Treatment Facilities Committee
Bridging The Gap
I Just Got Out of Treatment, Now What?
While in treatment, you no doubt heard many suggestions of how to maintain your sobriety. Many of us have found the answer in the Twelve Steps as outlined in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous". We also found that we could not stay sober ourselves. For that reason, the AA groups exist to help us learn how to live the AA way of life.
It has been our experience that attending AA meetings was critical to our survival. (There are over 1100 meetings each week in southeast Michigan. Meetings are listed on this website.) It was here that we began to get a sense of belonging. It was also here that many of us found sponsors to help guide us through the Twelve Steps. (More information on sponsorship can be local AA office in the phonebook on how to get this pamphlet.) When we found a group that we liked, we made it our "Home Group" and became active in service work, another critical step in becoming useful and whole.
Another suggestion was to get phone numbers of other members and stay in contact with them. Alcoholics Anonymous is often referred to as a "Fellowship" and it is through constant contact with other members that we begin to relearn how to become a happy and useful member of society. In short, it is our experience that to become sober and stay sober, the answer lies in the spiritual solution found in the Twelve Steps as outlined in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous". Here are some suggestions:
Get a Homegroup
This is where you attend regularly, greet newcomers, take on responsibilities and sustain friendships.
Get a Sponsor
A sponsor is someone who takes you through the Twelve Steps of AA. They explain the principals of the program and introduce you to other members of the Fellowship. Some things to look for in a sponsor are:
- Someone who also has a sponsor.
- Someone who is active in service work within the Fellowship
- And of course someone who has also gone through the Twelve Steps with a sponsor and is practicing the AA way of life.
Get Involved in Service
This can be anything from making coffee, greeting newcomers at the door, giving rides to other members or just calling someone newer than you. Many found this type of giving to be the most rewarding part of our program.
Remember that we stay sober, just one day at a time. Recovery is a program of action. Get active in working the steps with a sponsor. Get active in service work. Get active in the Fellowship and a whole new wonderful world will open for you.