Help! First AA meeting tomorrow
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 29
Help! First AA meeting tomorrow
Hello all, I am attending my first AA meeting tomorrow...nervous and scared of course. Anyone who could let me know what to expect, or any kind of advice at all would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: San Diego, ca
Posts: 128
I had my first last week and it was not at all what I expected .... I kind of expected a bunch of people from skid row and old alcoholics who had lost everything ... It was full of super normal super successful people ... Lawyers, doctors and young people .... All were very supportive and it was cool to see people from all walks of life that had stayed sober for a long time .. I'm going back to my second tomorrow ...
Recovering ostrich
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Posts: 2,551
The meetings vary by region but they all start by someone reading different parts of the literature out loud (that I have seen) and asking if there are newcomers. That's where you will say your name. Which is important, that is your reaching out. Then, people will talk or read if it is a lit meeting.
Good luck!
Good luck!
2 detoxes down, 0 to go
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 284
The nervousness is understandable - think we all went through that. I turned the car around more than once.
But the meeting itself was better than I could've imagined. It was just an hour and the people were very supportive of each other. I expected it to be difficult, but it was actually very uplifting and there were a few jokes and laughs as people shared. It was easy. I wound up talking for about a half-hour afterward with the guy who is now my sponsor and friend.
Congrats on the first effort. You'll be glad you did it.
But the meeting itself was better than I could've imagined. It was just an hour and the people were very supportive of each other. I expected it to be difficult, but it was actually very uplifting and there were a few jokes and laughs as people shared. It was easy. I wound up talking for about a half-hour afterward with the guy who is now my sponsor and friend.
Congrats on the first effort. You'll be glad you did it.
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
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Re-Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 7,583
Don't worry, you will be relieved! I joined AA and just being able to talk without covering up exactly what I was and had done with others that accepted me for what I will be, not what I had been, was simply amazing.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 553
Best suggestion I have to is just have an open mind and soak it all in. You can talk if you want, or you can always say "I'm just listening, thank you". Some people don't introduce themselves as an alcoholic or addict right away, it's really what feels comfortable to you. It took me awhile to say it. Now I say it because that's what I am!
People might ask to exchange numbers. That's what people do at meetings. May seem very friendly, but it's a good way to reach out and meet new people that want to talk to you. Try to get a number and call someone just to chat if you're comfortable with it. People love to hear from newcomers because it helps them stay sober too.
People might ask to exchange numbers. That's what people do at meetings. May seem very friendly, but it's a good way to reach out and meet new people that want to talk to you. Try to get a number and call someone just to chat if you're comfortable with it. People love to hear from newcomers because it helps them stay sober too.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 370
Originally Posted by Dano1975 
Don't be nervous, remember you can just sit and listen if you want.
I also suggest you try a few different places until you find someplace that feels comfortable for you. It didn't take me very long to find a couple meetings I call home base.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,785
Relax. Try and clear your head of any predetermined ideas and go.
You can sit and just listen or you can reach out. It is up to you and how comfortable you feel. Many have anxiety about it and that is normal.
It may sound strange but I think the AA fellowship had been waiting for me, I was home.
Please update us on how it went. I would love to hear about it. Take care!
You can sit and just listen or you can reach out. It is up to you and how comfortable you feel. Many have anxiety about it and that is normal.
It may sound strange but I think the AA fellowship had been waiting for me, I was home.
Please update us on how it went. I would love to hear about it. Take care!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: C.C. Ma.
Posts: 3,697
Congratulations. some good suggestions above which can help keep it simple. In some areas it's hugely beneficial especially for the first year of sobriety for W to stick with W as fragile emotions can be very hazardous. In the beginning for me my most important thing I heard was "KEEP COMING." 30+ years later I'm glad that sunk in.
BE WELL
BE WELL
Better when never is never
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wisconsin near Twin Cities
Posts: 1,745
I am finding that coming a bit early and staying after the meeting can be very helpful as well. If not too nervous, you can go up and introduce yourself to other members, especially if they said things that you really liked.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 2,051
You'll find the vast majority of the people there friendly and welcoming. Inner city meetings can be a little rougher around the edges, so don't judge all meetings by one of those if that's your first experience.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 29
I am stunned! I attended a meeting at 8 a.m. and there were about fifty people there. I have never felt so welcomed and comforted. Hugs, handshakes, and phone numbers poured in. I had no idea all through life there were so many beautiful people out there!
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