New and Overwhelmed
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 5
New and Overwhelmed
Hi everyone, I am Shawn and I'm an alcoholic. I've had long periods of sobriety over the past 8 years, but just went through about a year and a half where I was a mess.
A couple of years about I did outpatient, which worked great because it was really well structured. I didn't do the AA thing when I was finished and ended up in the same rut.
So I've been going to AA for a month - just a meeting a week. I had a drinking slip last week.
So to my question, when I'm just getting started in AA, I meet all these people who have a lot of sobriety and I don't even know where to start in the meetings. Do I just speak up and spill my guts. Do I try to make friends with these people I don't even know.
In early sobriety there are a lot of insecurities and anxieties that creep in that really affect me in AA. Even this website is overwhelming.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
A couple of years about I did outpatient, which worked great because it was really well structured. I didn't do the AA thing when I was finished and ended up in the same rut.
So I've been going to AA for a month - just a meeting a week. I had a drinking slip last week.
So to my question, when I'm just getting started in AA, I meet all these people who have a lot of sobriety and I don't even know where to start in the meetings. Do I just speak up and spill my guts. Do I try to make friends with these people I don't even know.
In early sobriety there are a lot of insecurities and anxieties that creep in that really affect me in AA. Even this website is overwhelming.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 428
Hi Shawn- I am glad you posted on here. I am also in early sobriety in AA. You need to get a sponsor and start working the steps. My suggestion would be to start attending several meetings a week. Find ones that you like and keep going back there. You will get to know people and they can start sharing with you the things you need to be doing.
I don't know about the AA meetings where you are, but most of the meetings I attend, a some point in the meeting they ask anyone available to be a sponsor to raise their hand. Go up and introduce yourself to one of these people and tell them that you need some direction.
Congratulations on your decision to quit drinking. Stick with it!
I don't know about the AA meetings where you are, but most of the meetings I attend, a some point in the meeting they ask anyone available to be a sponsor to raise their hand. Go up and introduce yourself to one of these people and tell them that you need some direction.
Congratulations on your decision to quit drinking. Stick with it!
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,509
Hi Shawn,
Welcome!
I think it's normal to be nervous about early recovery and what it involves. I'm not an AA person, so can't give you any advice there, but I do think you should do whatever it takes for you to stay sober.
And, if you have any questions about the website, just give me a PM. I'm always around.
Welcome!
I think it's normal to be nervous about early recovery and what it involves. I'm not an AA person, so can't give you any advice there, but I do think you should do whatever it takes for you to stay sober.
And, if you have any questions about the website, just give me a PM. I'm always around.
Tooners
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 4
Hi Shawn,
I am new to this board, too, but I have been a member of AA for just under 12 years. I remember what it was like to be new to the meetings, and I remember feeling overwhelmed and confused as to what was going on and what I was supposed to do. I would recommend that you go to more than one meeting a week. I know it's hard to do, but I would introduce yourself to some people. As you get to know some people, you will become more comfortable sitting in the meetings and sharing in the meetings. What worked best for me was getting a sponsor who had worked the 12 steps and could take me through them. Today I can get up and feel comfortable (for the most part) sharing in front of a room of 200, when I couldn't even open my mouth in front of 2 in the beginning without massive anxiety. If you don't like a meeting after a few visits, then try another location. AA is full of really good people who are more than willing to help you navigate your way through early sobriety.
I am new to this board, too, but I have been a member of AA for just under 12 years. I remember what it was like to be new to the meetings, and I remember feeling overwhelmed and confused as to what was going on and what I was supposed to do. I would recommend that you go to more than one meeting a week. I know it's hard to do, but I would introduce yourself to some people. As you get to know some people, you will become more comfortable sitting in the meetings and sharing in the meetings. What worked best for me was getting a sponsor who had worked the 12 steps and could take me through them. Today I can get up and feel comfortable (for the most part) sharing in front of a room of 200, when I couldn't even open my mouth in front of 2 in the beginning without massive anxiety. If you don't like a meeting after a few visits, then try another location. AA is full of really good people who are more than willing to help you navigate your way through early sobriety.
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