Myth #3: People Have to Attend Meetings Forever

Decoding Nine Myths About Recovery

In my novel, Stay Sober and Save the World the Cave Woman Way, Cave Woman and Sylvia (or Sil) develop an epistolary relationship. The letter writing continues, as you’ll see below.

Myth #3 People must attend meetings forever

Dear Cave Woman,

Do people have to go to meetings for the rest of their life to stay in recovery?

Dear Sylvia,

Not if they don't want to go to meetings for the rest of their life. A lot of people like the camaraderie of recovery meetings. Some like online gatherings. Others prefer working with a coach or therapist. Addictive behaviors are ritualistic, and humans need rituals, but rituals can evolve. Eventually, you might create your own. 

Do people have to open a vein and share everything about their life?

No need to open a vein to recover. Sharing validates and acknowledges our experience. You don't have to tell all in a recovery meeting. Instead, find a trusted soul or souls to share your experience. Or, share the general outlines and put the rest in a notebook, one you can dispose of if you so wish. Writing can be transformative, part ritual, and part community.

How is writing "part community" if I’m writing by myself?

Aren't you and I a community? And what about all the parts of yourself you've learned to converse and exchange ideas with? 

Maybe we should keep that quiet? People might think we're nuts.

Oh, let them. People are taught to ignore their inner guidance; that’s what makes them nuts, including ideas to help them create community.

A community of one?

A community of millions.