Going to my first AA meeting tonight

[needtobefree]

I'm going to bite the bullet and go to my first AA meeting tonight. I've spoken to the contact person and she seems really nice. She said it's a really small meeting and there may only be 3 or 4 people there.

I have my reservations about AA but as part of a support network I am hoping it will work. Wish me luck - I'll report back later :0)

[2ala2]

I love small groups. They work for me. It's ok to have reservations about AA. Try it. If it keeps you clean then it's doing the job. Nothing matters more today than for you to start living again. Your life will change. I am very happy for you.
Keep posting. tell us how it is.
Good Luck

[Spiritual Seeker]

Keep going back until it works because it will work if you work it. Try speaker mtgs. too if they have them in your area.

[mikel60]

Good luck with your meeting. I resisted going for years - thought I was too smart... AA is a cult...they're trying to control me... blah blah blah. When I finally got there it was awesome. My life has never been the same. And... I haven't drank since! 11 years and counting....Have fun! Mike

[CarolD]

AA is like a classroom for healthier living
IMO

Glad you are giving it a go!

[needtobefree]

Thanks folks :0) Well that was interesting, there were three of us including me. I felt something in common with them, the destructiveness of alcohol and the fight to stay sober. Does the urge to drink ever completely go away? There was a lady there that had been sober for 8 years yet still badly wanted to drink and admitted she wouldn't care about anything if she did. I felt sad for her, she seemed very depressed which wasn't helping.

I guess I expected the people there to be so sorted, so not wanting to drink. It shocked me that after 8 years this lady wanted to.

I need some more time to think over this evening, but I'm glad I went, it was an unimposing first view of AA.

[Pilgrim]

Hi Needtobe.

I'm pleased you went to a meeting tonight. I did too. It's good that you felt you had something in common.

Not everyone who attends a meeting you are in does the AA programme. I mean some people just go to some meetings without working on the entire programme. It might be a good idea to try different meetings as well to get more of a view.

[CarolD]

"Does the urge to drink ever completely go away?"

Certainly has for me.
Only when I am sharing with another
do I think of a drink.

My drinking was a mentally debilitating addiction.
Why would I choose to activate my insnity?

Blessings

[needtobefree]

Thanks folks :0)

I am a bit bemused really, there was sharing which helped me see a common story but no offer of support, no advice about detoxing, no talk about sponsors, I don't think that's a standard AA meeting is it?

I am going to a different one tonight, I'll give it a go again. Hopefully I'll find something different.

[Pilgrim]

Hi Needtobe

I don't know if I ever found a standard meeting. We all do our best on our journey. Did you ask about detox at the meeting? If you want to go into detox, the best place to start might be your doctor.

The sharing of common stories is a way of support that is very powerful. The idea behind it is that an alcoholic seems to need to feel a spiritual and human "connection" in order to succeed in staying sober.

For me, being with people who understand is sometimes enough to make it through my day.

Sometimes a small group might be a bit short of experience in twelth step work. Your presence will help that.

Don't forget to let us know how you got on with the other meeting.

[needtobefree]

Thanks Pilgrim,

I didn't go tonight but I am going to tommorrow. I am just so tired from withdrawals and not sleeping I didn't think it safe to drive. There's a lunch time meeting tommorrow. I'm going to go to that one and see how it goes.