Hi! I'm new here.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3
Hi! I'm new here.
Okay so I'm not exactly sure how this works, but today I will be attending my first meeting. I'm normally a very outgoing, fun person, BUT I can't sleep because I am so nervous about it. I read the BMA-Wellness First AA Meeting paper, but can anyone tell me a little about their first meeting? Thank you!
MIND OF DESTRUCTIVE TASTE
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 744
Hi and welcome 
There is nothing to be nervous about but I can relate. My first meeting, I was a bundle of nerves but I am a very shy person around people I do not know. People welcomed me with open arms. I just did a lot of listening as I didn't have a ton to say and that was okay. I did raise my hand when they asked if it was anyone's first meeting. There was no pressure to say anything, I just introduced myself as being an addict/alcoholic.
Good luck with the meeting, let us know how it goes.
-Jess
There is nothing to be nervous about but I can relate. My first meeting, I was a bundle of nerves but I am a very shy person around people I do not know. People welcomed me with open arms. I just did a lot of listening as I didn't have a ton to say and that was okay. I did raise my hand when they asked if it was anyone's first meeting. There was no pressure to say anything, I just introduced myself as being an addict/alcoholic.
Good luck with the meeting, let us know how it goes.
-Jess
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 796
Congratulations on your decision to quit and seek help.
My first meeting was wonderful. A speaker meeting, with a room full of people trying to solve the problem of drink.
I found peace at last.
It took several attempts to actualy go to the meeting. I would go to the building and be too afraid to go in and go back home.
What a relief when I finaly attendeted. I didn't have to speak, and could relate to everything the speaker said. I found a home.
There's nothing to be scared of. You'll be with people from all walks of life, trying to solve the same problem.
I hope you do go, and let us know how it went.
Best to you.
My first meeting was wonderful. A speaker meeting, with a room full of people trying to solve the problem of drink.
I found peace at last.
It took several attempts to actualy go to the meeting. I would go to the building and be too afraid to go in and go back home.
What a relief when I finaly attendeted. I didn't have to speak, and could relate to everything the speaker said. I found a home.
There's nothing to be scared of. You'll be with people from all walks of life, trying to solve the same problem.
I hope you do go, and let us know how it went.
Best to you.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York City
Posts: 221
My first meeting was the hardest to get to. I dreaded it, but knew inside that I could not stop drinking without help and the resolve to at least try something. The price was right, too!
I was super hung over and ashamed and humiliated. The steps made no sense, except for the first one, which I could relate to.
After I realized it was nothing to dread after all, I tried to make as many varied meetings as I could. In New York City, this is really easy. The people in the rooms ranged from elderly to fashion model. All of them very kind and supportive.
You will not dread going to a second meeting. If you can, be sure to check out different meetings. Don't let just one decide things for you. They can be profoundly different, even though the basic format is the same. Good luck in your sobriety!
I was super hung over and ashamed and humiliated. The steps made no sense, except for the first one, which I could relate to.
After I realized it was nothing to dread after all, I tried to make as many varied meetings as I could. In New York City, this is really easy. The people in the rooms ranged from elderly to fashion model. All of them very kind and supportive.
You will not dread going to a second meeting. If you can, be sure to check out different meetings. Don't let just one decide things for you. They can be profoundly different, even though the basic format is the same. Good luck in your sobriety!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,635
The hardest part is walking through those doors for the first time. I would venture to guess that you will be welcomed with open arms and given a newcomer packet that includes a bunch of phone numbers of AA members.
I did not talk/share in meetings for a LONG time and if I was called on I just said "My name is Elisabeth, I am an alcoholic and I am just listening tonight".
You will become more relaxed as you attend more meetings.
Good luck!!
I did not talk/share in meetings for a LONG time and if I was called on I just said "My name is Elisabeth, I am an alcoholic and I am just listening tonight".
You will become more relaxed as you attend more meetings.
Good luck!!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: God's Grace
Posts: 2,464
Most AA meetings are similar in nature and vary slightly. There is also an earlier discussion on SR pertaining to the structure of AA meetings that may give you some insight.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...a-meeting.html
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...a-meeting.html
Its_me_jen
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Salina, Ks
Posts: 8,547
I remember being really nervous about not only my first AA meeting but lots of them.
At most meetings I've attended they ask towards the beginning of the meeting if this is anyone's first ever AA meeting. If so, they ask if you'd like a "first step meeting". All that is, is a few people share their stories with you and tell you how AA has worked for them. At my home group, they break out into a room in the back. Generally about 3-6 people that have been in the program for a little bit will go back with you and talk. You don't have to talk ..... you can just listen. You also don't even have to say you're an alcoholic ..... the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to quit drinking.
Good luck to you!!
At most meetings I've attended they ask towards the beginning of the meeting if this is anyone's first ever AA meeting. If so, they ask if you'd like a "first step meeting". All that is, is a few people share their stories with you and tell you how AA has worked for them. At my home group, they break out into a room in the back. Generally about 3-6 people that have been in the program for a little bit will go back with you and talk. You don't have to talk ..... you can just listen. You also don't even have to say you're an alcoholic ..... the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to quit drinking.
Good luck to you!!
Powerless over Alcohol
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trudging the Road to Happy Destiny!
Posts: 4,018
hey and welcome 
Well I hope you went and had a good feeling, and hopefully you saw that you did not need to be nervous, and that you found where you need to be
I am a hockey fan also grew up playin so keep comin back
Well I hope you went and had a good feeling, and hopefully you saw that you did not need to be nervous, and that you found where you need to be
I am a hockey fan also grew up playin so keep comin back
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3
Actually very well thank you! The people were very nice and I am going back tomorrow. The only problem was that they forgot to update the schedule, so I was a half and hour early, but no biggie. I didn't even half the opportunity to talk since it only went an hour and there were a lot of girls there, but I stayed after and met some excellent people who shared a lot of the same experiences as myself!
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