tellus

I just called my local AA office, and discovered there's a meeting this evening that I hadn't heard about.

I've never been to a meeting before, coming to this board is my first experience with other addicts, period. I'm looking for tips to make getting out the door to that first meeting easier. What's helped you guys get out to your first meetings?

GrouchoTheCat

Pretend it's a bar and it's free booze night!

I know I would be there!

Seriously, just go. there are good people there, just like on here. Introduce yourself and let the folks know you are new, and you will be amazed at the welcome you receive.

odaat

I remember my first meeting, it wasn't that long ago. I'm amazed at how comfortable I am at meetings now, and its only been 9 weeks or so.

I was incredibly terrified, and just walked up to someone who looked approachable and said 'I'm new' and started crying. She was very helpful, and sat with me and made me feel a lot less frightened and alone. I think it is best if you speak up right away, saying that you are new and a bit scared.

I've found that it is usually best to get to the meeting 10-15 minutes early. There will often be a few people around to chat too, and this can be a bit easier than walking in bang on time when a lot of people are sat down chatting.

Going to AA has been the best thing I've ever done, and would highly recommend it. Yes, for me it was absolutely terrifying at first, but most people found it difficult at first and are very understanding.

Let us know how you get on!

SaTiT

Just lower your expectations and let go of your preconceived ideas
of whatever it is.

anywho..you can drive around the block or pass the meeting for
around a week, then maybe make it into the parking lot the next.
Then maybe stick you head in the door and peep....i did .lol

Or you can tell yourself, you'll find the love of your life through
those meeetings

gypsytears

Just finally realising I needed to go Tellus. It was time... you know it's time for you. All you have to do is walk in the 1st time *ONCE*. After that it's a pice of cake. You can do it .

Pinkcuda

A lot of our newcomers are escorted by friends and family. After you get over the initial anxiety, you will be able to walk into a meeting anytime and anywhere. We look forward to newcomers as it breaks the routine. Sometimes sitting around with the same old drunks day in and day out gets pretty dull. A lot of times it turns into one big BS session. Newcomers keep the meeting on track. Believe me, they want you there.

CarolD

AA? think of it as the start of an
Awesome Adventure

I just came home from a meeting
26 AA miracles...sharing and lcaring.


Just do it...you are liniting yourself
if you don't use every resource available.
JMO

Blessings

GlassPrisoner

What helped me get to my fist meeting ?

A self imposed crisis I could no longer evade or postpone. I was desperate. That's good advice SaTiT.

Missymae737

My first AA meeting?

I had one step in the grave...

I haven't looked back since.

You can do this...

carl11

yes I go early as well....even my first one..so I could sit in a spot I like etc.....didn’t share much to start...it takes time...but I am positive someone will extend their hand..to say hello......be well…let us know how it turns out..

tellus

Carl, I got myself to go last night, and it was an interesting experience. I think SMART Recovery is going to be a better fit for me, but I'm going to continue going to AA meetings as well. I met a really great guy who was very helpful (and is a huge skeptic of AA's tactics, which helped as well).

odaat

Are you skeptical of AA's tactics? If so, can I ask why?

I've not heard of SMART Recovery - whats that all about?

I hope this doesn't sound bad, but my Mum and some other AA members warned me to be careful who I get too close to - when people are on the way out, they love to take people with them.

tellus

odaat, I have a huge problem with the assumption of faith. I do NOT like being told that I must hand myself over to God in order to recover.

SMART Recovery is the secular version of AA: no mention of God whatsoever. The meetings will be harder for me to get to, but I'm going to try them out.

And don't worry, the helpful guy is a fat programmer twice my age. I don't think I'll have to worry about getting attached. Mostly, I was relieved to know that someone with the same reservations as mine still finds AA worthwhile.

odaat

Lol, I didn't mean attached in that way!! Hehehe. Just thought I should point it out. I'm glad that he finds AA worthwhile, and I hope you do to.

I don't really see AA as religious. I certainly don't believe in 'God' in the traditional sense, and neither does most of my Home group. When we use the word God, I think of that as Group Of Drunks - AA is my Higher Power

tellus

Haha. Well, I do have a tendency to get attached to guys at the drop of a hat.

Yeah, all of the God stuff definitely went away once they'd finished with the opening statement or whatever it is. Once we got into the reading and discussion, the hour zoomed by.

Group Of Drunks. I like that a lot.

parentrecovers

my alanon home group serves as my higher power a lot of times. i pray, but i'm not especially religious or anything. my husband started alanon very skeptical about the god part. now, he's a real active member.

take what you want, and leave the rest.

hugs, k

Grateful Heart

I did have to hand myself over to God in order to recover. Otherwise I'd still be drinking. But do whatever feels right for you. GH

CarolD

Yes...SMART's CBT approach is interesting.
Have you checked their on line site?

I think it is smartrecovery.org
having PC problems so can't check it.

Keep in focus and please keep posing!

Anna

I am glad that you're finding your way and doing well.

carl11

Hey; whatever floats your boat and leads to recovery….is cool with me….best wishes overall and hope to run into you here...keep us posted..