AA Issue
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 848
AA Issue
So I've really been putting a ton of time in trying to find an AA meeting that fits me. No offense to anyone on here, but I've yet to find an AA meeting where there are people under 50. I'm 26, and sometimes it's just easier to level with someone closer to your age.
I will admit though, the guys that are older are much less sympathetic (in a funny way). Maybe they just know B.S. when it comes to alcohol.
I will admit though, the guys that are older are much less sympathetic (in a funny way). Maybe they just know B.S. when it comes to alcohol.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
Viola 
A.A.YOUNG PEOPLE (Age 15-25)
& NEWCOMER MEETINGS
https://www.ncada-stl.org/factsheets...a_meetings.pdf
D
A.A.YOUNG PEOPLE (Age 15-25)
& NEWCOMER MEETINGS
https://www.ncada-stl.org/factsheets...a_meetings.pdf
D
Closing the gates of Oblivion
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: OK, USA
Posts: 273
Okay, that has to be the funniest thing I have ever read on here!! LMAO, about the St. Louis thing! 
You hit the nail on the head. The ol timers are the best mentors because they can see through the BS and they know what works. So, they make good sponsors. But if you are looking for sober friends (your age) use Dee's and 1NC's advice.
You hit the nail on the head. The ol timers are the best mentors because they can see through the BS and they know what works. So, they make good sponsors. But if you are looking for sober friends (your age) use Dee's and 1NC's advice.
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest
Posts: 9,029
Try meetings in areas where a lot of other young adults live. Or near college campuses. I think the suggestions about sponsorship and long timers are good. Think about that this way. If someone is 50 and has 25 years of sobriety, they came into the program at roughly the same age as you are now. They managed to successfully navigate the things you are going through now and not drink. How did they do it?
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 832
Good Morning JIJQ - this was a very insightful thread for people that seek a younger crowd. But, also, reminding that the ol' timers are to the point as they have the experience that the younger generations can really learn from. So, hopefully, you find the group you call home, and then maybe, stopping in with the ol' timers every now and then will make them feel good they are helping out a younger person. I'm in my early 40's, so I'm in the middle.
And thank you for the laughter this made me have this morning. I love the St. Louis thing, too. That really had me going this morning!
Hugs and good luck in your venture! I am going to my first meeting on Saturday, so I'm at the beginning, too of finding that group that will be the one I call home!
And thank you for the laughter this made me have this morning. I love the St. Louis thing, too. That really had me going this morning!
Hugs and good luck in your venture! I am going to my first meeting on Saturday, so I'm at the beginning, too of finding that group that will be the one I call home!
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by justinJustQuit 
I've yet to find an AA meeting where there are people under 50. I'm 26, and sometimes it's just easier to level with someone closer to your age.
but
those older guys make the very best Sponsors
MM
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
Imagine being MY age and going to meetings that are being chaired by kids 30-35 years younger. I envy those who realize it at a young enough age to be able live the complete life that I missed.
I think 'old timers' is a relative term. I've seen guys in their 60s with little time preaching like they invented sobriety. And I see 'kids' in their 30s with 10+ years who are calm and cool and deliver the message with wisdom.
I think 'old timers' is a relative term. I've seen guys in their 60s with little time preaching like they invented sobriety. And I see 'kids' in their 30s with 10+ years who are calm and cool and deliver the message with wisdom.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 920
You are very lucky to live near an urban area. Since moving to the area where I live nearly 4 years ago, I have mourned the loss of groups with people younger than 50, but I agree with others here that those voices often (if with a lot of sober time) have a great deal of wisdom. Having a choice of groups to be able to find those that fit is a luxury not afforded those of us in the boonies.
Oh, I almost forgot - well before I was maybe sorta ready to quit drinking (6-7 years ago) I went to a couple young people's meetings near Boulder. There were people from 17-30ish. And they had great energy and solid sobriety. Check out a young people's meeting!
Oh, I almost forgot - well before I was maybe sorta ready to quit drinking (6-7 years ago) I went to a couple young people's meetings near Boulder. There were people from 17-30ish. And they had great energy and solid sobriety. Check out a young people's meeting!
Last edited by lilac0721; 04-16-2014 at 06:38 PM. Reason: Forgot to add comment about young people's meeting
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
I can understand wanting to be around others yer age in AA, but remember 2 things:
them oldtimers became oldtimers because they stopped drinking.
they weren't always oldtimers. I didn think that old fart 1st sponsor of mine knew crap. he was 67 and I was 36. found out he was 33 when he got sober.
one of the best AA speakers I ever heard was a woman 42 years old with 28 years of sobriety.
them oldtimers became oldtimers because they stopped drinking.
they weren't always oldtimers. I didn think that old fart 1st sponsor of mine knew crap. he was 67 and I was 36. found out he was 33 when he got sober.
one of the best AA speakers I ever heard was a woman 42 years old with 28 years of sobriety.
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