At most LifeRing meetings, people sit in a circle. The meeting is small enough so that everyone can participate. After a short opening statement, the meeting convenor asks “How was your week?”. People take turns talking about the successes and challenges of their last week in recovery and their plans for the coming week ahead.

No one is required to label themselves as “alcoholic” or “addict”. A desire to be clean and sober is the only requirement for attendance. You need to be clean and sober at the time of the meeting in order to participate.

LifeRing meetings encourage questions, comments and other feedback throughout. The meeting atmosphere often resembles a living room filled with sober friends having a relaxed, free conversation. Laughter is a common ingredient.

There are some limits. We use “I” statements when speaking, we avoid “war stories” about our past. No attack therapy or confrontation. We avoid giving unsolicited advice, or speaking of religion or politics. We do not trash other recovery approaches and keep it civil and positive.

Meetings are confidential. What is said and who is seen stays in the room. Participation is free. Meetings often end with a round of applause to celebrate each other’s sobriety.

It is time to recognize the multiple pathways and styles of recovery in... all organization providing addiction treatment and recovery support services.

    White and Kurtz

    The Varieties of Recovery

    Experience (2005)

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