brickthrowing

Each time I go an get drunk, its brought me closer to finally kicking this addiction for good.

Last time I signed up for this forum.

This time: Well ,l I just got done with my very first AA meeting. I walked myself in and there was a nice man there who gave me a piece of paper with some meeting schedules on it.

He said it was ok to just sit and listen, and I did.

I am glad I did it. Its telling me that I am serious about this.

The meeting wasn't quite what I expected. Its very different than RR, but thats ok. I met some very nice people there that gave me #'s and told me to not be shy about calling if I needed to.

They asked if I would be back tomorrow and I said yes. I do want to go back. Maybe next time I won't be so terrified that I thought I was going to get sick for a minute there!

I really want want they have, especially that nice lady who spoke with me after the meeting.

Brick

desertsong

That's awesome, Brick. The first meeting is the toughest one to get yourself to, but you did it. Congrats and keep going back!!

awuh1

Brick, I live to see posts like yours. It was a big step. Many happy returns.

2granddaughters

Right on, Brick !!

All the best.

Bob R

brickthrowing

Thank you.

I feel really good about myself for doing it.

I almost can't wait for the noon meeting tomorrow.

Also, They said something about a 24 hour chip. Not really sure what that is.

Is it like a token of achievement or is it like a daily reminder to not drink for the next 24 hours or both?

awuh1

It's the most important one you will ever get IMO.

FenwayFaithful

Brick for me meetings were okay. They were helpful. Especially hearing storeis I could relate to, and recognizing myself in them. but it was talking with people after that helped me most. About finding a support system in those people who knew what I was going through. I never once was judged by any of the people I got to know. It's great you had the same experience. Keep going back. It's always better when you like the people you're at meetings with and they reach out to you. I think those are the best meetings to go to.

Sapling

That's fantastic Brick....Glad you liked it. The 24 hour chip is your first chip...For more than 24 hours sober. You get that to give up the high cost of low living...It would be wonderful if that was the only one you get and your next chip is 30 days!

candie

Well done BrickI'm 10 days sober and loving the support the meetings give me, glad you enjoyed yours

Taking5

Great job brick! Always great to hear about a good first impression in AA.

An AA starter chip is just a token, a symbol that you've decided to try the AA way of life. Most people pick one up. They are also called "slip chips" and it is customary to pick one up if you relapse (much to my chagrin I have several of these).

There are also chips you pick up (this varies by group) for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc., etc., plus annually (on your sobriety "birthday") a medallion, often accompanied by a cake. At my home group, on the last Saturday of the month, we have a big pitch in dinner and all of the people that had a "AA birthday" that month get their medallions and give a little speech. Tons of food and fellowship. It's great.

So please pick up the beginner's chip, and keep us posted on how it is going.

Zebra1275

Welcome to SR, glad your first meeting was successful!

brickthrowing

I went back today for another meeting. This time there were many more people there. Once again everyone was very nice and lots of welcoming.

The man at the front told a fantastic story that was really engaging. I plan on returning. Tomorrow in fact.

The support is great and I am blown away at how easy it was to walk back in there.

Sapling

Pretty soon you'll be looking forward to it. You'll be in a room full of friends. And when the new guy walks in...Scared to death....You'll know how to treat him ....Or her. You can do that now.