Lulu212

Hello,

I'm considering checking out an AA meeting but I'm confused as to what all the different types mean and what kind would be best for me, an early 30s female, who's a bit introverted and scared of going to an AA meeting here in Atlanta.

I know some folks have been attending for years - any advice on types of meetings I should start with?

Thank you!

jazzfish

You might start with a closed women's speaker meeting. Closed means it is only attended by members of AA. Open meetings can be attended by any one. Speaker meetings are a great place to start as you can just sit and listen (you can do that at all meetings, although someone may ask if you would like to share). Listening to people who have been through the same struggles you have and also have achieved what you want can be very inspiring and informing.

Discussion meetings are open topic and everyone participates. Speaker meetings are where one alcoholic will tell there story. There are many other types that focus on specific issues such as the Big Book, the steps, etc.

Lulu212

And if it's closed, I would still be welcome, even though I'm not a member of AA? I would hate to get the courage to go and then not be welcome of asked to leave!

jazzfish

If you are looking for help to stop drinking, you will be very welcomed. Open meetings can have 'observers' at times and if you are introverted, then maybe best to avoid those until you are more comfortable. Although, I would not hesitate to go to an open meeting.

BruceJ

If you have a desire to stop drinking....you are a member if you want to be. No problem, no stress, nobody is going to put you on the spot....you are a member if you say you are....actually, you don't even have to say it. If you desire to stop drinking, then you may consider yourself a member. That didn't hurt, did it?

Lulu212

Thanks all - there's a Meeting up the street this evening for women. I'm terrified of taking the first step, but realize I need support other than this board and my own willpower. I'll let you know how I fared!

aasharon90

I would park, walk in nervous, smile
if greeted, shake a hand if extened,
grab a cup of coffee, continue to breath,
relax inside, saying my memorized
Serenity Prayer, find a seat, acknowledge
the person sitting beside me, relax, breath,
and settle down.

For days I attend, I just listened and followed
to the best of my ability what was said and
did in each meeting. Before long, I caught on.

Just like going to grade school, first days of
high school not knowing anyone, not sure what,
whose in my classes, not sure of the subject I
was taking. Before long it's routine as usual.

Suit up, show up, listen, absorb, learn and pass.

You'll be filled with knowledge of addiction, recovery,
hope, happiness.

THEN.....

In order to keep all the rewards of recovery,
pass it on, be an example to the new person
walking in that meeting just like you did days,
weeks, months, yrs. before when you were
scared and uncertain.

Now you have a purpose in life to remain,
happy, joyous and free for yrs. to come.

Huglets

Hi Lulu -

I understand your fear in attending your first AA meeting. It was that way for me as well. I was fresh out of detox and scared to death. But I looked up a meeting and went. I shook and I cried.

I was immediately welcomed with a warm smile and handshake. I grabbed a cup of coffee, sat in my chair, continued to shake & cry. When they asked if I'd like to share, the word vomit just spilled out of my mouth. And I was suddenly relieved. I could finally share my struggles with people who understood.

After the meeting, most of the women in the meeting came to hug me. I collected numbers and left feeling more hopeful than I had in years. It was like being enveloped in a warm blanket surrounded by a roomful of love and understanding.

You have some great advice already. I too would encourage a women's meeting to start. Open or closed, you are welcome and will not be chased out! There's nothing more a recovering alcoholic likes more than to help a newcomer. You are actually helping them stay sober.

I can tell you that I have struggled a great deal this week. Last night there were 50mph winds and snow, but I still went to a meeting. It was so uplifting and I was so relieved to speak of my recent struggles that I left and didn't even really notice the horrible weather.

Anyway, and I'm sorry this is so long, but from one woman to another - please muster your courage and go! You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!

tomsteve

This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad you
are all
here - especially newcomers. In keeping with our singleness of
purpose and
our Third Tradition which states that "The only requirement for
A.A.
membership is a desire to stop drinking," we ask that all who
participate
confine their discussion to their problems with alcohol.


This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. In support of
A.A.'s singleness of purpose, attendance at closed meetings is limited
to persons who have a desire to stop drinking. If you think you have a
problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend this meeting. We ask that when
discussing our problems, we confine ourselves to those problems
as they relate to alcoholism.

tomsteve

Thanks all - there's a Meeting up the street this evening for women. I'm terrified of taking the first step, but realize I need support other than this board and my own willpower. I'll let you know how I fared

i dont know too many drunks that didnt have some amount of fear walkin into that 1st meeting.
all i had to do was get some courage. best move i ever made.

Sapling

If you get a chance...Take a look at this site....It answers a lot of questions.

Your First AA Meeting<

Elisabeth888

Hope it went well and that you come back and post about it.

I think Newcomers meetings are a great way to start out.

2granddaughters

Our home group always has a 1st Step table at every meeting to welcome newcomers.

Lulu, you will be amazed !

All the best.

Bob R

bryangt

They also have 'beginners' meetings in some cities....don't put pressure on yourself...go with the flow...you will find others who feel the same way you do with similar problems and one problem in common...we all want to stay sober...best of luck---you can do it...

whiskeyman

Just go to the meeting. it will be the best thing you will ever do for your life.
it wont be hard, just work thru that door.
supporting arms will be open for you, they were for me and i was terrified as well.
I drove there drunk, but knew i wanted help.

IndaMiricale

Your only late for one AA meeting , Your first one

Have fun.. And in doing so you can save your life, and pass it on..

Mcribb

If you go there and you are nervous that is a good thing. That means you aren't begging for help like I was. I didn't care if I had to walk through broken glass like in Die Hard. I needed help.