I'm New
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Collegeville, MN
Posts: 16
I'm New
Hello, My name is Dan and I'm 43. I had my last drink on Wed. I am done! I am attending my first AA meeting this evening. I am a little nervous because I don't really like to talk about my alcoholism and the devastating effects it is had on me and how it has hurt my family. How do you get a sponsor? Is there a certain protocol? Do I just blurt out in the meeting that I need a sponsor? Any feedback would be great.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,872
Welcome, Dan. SR is a great place for support, encouragement and understanding. I have not used AA myself but someone who has is sure to be along soon.
Again, welcome, and congratulations on your decision to stop drinking.
Again, welcome, and congratulations on your decision to stop drinking.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
Welcome to the Forum Dan!! 
Great job on making the decision to to commit to Sobriety, when it comes to meetings sharing is optional, it's up to you if you want to share or just sit listening for your first few meetings!!
You'll find loads of support here on SR, it's great to have you onboard!!
Great job on making the decision to to commit to Sobriety, when it comes to meetings sharing is optional, it's up to you if you want to share or just sit listening for your first few meetings!!
You'll find loads of support here on SR, it's great to have you onboard!!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
when they ask if this is anyone's first aa meeting, raise your hand.
if you keep going you'll find out how to get a sponsor etc. if it's run properly that is.
welcome to the forum bigsky, you are making a wise decision
Gallatin or Madison?
if you keep going you'll find out how to get a sponsor etc. if it's run properly that is.
welcome to the forum bigsky, you are making a wise decision
Gallatin or Madison?
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
You don't have to talk at a meeting if you don't want to. I went to about 125 meetings in my first few months. I think I may have talked in about half those meetings, and it was never a long speech, just a couple sentences or so.
You can really do what you want at a meeting. I introduced myself in the first few meetings and some meetings call on people to talk, but I would usually say, "Thanks, I'm just going to listen today."
Generally they say look for someone who "has what you want" to be your sponsor, and then ask them. I took that to mean someone who seems to you to be having a good life in recovery - for me that would be honest, kind, etc. There is no time limit. Some people get a sponsor the first day, some never get one.
You can go to aa.org for all kinds of info.
Here is AA's take on sponsorship:
AA's 15 Questions and Answers on Sponsorship
You can really do what you want at a meeting. I introduced myself in the first few meetings and some meetings call on people to talk, but I would usually say, "Thanks, I'm just going to listen today."
Generally they say look for someone who "has what you want" to be your sponsor, and then ask them. I took that to mean someone who seems to you to be having a good life in recovery - for me that would be honest, kind, etc. There is no time limit. Some people get a sponsor the first day, some never get one.
You can go to aa.org for all kinds of info.
Here is AA's take on sponsorship:
AA's 15 Questions and Answers on Sponsorship
Guest
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The Deep South
Posts: 14,636
Welcome to SR
At the meetings I attended, at the end they'd have people raise their hands and identify themselves as potential sponsors. There was also a phone list... a male list for males, female for females. I ended up calling a random name off the phone list. It worked out pretty well too.
At the meetings I attended, at the end they'd have people raise their hands and identify themselves as potential sponsors. There was also a phone list... a male list for males, female for females. I ended up calling a random name off the phone list. It worked out pretty well too.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Collegeville, MN
Posts: 16
Thank you all for the feedback. I am actually starting to look forward to tonight's meeting. You people are so genuine and real. I feel like I am embarking on something really amazing. I am not alone.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Grayslake, IL
Posts: 732
Hi Bigsky,
Welcome to SR! You'll do fine at your meeting. Everyone else is there for the same reason as you - the desire for Sobriety. And if you don't want to share tonight, like somebody else said, just pass and listen. I always take something away from AA, even if I sometimes only listen.
~Bunnez
Welcome to SR! You'll do fine at your meeting. Everyone else is there for the same reason as you - the desire for Sobriety. And if you don't want to share tonight, like somebody else said, just pass and listen. I always take something away from AA, even if I sometimes only listen.
~Bunnez
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,563
Welcome to the family Bigsky.
In my 40's I was still attempting to control my drinking. I'm glad you've decided to end the madness. Let us know how the meeting goes. Happy to have you with us.
In my 40's I was still attempting to control my drinking. I'm glad you've decided to end the madness. Let us know how the meeting goes. Happy to have you with us.
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