ProudPenguin

Could anyone explain how does it work please ? Is there a religion involved ? Do I have to register there , use my real name ? Is it worth it at all ?

Coldfusion

Welcome, Penguin!

AA is a spiritual program but many of its members are religious. There is a chapter addressing this in the main text, also known as the "Big Book." You don't need to register and while most people use their real name, it is not required to reveal your identity.

ProudPenguin

Thank you . I noticed many meetings are in churches so it kinda scares me , I'm not a religious type

Soberwolf

if you Google your area for meetings youl get a good selection & normally a telephone number is attached to a meeting so you can get more info which is well worth doing

There are no requirements at a AA apart from a desire to stop drinking

You don't have to say your name there will be great people & refreshments like tea & coffee

AA saved my life

stevieg46

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience strength and hope with each other .
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking , there are no dues or fees for AA membership , the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking .

AA is not allied to any sect, denomination , or institution we do not endorse or oppose any causes , our primary purpose s to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety .

The above is the ''preamble '' to AA , we stay away from the 1 st drink for oneself for one day at a time , and AA is a program of attraction not promotion .

I am in Scotland in UK . recovered 12 03 2006 .

Regards Stevie, words are easy music is a lot harder

Meraviglioso

A lot of meetings are held in churches because they donate the space or charge a very small rent for the use of the room. There is some mention of God in the meetings but that is intended to be a higher power of your own understanding. I find it easy to ignore the religious bits that don't appeal to me and take from the rest of the meeting agenda.

ProudPenguin

I'm there and people staring at me , I don't know what to do feeling shaky don't know should i approach someone or what , meeting in 5 min

Meraviglioso

If you don't want to talk to anyone you don't have to. If someone says something directly to you you can say "this is my first time, I'd prefer to just listen". But if you want to you can say hi, introduce yourself or ask questions. I spent my first meeting crying while still slightly under the influence. They welcomed me with open arms. Good luck!

48heath

I hope you made it into the meeting ProudPenquin?

ProudPenguin

Yes I did . I was hiding my face all this time I felt so embarrassed. It was scary but I'm proud of myself. I sat throughout the meeting and I know I will go back there

stevieg46

Well done Penguin it can only improve for you if you can do what is ''suggested ''.

Regards Stevie

48heath

Good news,welcome to the fellowship.

RedAndy

Hi ProudPenguin,

Glad to hear you made it to your first meeting, I was in the same boat as you as I am not at all religious and was definitely sceptical based on this preconceived idea I had, first meeting I attended last weekend was in a church hall and my initial thoughts seemed as though I was proven right however I stayed put, spoke to a couple of people and listened and took a lot from it, attended my second meeting yesterday at a different location and met more inspirational people, again listened and chatted to a few people there who were all genuinely interested in helping and making me feel settled and welcome, already taken a lot from listening to others and feel it's a great addition to my toolbox for lasting sobriety. Plan on returning to both meetings I have attended already next weekend and also to others in the area.

VirginiaWoof

Well done on biting the bullet - I'm going to my first meeting tonight.

ProudPenguin

Good luck Virginia !

awuh1

Hope this helps
Your First AA Meeting<

Soberwolf

Well happy for you PP