Emotions Anonymous as Support for Recovery

Emotions Anonymous in New Mexico and Albuquerque

You’ve probably heard of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, but have you ever heard of Emotions Anonymous International services? EA members attend the 12-step program, which takes inspiration from AA and NA. It helps those dealing with emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, anger, or low self-esteem, by connecting them with peers and a pathway to better emotional well-being.

Icarus Behavioral Health New Mexico believes in a holistic approach to recovery to overcome addiction and related mental health or emotional problems. As a Joint Commission-accredited treatment center, we follow rigorous standards and evidence-based practices. Attending a Twelve Step program or other community-based recovery resources is an excellent way to support ongoing sobriety, especially after leaving a structured treatment program.

Please continue reading to learn more about Emotions Anonymous and how this group – and other twelve-step groups – can help keep members on the pathway to better mental health.

Attending Emotions Anonymous in Albuquerque, New Mexico

EA meetings help people with emotional problems across the United States. However, they do not have a presence in every city or state. Largely rural states often don’t have “anonymous” emotions meetings, leaving many unable to attend in person. That is the case with New Mexico, where access to Emotions Anonymous meetings is online only.

Fortunately, anyone with the desire to attend can connect to the twelve-step program via Zoom or Skype (depending on the specific meetings) in just a few swipes. Click this link to find all their online recovery groups. You can sort by “language” to find several Spanish language groups.

What Is Emotions Anonymous International?

Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a 12-step program that helps people who struggle to manage their emotions. Founded in 1971, it is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Intergroup Association offers the group’s largest in-person presence, but the program continues to expand to other areas across the United States. The nature of Emotions Anonymous (EA) is closer to “Neurotics Anonymous,” with members sharing emotional problems.

Emotions Anonymous EA Isn’t Part of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services

While the “Anonymous” emotions group is modeled after AA, it is not part of AA World Services. It uses the 12-step concepts with permission from AA but operates independently. Its focus is only on emotional illness, while AA meetings support and focus mainly on alcohol addiction and recovery.

Emotions Anonymous Focuses on Emotional Well-being

The primary purpose of Emotions Anonymous is to provide a supportive space where EA members can improve their lives and avoid compulsive behavior by following the program steps. They aim to have better emotional balance, less distress, and experience personal growth. The EA program achieves this through group support and by empowering one another.

Joining the Emotions Anonymous Program

There are no strict rules about joining EA or other groups in the 12-step family. EA membership is open to anyone – the only requirement is a sincere desire to admit the problem and be willing to heal emotionally. Attending meetings is free, although the program is self-supporting and will gladly accept donations.

The EA Twelve-Step Program (from First Step to Number 12)

The language of Emotions Anonymous meetings closely resembles what Alcoholics Anonymous members can expect to find. Here is a summary of the message behind each of the twelve steps:

1. We admitted we were powerless over our emotions and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Higher Power than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Decided to turn control over to the Higher Power as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching, fearless moral inventory of ourselves
5. Admitted to our Higher Power, ourselves, and another human being the nature of our wrongs.
6. Humbly asked the Higher Power to remove our character defects.
7. Asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of each person we had harmed and became willing to make amends.
9. Made direct amends except when to do so would cause injury to them or others.
10. Continued taking personal inventory and, when wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Used prayer and meditation to improve contact with the Higher Power, asking for the power to act out His will.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening because of these steps, we carry this message in all our affairs.

When you arrive for your first meeting, you can decide whether you want to keep to yourself or interact with other EA members. Those attending share your emotional difficulties and will welcome you warmly. But it remains up to you when you feel confident enough to make your own contributions. You will not feel pressure from other members.

What Emotional Difficulties Can Emotions Anonymous Address?

Emotions Anonymous EA helps members struggling with a range of emotionally-charged life challenges. These include but are not limited to:

• Feelings of loneliness or isolation
• Depression or persistent sadness
• Fear
• Excessive worrying or on edge
• Lacking a feeling of personal safety of security
• Shame or guilt
• Jealousy or resentment
• Numbed emotions
• Anger
• Grief or loss
• Stress
• Low self-worth
• Relationship problems

We encourage anyone with the desire to learn how to cope with these emotions healthily to take advantage of the Emotions Anonymous program. Ignoring the process of healing can lead to future complications or other mental health concerns, including substance use disorders.

Connect With Icarus New Mexico if You Need Professional Support

If you are struggling emotionally and don’t think that Emotions Anonymous groups will provide you with the proper level of support you need, Icarus NM can help. While some EA members undoubtedly find the help they need emotionally, not all members are the same.

It may be especially true that you need support for the healing process because of the vast, rural nature of the Land of Enchantment, which means Emotions Anonymous meetings are online only. Some people need a more intensive, hands-on program – which you get when you come to Icarus.

If you desire to make lasting changes and learn new coping skills, call our admissions team today.