Ep 18: Intro to 12 Step & ARP Meetings

“Addiction is a very private and lonely space and once someone comes into a meeting, they realize that they are not alone.” - Randy

“My anxiety was a 17 out of 10. I was shaking because I was afraid I would see someone I knew there. I got in there and saw two people and my instant emotion was relief.” - Matt

Jason, Matt, Randy and Steve sit down and talk about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ (LDS) ARP. This is a version of the AA 12 step program created by Bill W. The difference between the two versions is that the LDS Church focuses on the relationship that a person has with Jesus Christ. This episode focuses on what ARP is, what it is not, and how it can help the addict. ARP is a great start on the road to recovery. Listen in to find out about the healing and help Jason and Matt have received through the ARP program.

ARP is for those looking for a place of love, acceptance and forgiveness. It is a place where people can feel safe to talk openly about their struggles with addiction. The first-timers really feel relief when they walk through the doors because they realize they are not alone in the struggle. Matt talks about how he felt relieved when he saw people he knew; “My anxiety was a 17 out of 10. I was shaking, because I was afraid I would see someone I knew there. I got in there and saw two people and my instant emotion was relief.” ARP is not for everyone but is a great first step.

One issue some seasoned addicts have with ARP is that there are instances where there is no sobriety in these meetings. However, it takes a while for people to understand that they belong, they matter and that the addiction is just a mask for a deeper issue. This is where ARP may not be as beneficial for certain people because of what it is not: ARP is not a place where a person can get one on one help. ARP will likely not be run by a therapist. It is run by a facilitator. Facilitators guide the meetings and ensure there is no crosstalk or interruptions during a person’s share. It is not group therapy. 

In group therapy, a person sits with other people and a therapist and talks about his/her struggles with addiction. Steve describes an experience he had with group therapy and how the therapist interjected to teach and help Steve about what he was doing. 

Jason then continues and talks about what the four steps of support can be for the addict. 

ARP is the first step in this road of support. It is a support system for men to receive love and connection from other men. The second step is an accountability partner who is there for the addict. The third step is very similar to the second because it is having an accountability partner who will call the addict out on his/her crap. The fourth step which might be necessary is having a therapist. 

The bottom line is that ARP is there to assist men/women on the road to recovery. Randy believes that ARP is about repentance. The term repentance in German is “to turn about”. Repentance is to turn away from sin and never go back. This leads all men to redemption and change.

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12 Step Meetings: