(Suggested as a tool to guide DRA 12-Step Meetings)

The Short Versions of the Suggested Meeting Format available from this page can be used by the chairperson who hands the various DRA documents (Preamble, Accepting Differences, Steps/Getting Started, Traditions) out to Group members to read as they are recognized by the chairperson during the opening phase of a DRA meeting. Links to printable versions for either Open or Closed DRA Meetings are at the right margin of the page.

Note: Some Groups use the Brief Version of Accepting Differences. Some Groups include the reading of The Twelve Traditions at their meetings and some don't. Some modifications to suit each Group's needs and Group Conscience are acceptable. However, our Fifth Tradition reminds us to be sensitive to the well being and unity of other groups and to D.R.A. as a whole. Therefore it is suggested that all DRA meetings retain the Preamble, and Getting Started in Dual Dual Recovery documents at a minimum. Newcomers and Visitors from other Groups will appreciate the familiar feeling created and explanations about DRA, when these official documents are read at the beginning of each and every meeting.

Short Meeting Formats are subject to all of DRA's normal copyright policy and terms of use except that they may be modified, within reason and as guided by our 12 Traditions, to suit an individual group's needs.

The printable versions of the skeleton format can be copied and pasted into your own word processing documents so you can modify them to suit your Group's needs. Open a new document in WordPad, MS Word, or other word processor program, select the text from the web page you wish to copy, use either the menu or keyboard (control + c) to copy your selection, place your mouse cursor in your newly opened document, and paste it in using either the word processor's 'Edit' 'Paste' menu, or the keyboard (control + v).

For more ideas on how to organize and run a DRA meeting please see, "Your First DRA Meeting"

DRA FORMAT

OPENING

Welcome to the ___________________________________. This meeting is open to DRA members and to other individuals who are concerned about their personal recovery. My name is __________ , and I am in dual recovery.

Will you join me for a moment of silence, followed by the Serenity Prayer?

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Have someone read the Preamble
Have someone read the 12 Traditions
Have someone read Getting Started in DRA.
Have someone read .

(read to the group) This is a closed meeting where we can discuss the steps and matters of personal recovery. Everyone will have an opportunity to share as we go around the room. If you do not wish to share, simply say "Pass". Please limit your sharing to 5 min. Also, please limit side talk in respect to the person sharing.

If anyone needs to leave early, please raise your hand, so that we can make sure you have a chance to share.
At _________ stop for the 7th tradition, announcements and smoke break.

(read to group) At this time we will pause for the Seventh Tradition. This Tradition reminds us that every DRA group is self-supporting. All donations are used for rent, literature and other group expenses. (As basket is being passed, ask for announcements). Now we will take a 10 min smoke break.

Return to sharing

This is a closed meeting where we can discuss the steps and matters of personal recovery. In keeping with the traditions of a closed meeting, there are no children allowed. Everyone will have an opportunity to share as we go around the room. If you do not wish to share, simply say "Pass". Please limit your sharing to 5 min. Also, please limit side talk in respect to the person sharing.

Read at closing

Tradition Twelve reminds us of our need for anonymity. We ask that you do not repeat the names of anyone who has attended this meeting or talk about what has been shared. Only by exercising this tradition can DRA provide a setting where we can feel safe to share in a way that will help our dual recovery.
If you know someone who might find help from the DRA program, feel free to bring them to a DRA meeting. However, PLEASE, bring them only if they express a personal interest. Recovery is always a matter of personal choice. We can do our best when we carry the message and practice the program. Would all who care to, join me in the Serenity Prayer?