Looking Into an Intimate and Unique Setting for Sober Support

Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous program is the perfect way for recovering alcoholics to come together and share their stories. When I began to attend open meetings on my own, I had just gotten out of Changes Healing Center and I was newly sober.

Needless to say, I was very sensitive to everything around me and nervous to share my plight. Then I found a magical setting I had never even known existed: AA by candlelight!

But what is a candlelight AA meeting you may ask? Well, let me share all about them and how it became my favorite form of fellowship…

To be sure, my home group took me in with open arms and I couldn’t imagine my life without open meetings. I probably would not have as much sober time as I do today.

But candlelight meetings hold a special place in my heart, and the thing I love about these meetings is you can feel the love and support no matter what, even in the dark.

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The Value Of Candlelight AA Meetings

So let’s break it down, what is a candlelight AA meeting and what should you expect from them? In some ways, a candlelight AA meeting is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. But let’s get specifics and other considerations discussed…

These are open meetings where an AA group gathers to light candles and share their experience, strength, and hope in a room lit by soft flames (though I hear some groups have gone with electric candles as well).

These candles can represent many different things, including hope and progress. The candle can also represent a remembrance of a loved one who lost their fight with addiction.

We all need something new and fresh occasionally that offers variety. I love going to regular AA meetings, but candlelight meetings offer a change in the ordinary routine.

If you are interested in finding a candlelight group or are simply curious about the world of AA, I am eager to share about my own encounters with this form of meeting, so you can find out if it might be something to boost your recovery as well.

Can Anyone Attend Open Meetings?

Attend Open Meetings

The Alcoholics Anonymous program is inclusive and people who are struggling are never turned away. If you are interested in attending open meetings, it’s always a great opportunity. You may want to check the meeting information before joining, but in general, people aren’t usually turned away.

If you aren’t ready to join an in-person meeting, you can always hop on an online meeting as well to give it a shot.

I got invited to my first candlelight AA meeting through a peer I met at Changes Healing Center. I didn’t know what to expect, and I certainly had my reservations. When the meeting was over, I felt a tremendous weight lifted off of my shoulders. It felt great to hear similar stories from people who found themselves in the same situation I was in. It gave me hope.

Also, for me at least, it made sharing easier to be in a dimly lit setting. That way I didn’t feel everyone’s eyes on me and was better able to open up about past traumas and the struggles in early sobriety too.

In person vs Online Candlelight Meetings

In some venues and locations, members are encouraged to bring their own candles to a candlelight meeting. The candle is lit when it is your turn to talk about your recovery process. The format is pretty open. Whatever you want to talk about when it comes to your addiction, it’s all fair game. Whether you are struggling and need to vent or want to share your success story.

In other places, the candles are already in place when everyone arrives, and the focus is more on meditation and reflection in this setting before sharing follows. Both formats have been helpful for me.

Online meetings are becoming more popular these days, as not everyone has the ability to join a candlelight meeting in person. An online meeting generally follows the same format as an in-person meeting. This gives people from all over the world the opportunity to join the group and share their stories.

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What Do The Candles Represent?

A huge part of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, aside from the 12 Steps and aspects like making amends, is finding meaning in your past struggles and using those experiences to become a better person. As I mentioned earlier, the candle can represent whatever you want.

Generally speaking, the way I view it is the candle represents the fact that you can always find light in the dark. No matter how bad it gets, there is always hope.

Sobriety is a uniquely personal process, and ultimately it is up to the addict to stay the course. However, we all need help from time to time. Since I joined the Alcoholics Anonymous program, I have met more supportive and loving people than I have in my entire life.

Embrace The Struggle

You’re there to tell your story, but you’re also there to pick somebody up if they need support. There have been times when I haven’t been in the greatest place mentally, but I always feel better after a candlelight meeting. It gives me the encouragement I need to continue on my path.

If I see other people struggling in my group, I try to lend a helping hand and an open ear. There is something very powerful about the ability to listen. No one at an AA meeting is trying to be the center of attention. It’s all about the group and the group is stronger than the struggle.

The Benefits Of Joining a Candlelight AA Group

 Candlelight AA Group

Making the decision to stop drinking is extremely tough. Many addicts and alcoholics never even consider it. If you’re actually thinking about quitting, that alone is a big deal. The choice is up to you. In my experience, the opportunity to discuss my past and what led me to seek sobriety gives me the boost that I need. This is why joining a candlelight group has made such a big difference.

Having structure is a big part of the recovery process. I try to keep a schedule and stick to it. Attending AA meetings is all part of sticking to that schedule. I go on the same nights, usually on the same days. The only time I miss a meeting is if I’m physically unable to be there. Regardless, I try to make it up if I miss one by going on another day.

Though I attend meetings almost every day, my candlelight group is still something I look forward to, each and every time it rolls around.

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Get Help for Sobriety Today With Support at Changes Healing

Attending an alcohol rehab and recovery center like Changes is often needed to get a solid foundation in sobriety. But how do you maintain your sobriety once you leave? This is where groups like AA come in. I’ve gotten an overwhelming sense of comfort from my support group, and the candlelight meetings are the cherry on top.

I recognize that I didn’t get here all by myself. I put in a lot of personal work, but there were a lot of people who helped me along the way. I celebrate those people just as much as I celebrate my own journey.

At Changes Healing Center in Phoenix, I learned of all the wonderful support groups and sponsors who helped guide me through the early recovery phase. If you are ready to take that leap into recovery, you’ve got to give it all you’ve got.

It sounded difficult and overwhelming at first, but I was instantly relieved when I got to Changes and was greeted with love and kindness. You can have that experience as well, as long as you are willing to fight for it.

If you or a loved one need that solid footing in getting sober, reach out to get their support today!