Hi
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 11
Thank you all for the nice welcome. I've been drinking in spurts pretty heavily since I was 28. I can go a few days without drinking..not because I dont want to, but because I'm aware I'm abusing it. Just recently I've stopped caring and just drink what and when I want. I've never uttered the infamous words..never been to a meeting...but I'm aware I have a problem.
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
Well, then, you've come to the right place!
I suggest that you check out an AA meeting or two (or more, lol). See if you can identify with what people say about how they feel about drinking. You don't have to say anything at all if you don't want to, and if you do want to say something, you don't have to add "and I'm an alcoholic"--you can just say (if you want to) that you are concerned about your drinking and that you would like to listen.
I know completely how it feels to be able to put a few sober days together, get discouraged and give up. At AA meetings you can hear about concrete solutions that will enable you not to HAVE to drink. Wouldn't that be great? Not to mention, you will get to meet other people who understand exactly how you feel.
I suggest that you check out an AA meeting or two (or more, lol). See if you can identify with what people say about how they feel about drinking. You don't have to say anything at all if you don't want to, and if you do want to say something, you don't have to add "and I'm an alcoholic"--you can just say (if you want to) that you are concerned about your drinking and that you would like to listen.
I know completely how it feels to be able to put a few sober days together, get discouraged and give up. At AA meetings you can hear about concrete solutions that will enable you not to HAVE to drink. Wouldn't that be great? Not to mention, you will get to meet other people who understand exactly how you feel.
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
Open OR closed is fine. Open meetings are also open to family and friends--basically anyone who is interested. Closed meetings are only for alcoholics or anyone worried about his or her own drinking. The meetings are similar, the closed meetings are really to make people feel free-er to talk about personal stuff they might not feel comfortable sharing at an open meeting. So you would be welcome, and likely to find information and support, at either kind of meeting.
Read the article I linked to--it will answer most questions you are likely to have. If someone tries to talk to you, all you need to say is that this is your first meeting and you want to see what it's all about. People are very nice at meetings, and won't force you to do anything or to say anything if you don't feel like it. It's a good idea to say you are new and to ask any questions you might have. Someone might offer you a list of phone numbers to call if you feel like you want to talk or have more questions. It's a good idea to accept it, and to use it. Nobody lists his number unless he is willing to talk.
I found it a huge relief to get into AA and talk to people who GOT me, and what I was feeling.
Read the article I linked to--it will answer most questions you are likely to have. If someone tries to talk to you, all you need to say is that this is your first meeting and you want to see what it's all about. People are very nice at meetings, and won't force you to do anything or to say anything if you don't feel like it. It's a good idea to say you are new and to ask any questions you might have. Someone might offer you a list of phone numbers to call if you feel like you want to talk or have more questions. It's a good idea to accept it, and to use it. Nobody lists his number unless he is willing to talk.
I found it a huge relief to get into AA and talk to people who GOT me, and what I was feeling.
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
Here's a link to Austin area AA meetings. The ones you probably want to consider are the ones that say "O,D" which means open discussion. You don't have to share if you don't want to. "SP" means "speakers meeting"--those are usually good, too. S and T are step or tradition meetings--those are excellent but would not recommend it for your very first meeting--you will get more out of a discussion or speaker's meeting when you are brand new.
Oops, edited to add link.
Oops, edited to add link.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 11
I read the first partof the article..about the different meetings and what to expect. I hope I am given some numbers because I don't have anyone local I can talk to. I feel really good just finding this site. I think I'm on the right track. Thanks for your help.
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
My suggestion is that at some point during the meeting or right before (not at the end when people are leaving) you either tell someone or raise your hand and say that you are new and would appreciate some phone numbers. Chances are they will pass around a list for you. Usually only the men give phone numbers for the men, and women for the women. It's always recommended that you kind of stick with your own sex when talking about anything personal, though it's fine to exchange friendly small talk with anyone.
nk you again!
Recovering ostrich
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Posts: 2,551
Welcome! If I can add, maybe a woman's group? That is where I am most comfortable and every time I go, people give me numbers whether or not I ask. Lol
It is ok to listen. I'm newer and usually don't talk in meetings but jeez... The things people say. I relate.
Best of luck!
It is ok to listen. I'm newer and usually don't talk in meetings but jeez... The things people say. I relate.
Best of luck!
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