Yes, Meetings Are That Important

Yes, Meetings Are Still That Important

When life becomes especially challenging—whether you’re navigating addiction recovery, supporting a loved one who is, adjusting to a new diagnosis, or simply feeling isolated—there’s a powerful yet simple step you can take:

Go to a meeting.

Support groups and recovery meetings are one of the most accessible, effective, and life-affirming resources available. Whether formal or informal, meetings create a space to share openly, listen deeply, and begin to heal in community.

What Is a Recovery Meeting?

A recovery meeting is a structured gathering of individuals with shared experiences—often related to addiction, grief, trauma, or mental health—who come together regularly to offer mutual support. These meetings might be peer-led or professionally facilitated, in-person or virtual, daily or weekly.

At their core, support groups foster connection, reduce isolation, and reinforce the belief that we’re not alone in our struggles.

A.A. and Its Legacy

The most widely recognized recovery program is Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio. A.A. pioneered a peer-to-peer approach to sobriety that emphasized shared experience, accountability, and spiritual growth. It sparked a global movement that today includes:

Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon (for loved ones)
Celebrate Recovery
Refuge Recovery
SMART Recovery
And dozens of other specialty-focused fellowships

These meetings have helped millions of people find stability and purpose, not only by quitting a substance or behavior but by changing their lives in the process.

Meetings in Recovery Housing

Because meetings are so impactful, nearly all structured sober living homes—including those in the Vanderburgh Sober Living network—encourage or require attendance at outside support groups.

Why?

Community: Meetings surround guests with like-minded individuals working toward similar goals.
Accountability: They provide consistent rhythm and reporting opportunities.
Emotional Support: They offer a safe space to talk through triggers, challenges, and wins.
Skill Building: Meetings reinforce honesty, vulnerability, and healthy communication.

We don’t mandate a specific format—our guests are welcome to attend 12-step, SMART, or other models—but participation is part of what makes recovery housing effective.

Why Are Meetings So Important?

While a safe, supportive living environment is the foundation of recovery, meetings are often considered the engine. They create:

Connection: A buffer against isolation and relapse.
Courage: A platform for practicing honesty and self-expression.
Continuity: A routine that adds structure and predictability.
Commitment: A chance to show up for yourself and others.

How We Support Meeting Attendance at VSL

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, meetings are not just encouraged—they’re celebrated. We train our house mentors and operators to guide residents in identifying the right support groups for their recovery journey, and our homes offer flexible schedules and transportation planning to help make attendance easy.

Learn more about our expectations for guests and how we support their growth on our House Rules page.

Ready to Begin?

If you or someone you know is ready to join a supportive sober living community, apply online and our admissions team will follow up within 24 hours. A meeting might be the first step—but it doesn’t have to be the only one.