FoundmySelf

I need some help
I am home alone, and I don't want to drink
that said I would give anything right now to numb the pain
to take the emotions that are creeping up and stuff them deep down
to never feel them again.
I am not enjoying this part of being sober.
I have gone so long with feeling nothing, no emotions and now I feel and it is so foreign and I hate it.

I really want to start going to AA meetings
I know I need more and that I can not do this alone
my problem though is my anxiety and my fear of people "seeing me"
I can go months with out leaving my house and it takes me days to prepare
myself to go to an event such as a family gathering etc.

How will I ever do AA?
What are the meetings like? What can I expect?
Do I have to talk? I can't imagine going all alone
I have found a meeting close by and want to go but I need to prepare myself
if any of you can help me I would really appreciate it

Thanks

Anna

If you call your local AA number, they will connect you with a female member who will take you to a meeting. I'm not an AA person, but it might be the answer for you.

And, there is always support here.

IndaMiricale

well lost you got the first part finding a meeting, now just go hug

I love my meetings and i wouldnt be sober without them, that is just me .And no you dont have talk if you dont want to at all. Just go listen, then you might open up when your ready

And you are not going alone everyone there is there for just about the reason, they will welcome you and make you feel welcome. So just give it a shot nothin to lose thats for sure.

Come back and tell us how it was

doggonecarl

A lot of people who know exactly what you are going through and who want to help. Like us! Good luck.

bellakeller

the folks in AA all started where you are now and some in the AA rooms are right where you are now. just being at a meeting can keep you from drinking for at least that one hour. being with other drunks facing the same challenges somehow helps. you don't have to talk. you don't have to say anything. just go and listen.

FoundmySelf

thank you all so much
i am going to try my first meeting tonight
i am terrified, i am so very terrified, my anxiety is on overdrive

sugarbear1

I suggest rehab for at least a month. You'll learn about the disease and have medical supervision as well as psychiatric help if you need medication for either withdrawal or anxiety. Best wishes!

Dee74

We'll all be with you in spirit, lost4now

D

recoverywfaith

So happy you are going. Let us know how it goes.

Terminally Unique

You can try the virtual meetings and SR for now. There will be one on here tonight in the chat room at 9 PM EST, I believe. If you don't mind, though, perhaps you could tell us how long you have been dry? I know that my emotions where all over the place for about three months after quitting. If it continues beyond that, though, you may want to speak to someone qualified to help you with the anxiety.

EDIT - Sorry, I didn't see that you had decided to go tonight. There are online meetings on other days as well, though.

BrokenChains

That is great that you have decided to go to a meeting. It is so worth it. They help me a lot. The people there understand what you are going through. You don't have to talk. You can just go and listen. The most important thing is that you are going. (((hugs))) Hang in there sweetie, and let us know how it goes! As Dee mentioned, we are all with you in spirit!

Dee74

Just to clarify:
Our Chat meetings are great and very useful for support...I recommend them - but they generally aren't AA meetings.

There are online AA meetings available tho _ I'm sure someone has the link?

D

Terminally Unique

There are multiple meetings every day at this web site:

Taking5

Here is the best link I've ever seen on what to expect at an AA meeting:

Your First AA Meeting

camedown

I have found that in any AA meeting, the most important person is the newcomer, and he/she is the one felt most welcome.

Boleo

You are making way to big a deal out of it. AA meetings are not like church;

You don't have to look nice.
You don't have to smell nice.
You don't even have to be nice.

In fact, at most of the meetings in my area, Beelzebub himself would be welcome and not be out of place LOL!