a lasting recovery and brighter, healthier future.
What Is the Future of Micro-Communities in Recovery?
Getting involved in AA or even other types of 12-Step and non-12-Step recovery groups is indeed a great beginning for your recovery.
With micro-communities or smaller gatherings, such as closed meetings, you will forge personal connections with those who have common interests, share your principles and goals, and live near you.
It is useful to look for this kind of intimate focus, whether you are beginning recovery or are on the path of making a difference. As members discover these benefits, the future of micro-communities looks bright.
However, micro-communities can only co-exist with larger gatherings that are open to everyone and other comprehensive recovery options. The good thing about AA is that it neither is nor seeks to be a replacement for clinical care; it is feasible to co-exist and complement clinical options such as rehab, treatment, and sober living.
Find Your Circle of Support With Sober Living West Today!
If you have or are considering joining AA or other recovery groups, then with the number of options out there, this can be very confusing.
When you reach out to Sober Living West, we will understand your story to connect you with the right AA group so that you can find your niche in your micro-community to thrive in this journey toward recovery. We also offer other recovery options so that you can get the whole person care you need and deserve.
Please contact us at (310) 218-5158 today to learn more and begin healing!