AA Meetings

I’m going to try & work up the courage to attend a meeting tomorrow. The thought of doing so gives me a lot of anxiety, but I really want to give AA a chance. Keep your fingers crossed for me!:crossed_fingers:

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Oh fingers crossed for you! Some like the meetings, some don’t. I was a nervous wreck when I first went. Even for the first couple months! But I enjoy them like crazy now and walk into meetings with my head held high. If I can suggest one thing I’d say this, don’t give up after one meeting. Give a couple a try and then make your decision whether or not it’s for you. And definitely keep an open mind!

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Go for it. We don’t bite :blush::grin::ok_hand:

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That's so great! I truly hope you enjoy it. I have found that AA is a very welcoming community. :pray:

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That's awesome Rachel!!! Don't chicken out. It will be okay. Introduce yourself to the women at the meeting, drink some shitty coffee, listen to what people say, and then come back.... Be brave.

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:crossed_fingers: but I'm in the same boat. I need to go to an AA or NA meeting because I need to meet more people and get into a sober social network but for some reason its just so hard. I have this block that I don't really understand honestly.

But I will if you will. :man_shrugging:

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You can do this !
It will be the warmest, loving group of folks whom only want to help you thrive and heal.
I was 32 and terrified,when I came in. But my pain finally overcame my fear and led me to the door of the Club.
Had my first cup of coffee ever at my first meeting.
I just did what the guy in front of me did, and poured a cup.
Had no idea what I was doing I was sooo broken.
Drank it Black, because I was too scared to reach for the creamer and sugar.
BUT it was the most beautiful night of my life, because I left that meeting with overwhelming hope that just MAYBE, there's a way out of my addictions that enslaved me.
Whether you believe or not, ask God for the courage to walk into that first meeting.
It'll change your life.

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This is hilarious, the part of drinking it black because you were too scared to mess with the cream and sugar, hahaha I got so lucky, I went to my first meeting with my sponsor and then the next couple weeks after that he went with me to every meeting, one every day. After that I was on my own, and I felt the same way you mentioned. Just walking in alone was SCARY but I got over it quick. The trick is to get there really early, at least a half hour and get sorted out, sit down and people will come up to you and intro themselves. Get to know the old timers, sit by them and you'll have instant support without having I extend yourself if that type of thing is scary for you(it is for me).

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It is scary but now you do scary things and not run away from them. My first meeting was scary but I did a couple right things for myself. I needed to make my first one a woman’s meeting because I felt safer and I sat in the back because that made me feel safer too. I didn’t speak at the first one. And you know what? I found others at the meeting that were just like I was. So my second meeting I moved further up and I talked. It was all “ downhill” from there and I branched out to other meetings and found my strength. It will amaze you.

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It is scary to go to your first meeting. And it’s weird to feel like you don’t know what to do. But if you can say “hi my name is Rachel, and this is my first meeting” then all you’ll have to do afterwards is just listen and see how you relate to the stories and lives of the people around you.

If you can find a women’s meeting, even better.

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Yes go, you don’t have to talk just sit and listen. When they go around and it’s your turn just say your name and state I have nothing to add today.

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AA is alright. It’s awkward but everyone there for the same reason. By the time you know it , those strangers are saving ya life. Good luck.

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I would perhaps recommend an all female meeting to begin (it may be less intimidating to start)…you can always pass and say “you are new, and just there to listen and learn from the group.”…you will be welcomed w/ open arms. Everyone there has had the same anxious mindsets and they just want to help. No need for any apprehension, it is a judgment free zone….It is likely, that you will not be the only first-timer there too.

Don’t be afraid, be excited for the new comrades & friendships you will find. Best to you! :heart:

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Be sure and ask for a “First step meeting”:+1: WELCOME :hugs:

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Don’t have to speak, I find it extremely helpful sometimes to just be a fly on the wall, you get a feeling that you’re far from alone which is so helpful, you can also ease into it, zoom meetings too, won’t feel as personable but still help. Also experiment with different ones till you find ‘your tribe’ every one group isn’t the same. Takes time such as everything, wishing you luck

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Great advice as well^

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Thank you all for your helpful words! I really appreciate it!

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Attending my first AA meeting is what helped pursue freedomout of addiction , there’s many different types of meetings so i encourage u to try as many as possible . And to meet as many people as ur willing to ! congrats on ur new journey !!!

You can do it. Remember that it is a safe space. You will be welcomed

First try the online zoom AA meetings to break the ice. You will see people who have been exactly where you have been and they are great! I attend two zoom meetings a day. Sometimes three.