Shantilove

I want to I NEED to go to A&A but im scared. Do the meetings follow the same format everywhere in the world? I'm living in Asia, I'm not good at public speaking or meeting new people, but I can't do this alone. I just want to listen and meet like minded people but I don't really want to speak, is that ok?

Bird615

You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. You can just listen and meet other people who have sobriety as a goal.

ALinNS

Absolutely, I have been to meetings in Canada, USA, Europe and Africa over the years, the format is the same and you do not have to speak a word. In my case I find it best to listen, when you are ready you can ask questions or share, stay behind and make a few friends who can be there for you, it works if you work it.

Shantilove

Thanks guys. I'm so scared but I'm going to give it a shot. I have to. My plan has failed time and time again. I can't do it alone.

Carlotta

It's perfectly ok not to speak. If you go to a discussion (or round robin meeting) or if the chair calls on you you can just say: I'll pass

Here is a good page which explains quite thoroughly what are the different types of meetings and what to expect
http://www.bma-wellness.com/papers/F...g.html#Rituals and Readings: What Goes on at a typical AA Meeting

Shantilove

Thank you Carlotta

Steely

Or you can say no, I've just come to listen. I've done that before and there is no pressure on you to speak.

PurpleKnight

No requirement to talk, you can sit and listen!!

The best way to describe meetings is SR only face to face, the people will be just as nice!!

lisatryingagain

Shanti im in the same boat, feeling like I need to go to meetings but afraid. I have been to SMART meetings in the past, and they were great.

Have you considered checking out online meetings? I know SMART have them, maybe AA do as well?