What is Emotions Anonymous?
Emotions Anonymous is a 12-step program that was created for individuals who have the desire to improve their emotional well-being. The group focuses on the same 12-step process and program as Alcoholics Anonymous, with the idea of improving and recovering from emotional and mental illness. Similar to other 12-step programs, Emotions Anonymous is a diverse group of individuals who differ in all areas of their lives except for the fact that they all suffer from emotional illness.
The fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. has continued to grow since its birth. With groups in over 30 countries, there are more than 600 active groups throughout the world. Emotions Anonymous has its own literature including “Emotions Anonymous,” “It Works if you Work ItA common 12-step saying, often used at the end of meetings. “Working it” refers to the steps. The idea behind the saying is that if you follow the 12-steps, you will be able to maintain recovery and healthy life.,” the daily meditation book “Today” and much more.
The History of Emotions Anonymous
The programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs. began in 1966 in St. Paul, Minnesota. A 55-year-old woman named Marion F. had noticed a newspaper article that stated the success of Alcoholics AnonymousThe original 12-step fellowship, formed in 1935, to help alcoholics, regain control over their lives. It remains the largest 12-step organization and has contributed to the sobriety of millions worldwide. Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous and how the 12 steps could potentially help with the problem of emotional illness. The group began as Neurotics Anonymous and at the first meeting, had about a dozen people in attendance. Some of the members were even current members of Al-Anon. After the first meeting was held, the media caught wind of the newly formed group and by the next meeting, there were over 65 people in attendance. From then on, the group continued to get bigger and bigger.
As the meeting grew, discord arose and the Minnesota Intergroup Association (MIA) tried to settle the issues between the group, but eventually, Emotions Anonymous was formed in its place and was the only group the MIA associated with. Once the official group was decided, Alcoholics Anonymous gave permission to the fellowship to adapt and utilize their 12 stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A... and 12 traditions, officializing Emotions Anonymous in 1971. The first annual convention for Emotions Anonymous was held in 1972, along with the ratification of the bylaws and the election of the first ServiceAA and other 12-step fellowships do not normally have employees. Instead, members volunteer and take roles necessary for the operation of the different groups and the larger infrastructure of the fellowship. Common roles of service include secretary, treasurer, and chairing meetings. Board of Trustees. In 1978, “Emotions Anonymous” was the first piece of literature created, along with “Today,” which was published in 1987. As the program moves forward, literature is still being created, with a book published in 2019 titled “Welcoming Spirituality.”
How the Program Works
The program of Emotions Anonymous focuses on the recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. of emotional and mental illness. The nonprofit organization allows individuals to come together and build a support system to find tools for recovery and solutions for their problems today. Whatever emotional difficulties a newcomerAn individual attending a 12-step meeting for the first time. In most cases, they meet with a veteran member first. may be experiencing, the group welcomes all individuals to find a place to solve these issues. There is no requirement to share when an individual first attends an Emotions Anonymous meeting. Many new members can sometimes find it more beneficial to listen to others and gain some insight into how the program works.
With material available to the newcomer on the official website, the group encourages members to begin working the 12 steps of the program so that members can recover from emotional illness, better their emotional situations and begin experiencing healthy emotions. One of the most important tools in the program to improve its effectiveness is to obtain a sponsorAn individual in a 12-step program requires a sponsor to help them work the steps and hold them accountable for their recovery. The sponsor should be readily available when help is needed. A member with a sponsor is considered to be the sponsee.. A sponsor can help newcomers work the 12 steps of the program and is someone who can assist in keeping their sponsees emotionally sober, offer their own support and experiences, is someone to confide and trust in, provides honest feedback and can recognize when a relapseRelapse in the context of 12-step programs refers to the act of reverting to harmful behaviors associated with addiction after a period of recovery. This return to substance use or compulsive behavior disrupts the recovery process and often leads to a resurgence of destructive patterns that the indi... is occurring or a sponsee isn’t working the steps of their program. Tips on finding a sponsor are also available on the official website.
How Emotions Anonymous is Effective for Members
Emotions Anonymous not only provides a 12-step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts. 12 step programs include 12 step meetings where members go to share their experience strengt... for recovery, but the program also gives many ways for members to continue their sobrietyIn 12-step programs, an individual is sober when they are no longer partaking in the behavior or substance to which they are addicted and living a better life following the program. Both are necessary to achieve sobriety. in other ways of participation. There are many service opportunities available on the official website that offer tools for recovery, including writing, drawing images or sharing12-step meetings are structured so that member sharing takes up most of the allotted time. It is the bread and butter of the fellowship between members. When sharing, addicts are encouraged to stay on topic and avoid interrupting by engaging in crosstalk. stories for Emotions Anonymous International, sharing their stories at speaker meetings and events, and participating in Emotions Anonymous activities that are held throughout the year.
Literature and a monthly newsletter is available for Emotions Anonymous members so that they can stay up to date and hear stories from members all over the world. The website also offers methods for meeting holders to ensure their meetings are successful, as well as recordings from previous speakers to share their stories for any newcomers who may want to hear how they can relate to members in the program. Sponsorship is another way for existing members to continue their service in the fellowship, so the website has sponsorship information available for anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor.
The program’s effectiveness is based on the same 12 steps, traditions and principles as Alcoholics Anonymous, which is one of the reasons it is successful for many members. Admitting powerlessness over emotions is the first step in the recovery process, and as members begin working the other steps, they will begin to find emotional stability in their lives. While the program does rely on members finding a power higher than themselves, it is not religious in any way nor does the higher power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th... have to be called God. Members are encouraged to find their own concept of a higher power as long as it is not themselves.
Common Questions about Emotions Anonymous
Where can I find an Emotions Anonymous meeting?
All information for individuals looking for Emotions Anonymous meetings can be found here. A directory search can be done for face-to-face meetings, but there are also phone and virtual meetings available for those who cannot physically attend a meeting. If necessary, members are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the scheduled meeting they are interested in is still available.
What are the costs of the program?
Like all other 12-step programs available, there are no costs, dues or fees for membership to Emotions Anonymous. The only requirement for membership is the desire to become well emotionally. The fellowship is self-supporting through their own contributions and does not accept any outside donations. Although no memberAn individual who attends 12-step program meetings and has the desire to overcome addiction. is forced to contribute monetarily, members are encouraged to contribute when they can, if they can.
Can I start my own meeting?
If members are unable to find a meeting in their local area, all new meetings are encouraged and can be done so by registering here. All types of meetings can be created as long as they are registered through the website, including phone, virtual or face-to-face meetings. After filling out the registration form with all of the meeting details provided, there is an option to order a starter packet with materials to ensure a successful meeting is created.
What are the 12 promises of the program?
Because Emotions Anonymous follows in the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, there are many similarities that members can find throughout the fellowship. Emotions Anonymous has 12 steps, 12 traditionsThe term "12 traditions" refers to a set of principles that guide the functioning and decision-making of 12-step recovery organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The traditions were first published in 1946 and are intended to allow the organizations to run smoothly while protecting the anon..., 12 slogans and 12 promises for members to help provide support and hope that recovery is possible when individuals choose to work the program efficiently and honestly. Although the 12 promises are slightly different than Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 promises, they are as follows:
- We realize a new freedom and happiness.
- We do not regret the past or wish to shut the door on it.
- We comprehend the word serenityOne of the goals of recovery in 12-steps and many other formats is the attainment of serenity. It is dissatisfaction and disquiet which often drives addictive and destructive behavior and attaining a level of serenity nips cravings in the bud. In 12-step fellowships, this is often cultivated through..., and we know peace of mind.
- No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we see how our experience can benefit others.
- The feelings of uselessness and self-pity lessen.
- We have less concern about self and gain interest in others.
- Self-seeking slips away.
- Our whole attitude and outlook upon life changes.
- Our relationships with other people improve.
- We intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
- We acquire a feeling of security within ourselves.
- We realize that God is doing for us what we could not do ourselves.
12 Steps of Emotions Anonymous (EA)
1. We admitted we were powerless over our emotions, that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contactBuilding a relationship with a Higher Power is a crucial element in recovery. This involves conscious contact with a Higher Power through prayer and meditation regularly. with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
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12 Traditions of Emotions Anonymous (EA)
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on EA unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority: a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for EA membership is a desire to become well emotionally.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or EA as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose: to carry its message to the person who still suffers from emotional problems.
6. An EA group ought never endorse, finance or lend the EA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every EA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Emotions Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. EA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Emotions Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the EA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymityAlcoholics Anonymous and all the 12 step groups modeled after it, protect the anonymity of its members. Members are forbidden from disclosing the identity of other addicts to outside sources or identifying themselves with the group on any form of public media. The idea behind this is to focus on the... at the level of press, radio and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
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