Never been to AA, but I want to go, I’m nervous, any tips or advice? No clue what I’m doing but I did find meetings I’m just nervous to go
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Just go I have never been to a meeting where they have not been warm and welcoming the hard part is going but when you are there you will be glad you did
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Hope you enjoy it. Keep an open mind. It takes a lot of courage, so give yourself a pat on the back
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Hey Bri, walk in and sit down. Nothing says you have to talk if you don’t feel it. Sit in the back and just listen if you want to. Check out different meetings to find out what your style is. After the meeting is a great time for fellowship and asking questions. The big thing is just walking in the door and sitting down. That’s also the hardest part, but facing that fear is a huge step to recovery.
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If it works for you that’s great but , well at least where I’m at it’s completely faith or god based. There’s so much actual fact and science based research on addiction but definitely don’t bring that up in AA. I did at an AA meeting here and they basically told me god was the only thing to make sober. I use smart recovery. It is amazing and fact based and there are meetings everywhere on zoom for them. Check out ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 101 video online. It’s MORE than enlightening and actually explains why our bodies are addicted. It’s a brain thing, a dopamine issue straight up
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I went to AA for 70 and guess what... relapsed, now I only do smart recovery and my intensive outpatient program (which is also scientifically fact based) because of that. Just my 2 cents but smart recovery is absolutely amazing and you can do the meetings online everyday at almost anytime.
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We even have pastors in our smart meetings that choose it over AA. There is a science behind addiction, just watch that video and you will see
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It’s so intimidating at first but once you walk in that first time it gets easier. And everyone one is there for the same reason. You will probably hear a lot of inspiring stories or sayings. You don’t have to talk but you could just say hi your name and how Many days sober you have. My first time a woman gave me a welcome pamphlet and inside it had a ton of Womens names and numbers and those are people that are willing to talk /sponsor. It made me feel really welcome. You should go😊
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I love the AA program. It helped me going to my first meeting with a friend. Do you know anyone who might be a member?
If not, there is nothing to fear! We love new comers as you are most valuable to the program. My mom was worried about "those people" so I took her with me and she was awe struck by the love and support of my people.
The first thing and biggest impact for me, was that I'm not alone, haven't done anything new and have like minded people. We're all on the same team to uplift each other and make the world a better place.
You got this! I'm proud of you!!
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Just remember everyone is there for the same reason.. we’re all alcoholics.. and going down the road to sobriety is much easier with people than alone..
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Just go you will be welcomed
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I went to a meeting for the first time since 2014 last week and it was a very welcoming environment. I went to a different one this week with more people my age and it was the same. Definitely was intimidating at first but that all goes away quickly. I even shared at the meeting this week. Being around people going through similar struggles is actually a relief.
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Where can I find those meetings? Do you have a link? I’m very interested in this.
Where else can you find a room full of people who genuinely want to help you get well? It's pretty amazing, actually. It can be a little nerve-wracking at first, but just say hello.
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Everyone in that room had to walk in for the first time too. It’s a right of passage.
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If you are worried about getting called on to speak, you can politely decline and just say you are new and there to listen. I did this my first few times and no one judges.
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Do it sweetheart - never miss a session. Keep it positive- you got this - we’re with you - push push
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Be courageous. Be brave, be strong. It's uncomfortable, but you only have to share if you want, most of all find a group you are comfortable with, seek a sponsor. You can have a couple, there are no set rules per say. Just some guidelines and I should let you know what is said in your group should stay in your group or groups. "What you hear here, let it stay here." Build trust amongst what ever group or groups you find. Be of service to others. It helps, even when you don't know it does, listen.
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Go, go, go! I believe in you!
Try a woman’s meeting at first, it maybe a little less intimidating.