Do you go to meetings?

[TALULAHBAGGINS1]

Hi,
I am new to the forum so still working through the many messages but was just wondering how many of you go to meetings? Do you find them useful?

[PippoRossi]

Hi, there. I don't go to meetings. Groups of people just aren't my thing. That being said, there are several people on these forums that swear by AA meetings.

[soberbythesea]

I've tried it a couple of times, but I think the AA approach just doesn't really click with me. I think it is great that so many others are helped by it though.

[freshstart57]

Hi Talulah, welcome to SR. There is a lot of support for you here in your journey to sobriety.

Most people that get sober do it without any program at all, just like your boyfriend did, so they don't go to meetings. Some programs offer meetings as part of their fellowship, but some programs don't see the need for meetings. Other programs hold that meetings of the sort you are thinking of are actually harmful. It all depends on your approach and what you need.

For me, no meetings.

[Southerner]

I have chosen an individual therapist, though I have gone to a few group meetings. I think it is a personal preference. Some people thrive on group interaction, some on one-on-one interaction. It is all about doing what works for you, not what has worked for somebody else. I stress the DOING, not which form of doing.

Having said that, I also thrive in a written medium, so this site is particularly nice. So, for me, individual discussions (in which my wife is now graciously joining me) plus reading and thinking about everybody's experiences here.

Lastly, I have read about many many people who have had wildly successful experiences in group settings. It is one of many options.

[TALULAHBAGGINS1]

I don't think meetings are the way to go for me.

[freshstart57]

I've read your posts, Talulah, and they seem to be about going to meetings, not going to meetings, not wanting meetings, if others go to meetings.

OK, so no meetings for you. Are you going to do anything for your sobriety? Do you have a plan about you continuing to use alcohol?

[Sapling]

The first meeting I went to I was hopeless and helpless....The people there gave me hope, support and I learned what the program of AA is...The 12 steps. Having been sober for almost 15 months....Now I go to meetings to share hope for people that are hopeless and helpless. Not a bad gig for this recovered alcoholic.

[silly]

Before you make any decisions, T, why not attend a few meetings? You really can't make an informed decision without having experienced it. Also check out other programs like SMART, Rational Recovery, etc. Therapy is another great way to get help and support. There's also inpatient or outpatient rehab which has been a great starting tool for many of us on SR.

[SoberForMySon]

I don't, but I would...

[drunkyjules]

I have gone to meetings and I can say have not ever regretted going to a meeting. I can't say I am super-involved and am still trying to find my niche.

I would like to get more involved and find people to hang with that are more focused on staying sober.

I say keep an open mind-you never who you might run into that provides the right prospective.

[Larnie]

I went to group therapy (not rehab, but focused on addiction issues) - it was very helpful for me. The thing I liked about it is that there was a licensed counselor that led the meetings so there was a lot of education involved. I also went to an AA meeting twice - I think it's a wonderful organization that has helped many people. It's not for me right now, but I wouldn't rule it out if I needed it in the future. I've recently started seeing a therapist to work on those issues that led me to think alcohol would help (wrong), and that has been the biggest help for me personally.

[duane1]

I don't, but I will if I feel I should or have to for my sobriety.

[Taking5]

I do go to meetings, but I also use this site to help me, and even some AVRT, which some hard core AAers find offensive. If you are sober, my hat is off to you and I support your sobriety no matter how you got there.

Having said that, in terms of meetings, I feel you owe it to yourself to at least give them a try. You have nothing to lose.

[BruceJ]

I go to meetings because I can't stand them. Make sense?

I realize that just removing alcohol/drugs from my life still leaves my life. I have a fear of public places and unfamiliar people. Going to meetings helps me confront that. If I only remove the alcohol/drugs from the equation...I'm taking away the only thing that gives me a little comfort....to stay sober, I'd better find something else. That involves changing my outlook on many things. It will probably be a slow and, many times, uncomfortable process....but, the alternative is not acceptable anymore.

All the best.

[MIRecovery]

I personally think meetings are essential in maintaining my sobriety but one word of advice about this site in general. Look at how long a person has been sober to gauge the credibility factor. My rule of thumb is 5+ years sober likely means they are doing something right.

[Mark75]

My advice... Leave no method of recovery excluded until you are comfortably IN recovery. There is an idea... "contempt prior to investigation" ... seems to apply... Thoroughly investigate all avenues of recovery before you decide that one way is "not for me".

Some people can just quit, awesome... some need more.

[Sobersunshine]

I'm not really a big meeting person but my attempts at quitting weren't working so I figured I'd give AA a try. I find it very helpful. I'm two weeks sober and have been to a meeting nearly every day. I find the meetings, along with SR, serve to continually remind me that I AM an alcoholic, I CANT control my drinking, and I there is no way I can ever drink like a normal person, ever. At this point, I need this kind of "brainwashing.". More like reprogramming my brain, really, to drown out the AV.
I recommend giving AA a try if you're considering it at all. If you don't like it you don't have to go back. Or try the secular groups. I don't have any expense with them but a lot of people on here have had success with those as well. I do think it's pretty difficult to quit on your own, but some people ha be done that, too.
Whatever works!
Lol at this point if standing on my head and singing Chattanooga Choo Choo every morning kept me sober, I'd do it! (for now I as soon as I wake up, I just say out loud, I will not drink today.)

[TALULAHBAGGINS1]

I don't know what the right path for me is at the moment as I only decided enough was enough last night. I haven't had a chance to research options yet so don't know enough about AA or any of the options to say no (obviously I shouldn't dismiss things without trying them. Sorry). I just wanted to know other people's opinions on meetings.

[FlyerFan]

Originally Posted by silly

Before you make any decisions, T, why not attend a few meetings? You really can't make an informed decision without having experienced it. Also check out other programs like SMART, Rational Recovery, etc. Therapy is another great way to get help and support. There's also inpatient or outpatient rehab which has been a great starting tool for many of us on SR.

I second this. Don't dismiss something before you give it a shot! I personally go to 3-4 meetings per week and they help me tremendously. But others prefer other programs as mentioned above. Find one that suits you!