Explaining where you are when you go to a meeting and don't want to say you're in a 12-step program
 

Hi all - I'm pretty new to program, and I try to attend as many meetings as possible. This feels great for my recovery, but I'm struggling to come up with plausible "excuses" about what I'm really doing. Most of the meetings I attend are on weekend nights or mornings, so the "work meeting" thing doesn't quite fit.

I'm not avoiding telling people close to me I'm in program. This is more about the casual acquaintance who just doesn't need to know all the details.

Anyone have any creative ideas? Thx in advance!

you don't have to explain anything to anyone about your whereabouts if you choose not to..., it's private time... don't over think it

Hello. I have done this before. I have told peoppe that I have a place I need to be at 7 or I have some plans at 7. If they asked me what I would tell them the truth. That's just me though. People who know me know that I go to meetings. Haha. That's okay with me. My family does. My boss at work does. Friends. I wouldn't over think it. I'm a pretty normal guy, I don't thin people think anything about the meetings I go to.

i'm trying to think of anyone in my life that i need to explain, defend or justify what i am doing with MY time? or many who would even care if it was basket weaving, rock climbing or 12 step meetings.

I understand why you don't want some people to know your business.

You can say you are meeting a friend, you have to run an errand, going to pick up something you need, going to the gym, maybe it's your "book club".

You are going to see your personal trainer (s). All 12 of them.

I'd just say you have plans, period. If pressed you could say, I'm going to meet friends. Or, why do you ask?? That should shut them up;)

Having coffee with some friends.

I second L's post x

I apologize if my attempt at humor was misunderstood.
post was edited by moderator

my point was you don't have to explain yourself to anyone until the time you feel comfortable with it, or you don't have to share your private affairs unless you wish...
many people do not understand, and by telling folks you are going to AA many will put a label on you or form opinions about something they know nothing of

good luck, do whatever you need to do to get yourself sober and stay that way.

I told my kids and in laws that I was going to meditation classes (I had recently started meditating).