Hello everyone. Today I have come to the tough realization that I am an alcoholic. I want to stop drinking and know I need to go to meetings to find some support. I'm nervous about going to a meeting because I don't know what to expect. Will I have to participate right away and tell my story? Or am I free to just listen until I feel comfortable? What is a first meeting like. Thanks for any insight.
It's OK to be nervous at the first few... everyone is. But it's a good kind of nervous... like right before you open a gift. You can just listen if you want, or you can share your questions with the group, if that's what you want. There are no requirements for AA, except the desire to stop drinking. Most groups follow some type of forum, so be sure to only talk if your recognized by the chair person, if thats the way the group does things. Some meetins are open ttopic discussion, some are Big Book studie meetins, and some have a guest speaker. Either way, it's good to get there a few minutes early and meet a few people before the meeting starts. What you can expect to find is some other folks just like you.alcoholics learning to stay sober and live a better way of life without a drink today. There may be young and old, male and female... even different religion or ethnic back grounds... But they will all know where you have been and where you are trying to go... they think just like you do. I hope it's a great first meeting, and you feel right at home. Good luck, and welcome to sobriety. Please let us know how it goes.
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My warranty on tomorrow has run out. My guarantee on the past is void. Nothing is going my way... and I like it like that.
Please don't worry about having to participate right away in a meeting. That just won't happen. If you wish to say something, then that's fine. But, otherwise, you're not going to do anything that you don't want to.
You'll meet some truly wonderful people at AA who have all been right where you are now. I love going to my meetings and I have made some wonderful friends in the rooms of AA.
Please keep posting and let us know how it goes for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
I remember when I was where you are and being miserable and scared. Now I know that being where you are is a reason for celebration - believe it or not! With those powerful words "I am an alcoholic", you potentially put into motion one of the most healing and liberating miracles that exists. I know, I am living that same miracle and it is amazing!
Try not to worry overly much about that first meeting, or any meetings. It is not the AA way to put anyone "on the spot" ever. I have heard many say that they never spoke a word at a meeting for weeks, months, or even years. You can speak when you want and simply listen when you prefer.
What to expect? Some meetings may ask if it is anyone's first AA meeting ever and, if so, if you would share your first name so that the group can get to know you better. When anyone indicates that its their first, our groups do a "1st step" meeting, where members share how they got here, what it was like, and what AA has done in their lives since then. In my first step meeting, I took great comfort. HERE were people who really get it, who really know what I am going through - and they are HAPPY. ("Similarities, not differences").
Anyway, I could not be happier that you have chosen this path. This program saved my life, literally. I now know that I was missing living by drinking everyday. THIS is living, and it is a tremendous thing!
Most of the meetings I have attended had a point where each person in the group was offered a chance to talk. When my turn comes, I can say whatever I feel, which sometimes is only, "Hi, my name is Dan, and I'm an alcoholic. And tonight, I just need to listen."
don't be nervous. the room is filled with people just like you. they'd be the same kinda people that you drank with, only now you can have all the fun and friendships without killing yourself with alcohol. You're amongst family there and here. To answer your question "the only requirement to join AA is a desire to stop drinking". That's it! You don't have to do anything. It's a program of suggestions. Welcome & keep coming back.
