Fears about Going to 12 Step Meetings

Let's talk about some common concerns people new to Twelve Step meetings may have. Some worry they will see someone they know at a meeting. Although it may feel awkward, remember three things: the person you know is there for the same reason you are, a drug or alcohol problem; depending on how long the other person has been in recovery, he/she may be just as worried as you are; and, finally, remember that these programs are based on anonymity, a confidentiality tradition that rarely is breached. In all the years that I have attended twelve step meetings, I have never, to my knowledge, suffered any negatives because someone knew that I attended those meetings.