AA might be just what I needed
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Gatineau, QC, CA
Posts: 5,100
AA might be just what I needed
Hello everyone,
As we all know I am not an expert at remaining sober and had my share of loosing. So yesterday I went to my first meeting as an adult. My mom used to bring me there when I was 10. The memories kept me from going.
So I went, waited in the parking lot and jumped on the first person that showed up. I was welcomed in a way that I cannot describe. I made sure to go in front of the 50 people to speak, get my chip and have a panic attack. LOL!
Suffice to say that I have found what I needed, a thing to do instead of staying home and dwell in my self pity. SR is awesome don't get me wrong but I need the extra support and real life people.
I was welcomed and also given companionship and understanding. Not sure if I will be a good step follower because I am a bit stubborn in my ways. But logic dictates that if I keep falling then maybe it's time to listen and just let myself be helped.
Yikes, long post, sorry. AA Patman out ;-)
As we all know I am not an expert at remaining sober and had my share of loosing. So yesterday I went to my first meeting as an adult. My mom used to bring me there when I was 10. The memories kept me from going.
So I went, waited in the parking lot and jumped on the first person that showed up. I was welcomed in a way that I cannot describe. I made sure to go in front of the 50 people to speak, get my chip and have a panic attack. LOL!
Suffice to say that I have found what I needed, a thing to do instead of staying home and dwell in my self pity. SR is awesome don't get me wrong but I need the extra support and real life people.
I was welcomed and also given companionship and understanding. Not sure if I will be a good step follower because I am a bit stubborn in my ways. But logic dictates that if I keep falling then maybe it's time to listen and just let myself be helped.
Yikes, long post, sorry. AA Patman out ;-)
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
cool beans!!
stubborn???an alcoholic???
.
id suggest work on openmindedness. when ya go to meetings, try not to compare. work on not lookin at the drinking thing, but focus on the thinkin thing.
stubborn???an alcoholic???
.id suggest work on openmindedness. when ya go to meetings, try not to compare. work on not lookin at the drinking thing, but focus on the thinkin thing.
Left the bottle behind 4/16/2015
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 1,416
You're brave for immediately seeking someone out. I've only been to a few meetings so far. The one I have settled on is much more welcoming and someone pounced on me the first time I showed up and took me around introducing me to everyone. I went again last night and it turns out one member lives only a couple blocks from me. He gave me his number. It really is a good place for fellowship and to meet people who know all about this struggle, even if you don't really subscribe to the AA philosophy, which I still have issue with.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Gatineau, QC, CA
Posts: 5,100
Thanks guys!
Everyone needs different levels of support. Heck if AA can fill 40% SR 40%, I have 20% left to fill with AVRT, Urge surfing and electric shock therapy. LOL!
Only important thing at the end for me is to stay sober. If I need 20 techniques to do It then I will work them. This thing is just relentless.
Plus getting pissed off at it is not working ;-)
Everyone needs different levels of support. Heck if AA can fill 40% SR 40%, I have 20% left to fill with AVRT, Urge surfing and electric shock therapy. LOL!
Only important thing at the end for me is to stay sober. If I need 20 techniques to do It then I will work them. This thing is just relentless.
Plus getting pissed off at it is not working ;-)
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 4,225
Patman....I think that's one of the biggest things in sobriety...taking chances on trying something new, being open to other ideas and opinions (hell, that's a life lesson right there!)
Either way, I'm glad it was a positive experience for you.
Either way, I'm glad it was a positive experience for you.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: BC
Posts: 557
Way to go Pat!!!! 
"The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking" ... that's all you need, and you've got that. Don't worry about the rest. Quitting drinking can be a lonely business and I find the face to face interaction with people that truly understand invaluable. The things I have learned in those meetings help me with so many things other than my alcoholism, but ultimately I go to stay sober. I hope AA helps you the way that it has helped me.
"The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking" ... that's all you need, and you've got that. Don't worry about the rest. Quitting drinking can be a lonely business and I find the face to face interaction with people that truly understand invaluable. The things I have learned in those meetings help me with so many things other than my alcoholism, but ultimately I go to stay sober. I hope AA helps you the way that it has helped me.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by Thepatman 
I was welcomed and also given companionship and understanding.
The Big Book and AA attendance has been of much help in my sobriety.
MM
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 6,435
Great news!!!
Maybe there are other ways and I spent a ton of money trying to find them. For a buck and some willingness I finally found it in AA and I have been sober for a few 24 hrs.
I would suggest to keep going until you find something better
Maybe there are other ways and I spent a ton of money trying to find them. For a buck and some willingness I finally found it in AA and I have been sober for a few 24 hrs.
I would suggest to keep going until you find something better
pray for strength
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New England
Posts: 2,414
Hey Patman! You have totally made my morning. Yeep! I'm inspired to look for a group in upcoming 10minutes as well as I am making coffee cup round 2.
Good for you. You know what they say about 'luck'? Luck is when opportunity and preparation meet. Do not underestimate how much work you have put into getting here. Big ole' pats on the back Patman.
YaY! You are moving forward Patman! Love to hear it.
Good for you. You know what they say about 'luck'? Luck is when opportunity and preparation meet. Do not underestimate how much work you have put into getting here. Big ole' pats on the back Patman.
YaY! You are moving forward Patman! Love to hear it.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
