You wouldn’t think twice about going to the doctor when you’re sick, or going to the gym if you want to get in shape, right? Well if your goal is to stop drinking or using drugs with the philosophy of the Twelve Steps as your guide, then it’s obvious why going to 12 Steps and 12 Traditions meetings is the logical choice.
What’s the 12 & 12? The different AA and NA meeting formats
12 & 12 meetings are just one of several different formats held by 12-step-based support groups. These focus specifically on—you guessed it—the 12 Steps that originated from Alcoholics Anonymous.
But aren’t all AA and NA meetings based on the 12 Steps?
While the discussions may always have an underlying theme of the 12 Steps, the 12 & 12 is a type of meeting that is devoted to studying these steps, principles, and other core concepts. They’re ideal for individuals who are working through the steps for the first time or people who are struggling to work through a particular one. Other types of meeting formats will have a different emphasis and structure.
Speaker meetings
Speaker meetings are ones where the majority, if not all, of the meeting time is dedicated to one speaker or presenter, typically chosen by the group’s chairperson. This is the single speaker format.
Sometimes a portion of the meeting will be used to discuss what the speaker said. This is the speaker/sharing format. Note that the goal isn’t to have everybody weigh in or talk about their own experiences.
Discussion meetings
Discussion meetings are topical and encourage input from members. Meetings of this format may take place as a round-robin discussion where everyone speaks (typically 3-5 minutes maximum) or one that’s guided by the chairperson and other members speak up as they so choose.
Meditation meetings
Unlike all the other AA meeting formats, the focus of this type is silence. Meditation meetings may also be referred to as 11th Step meetings, as this step encourages the strengthening of people’s connection to their higher powers (“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”)
However, these meetings start and end the typical way as all other AA meetings and there will likely be a portion after the silent meditation to share with the group.
What happens at 12 Steps and 12 Traditions meetings?
Affectionately known as 12 & 12 meetings, it is one of several different AA and NA meeting formats. In these types of meetings, the discussion centers around a passage or chapter from the organization’s literature, and members study the fundamental concepts behind the 12-step-based groups. This is sometimes distinct from Big Book study meetings.
In this format, it’s usually conducted where the group reads the entire chapter and then there’s discussion, or the group reads a paragraph or two before opening up to discussion. It’s a good idea to have someplace to jot down your thoughts as you read to prevent you from forgetting once it’s time to speak.
Depending on the group, the members may opt to spread out the reading of a single chapter over several 12 & 12 meetings since they can be long (over 20 pages), and leave little time for discussion afterward.
Why should you attend a 12 & 12?
Attending these specific meetings isn’t mandatory (nothing about AA or NA is), but both beginners and seasoned members can benefit from 12 & 12s study meetings.
What are the 12 Steps?
The Twelve Steps were created by the founders of AA to serve as the guidelines for overcoming the compulsive behaviors that led to alcoholism. They foster self-reflection and help put people in the mindset to create long-lasting change in their behavior and thought patterns.
What are the 12 Traditions?
The Twelve Traditions establish how the organization functions in its relationship to the public, itself, and its members. These traditions ultimately determine how groups run themselves as well as drawing the line of what’s the responsibility of the members and what’s the responsibility of the organization’s headquarters.
What are the 12 Concepts?
The Twelve Concepts is essentially the hope of AA’s co-founder Bill W. for the organization’s future operations. Adopted in 1962 at the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, this literature highlights A.A’s early history and the importance of leadership to always act in the best interest of the entire fellowship.
Find a 12 & 12 meeting near you
You don’t need any prior knowledge of any AA or NA literature to attend a 12 &12. However, if they’re pretty new to you, we recommend finding a twelve steps and twelve traditions study guide so that you can take part in the discussion (and perhaps have some questions prepared prior to the meeting).
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