Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Meetings

General Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Meeting Information

Meetings vary considerably in their specific rituals, patterns, and format, from place to place and each has its own style and feeling. Most are an hour long. One thing to keep in mind is that the very nature of a DRA 12-Step meeting is to carry the message of hope to those who are in need. The first one of our Twelve Traditions states, "The primary purpose of DRA is to carry the message of recovery to men and women who experience a dual disorder." That means the new person who is attending for the first few times is an indispensable part of the whole. You are wanted and welcome and have an open invitation to come and see if our Fellowship is for you.

Generally members arrive a few minutes early and find a seat. Sometimes chairs are arranged in rows, sometimes in a circle, or around tables. These gatherings are very casual come as you are affairs. Some people may be on their way to or from work. Some may be coming from treatment facilities. Some may be parents, others are retirees, or even high school students. Before the meeting begins there is usually friendly chatter and many meetings have a pot of coffee brewing for anyone who wants a cup.

There are several types of meetings:

• Discussion meetings *
• Book or Step Study meetings
• Speaker meetings
• H&I (Hospital and Institution) outreach meetings

Discussion meetings are the most common. A Discussion meeting is described below in some detail. Book or Step Study meetings are vary similar except they are focused on particular recovery books or the study of the Twelve Steps. Typically groups read selections from "The Dual Disorders Recovery Book" or "The Twelve Steps and Dual Disorders" and then members take turns commenting on it from their own experience and perspective. Speaker meetings are more of a lecture or motivational/informational talk by someone with a lot of recovery experience. H & I outreach meetings are a free Twelfth-Step service provided by some DRA groups and Intergroups. DRA members go into hospitals, treatment facilities, or prisons to set up and run a DRA meeting. This helps carry the message of recovery and hope to individuals otherwise unable to attend DRA meetings.

What Happens at a Typical DRA Meeting?

What happens before the meeting?

DRA meetings generally begin and end on time. Some people usually arrive early and socialize before the meeting actually begins. After the meeting ends there is usually a period of time when people again socialize as they slowly filter out. We know these informal times can cause anxious moments for the newcomer. After a couple more meetings you will get to know the routine and the people well enough to feel more at ease. 

Do I have to identify myself?

Some members begin their shares by identifying themselves as alcoholics or addicts and may include their diagnosis. It's not uncommon to hear someone start out by saying "My name is Joe C., and I'm an alcoholic and manic depressive." Others may simply state their names or add that they are in dual recovery. It is not required in order to speak, to identify or "label" oneself as an alcoholic, addict, or to identify one's particular psychiatric diagnosis, though many members choose to do so. Some people prefer to identify themselves as 'recovering' alcoholics or addicts, and other's just give their first name. Newcomers are entirely free to say whatever they like about themselves in this regard. Since everyone present remembers their own first meeting, there is a great deal of empathy and acceptance of newcomers.

Is my attendance confidential?

DRA meetings do not take attendance or keep membership roles, though there may be certain security requirements at some treatment facilities, hospitals, and other institutional facilities. It is traditional in 12 Step meetings to identify oneself by first name or first name and last initial only, though it is not a rule. Almost all meetings include a reminder to keep everything that is said in the meeting confidential. This tradition or right to anonymity and privacy, is taken very seriously by those who are familiar with most 12 Step programs. At many meetings, the chairperson will repeat a common 12 Step saying to remind everyone of the importance of confidentiality and anonymity, "Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here."

Do I have to share?

Many people who are new to DRA meetings and dual recovery choose to "just listen" during their first several meetings. This is just fine. Eventually they may ask the chairperson if they can read one of the shorter pieces of DRA literature at the beginning of the meeting to sort of "try out" speaking at meetings. Their first real 'share' may be very short and simple such as, "My name is George. I'm kind of down today, but I am really grateful to be here. Thank you."  Eventually George will feel more fully accepted and more at ease. Then he may wish to share more about why he is feeling down and what recovery tools he is learning to use that help him cope constructively with his feelings. He may better understand how not to revert back to drinking or drugging to numb the pain and he may wish to share that knowledge and experience with others.

What about this God talk and prayer?

The DRA is not affiliated with any religion, nor does it endorse or have opinions about them. There is no religious requirement for DRA attendance. Members are free to believe whatever they choose to believe, or choose not to believe. There are many agnostics and atheists in DRA, as well as many members of traditional, neo-pagan, ethnic, and so called new-age religions. For further information on this issue please see the DRA Questions and Answers document or the page about bringing a spiritual dimension to recovery.

Who is in charge?

In DRA we are all equal. There are no leaders. The chairperson, group secretary, treasurers, and such are all volunteers taking their turn doing "service work". They do not govern. It would seem to be the very formula for chaos but experience has shown that our common experience in dual recovery along with the guiding principles of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions leads us to a common goal of personal recovery and group harmony.

What happens at the end of the meeting?

After the meeting (and before), you may be offered names and phone numbers by other members along with an offer to be of help if needed. This is a DRA and 12 Step Tradition of service and helping others. Please don't worry. No one is trying to sell you anything or take advantage of you. One of the most common tools of staying clean and sober is having other member's phone numbers to call when we get cravings in early sobriety.

A note about meetings…

DRA is made of a diverse and often colorful collection of people with all kinds of personalities and issues in addition to that of their dual no-fault illnesses. Individual meetings also tend to acquire a special flavor and "personality" of their own. It is a good idea to go to several different meetings to find one that feels right to you. The DRA welcomes you with open arms!