owington

I don't know what I was afraid of, but after years of trying different ways to get sober and constantly failing I finally took the plunge and attended my first AA meeting two weeks ago. I've been going as often as possible and have my 24 hour chip, which I intend to carry everywhere with me for the next month. I think it was the supposedly religious aspect that put me off but nothing has been forced down my throat and I've been left to do things at my own pace. The people I've met have been so welcoming and have some amazing stories to tell. To anyone who is struggling and hasn't tried this approach, do it today. You can walk out at any time but at least you will have tried.

Soberwolf

Exellent Ownington, Congrats bud

Gardennerd

I totally understand what you are saying. Even if you don't like a certain meeting, every meeting is different and it's great when you find the right fit.

MythOfSisyphus

That's awesome! I say use whatever works for you!

owington

Cheers Garden, yeah it was meeting number 2 that clicked for me. Even though it's a bit further from home I feel more like I fit in there.

ScottFromWI

Glad you have found help that works for you!

lulukat

Congrats!! wAY TO GO! I too tried on my own because I'm smart etc. etc.. and it didn't work!!! I I now have 6 months BUT it is a journey of 24 hours at a time. Some people talk about God. others have a higher power of their own that can be nature or the group or whatever-- religion it is not. I was desperate enough to just go -- if only to be somewhere that I couldn't drink for an hour-- and listened. We may all have a different story but with a common thread--alcoholism--that was ruling our lives and slowly or quickly taking our lives,family,happiness,sometimes our freedom, and our very souls. So happy and grateful to be sober this day.So happy and grateful for you and everyone at SR

Anna

I'm glad the meetings are helping you.

1_day@_a_time

well said

IOAA2

Congratulations on working away the fear of going, I got involved and met some great friends over the years by getting involved.

I found the saying “it works when we work it” very true for long term sobriety.

BE WELL

PurpleKnight

Great job on trying it out Ownington!!

anattaboy

Any which way we can!

GracieLou

Keep coming back!

owington

Well just back from another meeting. Same group but if I'm gonna be honest I didn't enjoy it tonight. The people were the same, but I've been having some withdrawels today so that probably didn't help. I went though, I didn't drink and I'm not going to drink. So I guess even though I just went through the motions it worked.

Fly N Buy

Have you gotten a sponsor yet? Meetings are terrific, but please remember meetings by themselves do not keep us sober. It is in working with a sponsor and of course working the program of AA which is the steps.

Some folks say that they always feel better after every meeting - for me this is not the case. Some I will walk away not feeling all that great......but, there becomes a cumulative power derived from attending on a regular basis.

Keep going, don't drink and post here!!!
Kind Regards,
FlyN

owington

Cheers Flybuy, no I haven't got a sponsor yet. I have shared at a couple so I do feel like I'm contributing. I guess I just want to take things at my own pace and not try and rush through everything. I'm still getting to understand the programme and what it's all about so reading up on an evening and before work. I will keep coming back.

Fly N Buy

Good stuff owington!

There is a saying in AA to consider -

First we do the steps, then we understand why. This was true for me, I wanted to know everything before I did it. Sounds logical, right?

Please remember it's our thinking that got us were we are today.......
Glad your here