What Is A CoDA® Meeting?
Attending meetings
is necessary for recovery in the CoDA program. A codependent attends
meetings for his/her personal recovery, and this attendance benefits
everyone, its what creates the group. At meetings, we share our experience,
strength, and hope in our program of recovery.
Where Do I Find A Meeting?
We maintain a list of meetings
across the United States. Visit our
Meeting
Resource Center page to find a list of meetings in your area. This page also
gives information on who to contact for meetings outside the U.S.
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What Happens At A CoDA
Meeting?
Meeting Opening. CoDA meetings
usually start with a moment of silence followed by a prayer of the group's
choice. Following the opening prayer, almost all CoDA meetings read
a selection of the foundation documents listed in the Conference guidelines.
There is usually a short time allowed for announcements or group conscience.
Sharing
After the opening there is usually a time of sharing
where the group divides up into smaller groups of about 6-10 to tell smaller
pieces of their individual recovery stories. There is only one paramount
rule in sharing: "No crosstalk". We make no comments about other
people's sharing and do not give advice.
Closing.
As part of the closing, a prepared statement is often
recited, "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our program. Let
what is said here, who you see here, when you leave here, let it stay
here". A closing prayer is usually said and the slogan "Keep
coming back - It works!".
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What Are The Different Types Of Meetings?
Newcomers meetings. These meetings have a special
format to allow newcomers to have their questions answered by Old Timers.
Special efforts are made at regular meetings to provide for the needs
of newcomers.
- Speaker or Step meetings. A speaker shares his/her
story for 20-30 minutes or shares on a designated topic.
- Step Study Meeting. These meetings are designed
to work the Steps together as a group of recovering codependents.
- Step Four Writing Meetings. These are designed
to allow time for individual reflection and writing, followed by an
opportunity for each person to share some of what they have written
during the session.
- Closed Meetings are meetings attended only by people
who are codependent or think they may be codependent. Newcomers who
think they may be codependent can attend a closed meeting.
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