Curren Place Guidelines

AA and NA Information Sessions at Curran Place

Guidelines for AA/NA Volunteers, and information for Consumers (participants)

Welcome to tonight’s session.

We really value and appreciate these weekly AA/NA information sessions at Curran Place.  We’re fortunate to have such passionate and generous volunteers who come here to share their own experience of finding help through AA/NA.

Just a reminder, as volunteers, that this is an information session, not an AA/NA meeting, so please avoid asking anyone in the session to “identify” or share their story.

With most of the participants in these sessions being in active withdrawal, it’s important that the focus of your discussion is on what led you to AA/NA and how it’s helped your recovery from substances. Discussion of your substance use history should be relatively brief and not include any specific detail.

We sometimes receive feedback from participants saying they’ve felt triggered or upset when hearing volunteers’ experiences that include accounts of trauma, family violence, suicidal ideation, crimes or jail time.  We ask that speakers not include these topics in the discussion.

This will help the session be a safe and supportive space for everyone.

I’ll be in this session with you tonight, in case there’s a need to maintain the focus.  I may redirect the discussion (from volunteers or participants), if required.

Please ensure that all discussions are kept strength-based and recovery focused.

For example: What is the program and how it can be of support? What are the 12 steps and traditions? What to expect at meetings?  What is a sponsor? How do you find a meeting that matches your needs? What are the benefits of recovery for you?

Thanks so much for being here, and your understanding.