Hesitant about AA
:P
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
A lot of newcomers show up late and leave early (especially court mandated newcomers) so it would be nothing out of the ordinary.
Once you have broken the ice with your first meeting, I would recommend you attend meetings from the beginning till the end. Generally, there is a reading of "how it works" and the traditions and promises at the beginning which are keys to the program.
Here are two links to what to expect at your first AA meeting
What Can I Expect at a 12-Step Meeting?
Your First AA Meeting. Understandably, You Want to Know What to Expect.
Once you have broken the ice with your first meeting, I would recommend you attend meetings from the beginning till the end. Generally, there is a reading of "how it works" and the traditions and promises at the beginning which are keys to the program.
Here are two links to what to expect at your first AA meeting
What Can I Expect at a 12-Step Meeting?
Your First AA Meeting. Understandably, You Want to Know What to Expect.
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 6,435
Originally Posted by icandoallthings 
Haha Tomsteve! Very good point 
I have another question if ya'll don't mind...I've been going thru all the AA pamphlets online and can't find anything on etiquette. I see there will be a meeting tomorrow night and I will be dropping my daughter off at an activity near there. However, the meeting starts at 7 and I can't drop her off until 7:15, but then I have to pick her up at 8. Is it a set length of time usually? Would it be rude to show up late?
I have another question if ya'll don't mind...I've been going thru all the AA pamphlets online and can't find anything on etiquette. I see there will be a meeting tomorrow night and I will be dropping my daughter off at an activity near there. However, the meeting starts at 7 and I can't drop her off until 7:15, but then I have to pick her up at 8. Is it a set length of time usually? Would it be rude to show up late?
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Strailya
Posts: 8,019
Hi Ican
In Oz, there isnt an etiquette in relation to time. People do come in late or leave early. But the majority do stay. I would say that you wont get the full benefit of an AA meeting if you come in late and leave early especially at the beginning where you usually ID yourself as a newcomer. The reason for highlighting yourself as a newcomer is that the AA members will give you additional attention after the meeting to welcome you and provide you with phone numbers to contact if you feel cravings or just want to talk. As well, the introductions are useful as they give the agenda for the meeting. Try and get there early if you can otherwise in the next AA meeting, do turn up say 10 minutes or so before the meeting starts and stay afterwards to chat with the folks.
In Oz, there isnt an etiquette in relation to time. People do come in late or leave early. But the majority do stay. I would say that you wont get the full benefit of an AA meeting if you come in late and leave early especially at the beginning where you usually ID yourself as a newcomer. The reason for highlighting yourself as a newcomer is that the AA members will give you additional attention after the meeting to welcome you and provide you with phone numbers to contact if you feel cravings or just want to talk. As well, the introductions are useful as they give the agenda for the meeting. Try and get there early if you can otherwise in the next AA meeting, do turn up say 10 minutes or so before the meeting starts and stay afterwards to chat with the folks.
EndGame
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 4,677
First we go to different liquor stores in order to hide the fact that we're alcoholics. Then we go to faraway meetings to hide the fact that we're alcoholics.
Early in my sobriety, I confided in a friend that I was anxious about going to meetings because I might run into someone I know. He said, if this happens, tell them you're there for the gift shop.
Then he said, "If you see someone you know, what do you think they're doing there?"
This actually happened more than once, and it was one of the best things that happened to me when I first got sober.
Early in my sobriety, I confided in a friend that I was anxious about going to meetings because I might run into someone I know. He said, if this happens, tell them you're there for the gift shop.
Then he said, "If you see someone you know, what do you think they're doing there?"
This actually happened more than once, and it was one of the best things that happened to me when I first got sober.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,534
Hey Icando, I just want you to know I went to my first meeting today and it was a good thing. Everyone was really welcoming. Someone came in about 15 minutes late and it was not a big deal.
Good luck! I hope it goes well!
Good luck! I hope it goes well!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,785
I would not advise showing up late, you might not find a seat! You don't want to be the person lurking at the door or standing in the corner..lol
Seriously though, well I was serious about that no seat thing, when people do show up late they always at some point speak up and apologize for it. I mean life happens. There are traffic jams and buses run late but I would not suggest it is okay on purpose.
I think leaving early is more widely accepted. People take buses and get rides. They have to do, what they have to do.
If you are going to a first meeting I think it is a good idea to give yourself all the time you need. Come early, meet people and find a seat. Stay after and meet more people. Meeting people is a key factor. Get names and numbers. If you speak up you are new the more open they will be to handing these things over to you.
It is not a race, it is a journey. It takes time and IMO you need to give it the time and attention it deserves. You are worth it! We all are!
Seriously though, well I was serious about that no seat thing, when people do show up late they always at some point speak up and apologize for it. I mean life happens. There are traffic jams and buses run late but I would not suggest it is okay on purpose.
I think leaving early is more widely accepted. People take buses and get rides. They have to do, what they have to do.
If you are going to a first meeting I think it is a good idea to give yourself all the time you need. Come early, meet people and find a seat. Stay after and meet more people. Meeting people is a key factor. Get names and numbers. If you speak up you are new the more open they will be to handing these things over to you.
It is not a race, it is a journey. It takes time and IMO you need to give it the time and attention it deserves. You are worth it! We all are!
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