A significant principle of the fellowship is selfless service and a chance for addicts to give back what they received. It also means that fellowships continue to develop, in a way that is organic and self-sustaining. Also, by helping others and witnessing their progression through the programme, addicts continue to be reminded of their own journeys, increase their learning and strengthen bonds with others in recovery.
In addition to the 12 steps, the fellowship incorporates different but interrelated levels of involvement, including attending meetings, reading and discussing literature and giving service to others within the organisation. These levels provide a framework within which addicts can progress from helping themselves, to helping others and finally helping the programme as a whole.
Attending meetings
Fellowship meetings are an indispensable part of the programme and addicts usually begin working the 12 steps by attending them. They provide a safe, egalitarian and cathartic environment for addicts to convene and share their thoughts, feelings and experiences, or simply ‘be’ around others, without fear of being judged or turned away.
Meetings are anonymous and usually follow a structured format. They open with a brief introduction and a reading of the 12 steps, followed by a lead presentation by the chairperson, who gives a short talk on his or her experience of addiction and recovery. The meeting is then opened to all for feedback and/or experience sharing. Meetings usually last for one hour and are self-funded by attendees making a small contribution at the door.
