Question about AA

[Toomutch]

I have a non medical question to ask all of you who attend AA.

I have seriously been thinking about attending AA. But here is the possible conflict.

I found out before a had my gallbladder removed last Friday that I was to begin IOP for severe depression, My psychiatrist also up'd my mood stabalizers. I wasn't able to attend IOP this week or meet with my therapist for the first time because of the surgery. I will begin IOP next week, as well as start visiting with my therapist.

Ok - finally here's the question. Do you think it would be a good idea to start AA while I'm having these problems, and going to IOP, or wait until I am more stable.

I appoligize if this is a silly question.

[katwomankc]

i think you should go to AA it will help you by listening to others hope and strength and experiences. dont be afraid people are very understanding in AA. good luck and i hope you feel well soon

[Freedom1990]

If I waited till I was 'stable' to go to AA, I'd be dead by now!

[Astro]

You're asking about AA? OK, who are you and what have you done with the real Toomutch?

j/k suzette

Anytime is a good time to go to AA, or at least that's my opinion. You meet the 3rd Tradition, which states that "The only requirement for AA membership is the desire to stop drinking".

In the beginning I was there to hear the message, and to listen for the similarities rather than the differences. When I felt comfortable, and felt that the program of AA would be a foundation for my recovery, then I got a sponsor and started taking and practicing the 12 Steps.

BTW, I was taking SSRI's for my anxiety and depression the first year I was in recovery.

No questions are silly, except for maybe the ones that aren't asked. I'm proud of you for asking

[sugErspun]

I can't see any reason why that should hinder your recovery...nor should it be any reason to 'not' attend an AA meeting.

[warrens]

Suzette

I'm a little puzzled. Wondering what you imagine as a possible conflict.

Anything that you "add" that is positive to your life will not "subtract" from anything else. If anything, they may well be synergistic, meaning that 2+2 can sometimes equal 5.

I'd say go! I think you would have much to gain and to give. Try a few groups if you can, see which one feels more like "home." If you don't like it, don't go any more.

I think most therapists would support this thinking. Nearly all of them are at least familiar with 12 step approaches and can speak the "language." I do with my therapist.

You mentioned your depression and needing a reason to "get out of the house." Both therapy and AA, if they "fit" are a great prescription for those (like me) who need things to look forward to and to contemplate.

Go for it...

warren

[Boleo]

Originally Posted by Toomutch

Do you think it would be a good idea to start AA while I'm having these problems, and going to IOP, or wait until I am more stable.

If every AA member waited till they solved all of their non-alcohol problems before going to AA meetings there would be no need for most of the meetings.

[CarolD]

My long term depression is why I decided
to quit drinking. To quit drinking and stay
quit I use God and AA.

Been working quite well for me...

About meds....what I take ...why I take
is a decision between myself and my doctors.

How I work and apply the AA program
is between myself and my AA connections.

Good to know you are moving forward...

[Pilgrim]

Hi Toomutch,

I agree with Carol and the others here. Being in AA does not stop us seeking medical and professional help if needed. I hope you go along and let us know what happens.

Steph G

[odaat]

I found that AA helped greatly with my severe depression and other mental health problems. I was on a lot of medication in my early days in AA (anti-depressants and anti-pyschotics) and have been seeing a Pyschiatrist regularly.

In my experience, AA really helped me to become more 'stable'. I'd recommend you give it a go.

[Tazman53]

toomutch I was drunk as a skunk the first AA meeting I went to and I walked away from that meeting having learned some very important things. I learned that a wet drunk is welcome in an AA meeting, I learned the people looked normal, they were freindly even to drunks, and I felt a sincere desire that they were there to help me and any one else that walked in that room whether they were drunk, high or what ever as long as they do not couse trouble.

It was 5 years before I went to my second AA meeting and that was the first night I was in detox..... all though it was a different meeting in a different city with different people, and I was in the beginning of detoxing they were still like the other people in that first meeting.

I have never heard of an IOP or a therapist that objected to a client going to AA, I have heard of many that encouraged clients to go to AA though.

BTW meds prescibed by a doctor and taken as prescribed by a doctor, including ADs are not objected to in AA, many could not maintain their recovery with out them.

[AW2486]

Glad you thinking of going to AA.. It's a wonderful program that saved my life. If anything it can be a positive addition to the other things you are doing.

I wish you well.

[justanothrdrunk]

Just go already.