My first impression of an Alanon meeting: Wow, these people are in love with their program. (not said with admiration, but disgust)
I felt it was regimented with the reciting of the 12 steps and 12 traditions. The no cross talking, and the taking turns to speak.
Guess what my Ah-ha moment was?
I did the 6 meetings and sometime around that time, It finally hit me:
There is a serenity that washes over me as I hear the reciting of the 12 steps and 12 traditions (maybe because they have helped so many and are read with sincerity)
There is also a sense of well-being from knowing that I can take a turn to share when I wish and not be interrupted, not be judged, and not be minimized for sharing my thoughts. (I couldn't do that at home with my alcoholic)
I found serenity during that hour.