I felt really weird the first time I went and kept thinking, "How is this going to help me?"
I wanted to learn how to manage my addict better, but they kept talking about managing myself! I kept thinking, ok, I am fine, it's him that has the issues. I was kinda mad when I left my first meeting thinking that it was just a bunch of women complaining about abuse. I was looking for empowerment and I wanted it right away.
Some reason, the more meetings I go to the more clarity I get and the better I handle my life.
I feel you on the first meeting thing though. Now I am kind of addicted to going since I feel so much better after going. The more I share, the better I feel, and the first time I did not share at all because it felt awkward. I realized that a big part of meetings was about verbalizing emotions. Just my 2 cents.
After I started sharing people started reaching out to me and I started getting some support and advice.