So what are the guidelines about sharing on certain topics in AA? My story can’t really be told without some uncomfortable information. It’s not so much about material things. I didn’t go to jail. Didn’t get a DUI. I didn’t get in fights. My dark period is about more taboo things I guess you could say...I’m not sure how to go about that
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Share your experience, strength and hope. Your story is your story. Don’t hold back. Let it rip.
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To be honest I think it's about your actual AA fellowship I have HEARD that a lot of AA fellowships are looser when it comes to sharing but it all depends Aimee
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It depends on the meeting and how comfortable you are. Maybe a women’s meeting might be the place. I’ve heard shares about murders and others that brought me to tears. If in doubt ask someone, if you have a sponsor, ask them.
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Yes I was thinking about a women’s meeting. Maybe I will try there first before sharing it at a coed meeting
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I don’t want to trigger anyone and I’m pretty sure most people, even in the walls of AA would be a little uncomfortable with some parts
Just tell a little at a time
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AA literature says concerning the rooms and meetings.
“we share in a general way, what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now.” GENERAL. The details are for sponsor/sponsee or sponsee/clergy/ trusted friend. I would caution you about sharing specific details in open meetings. Alcoholics get the idea without details.
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Some good suggestions in these replies. I’m cross addicted to several substances and some obsessive/compulsive behaviors. I go to AA as well. However, alcohol is probably #3 on my list of DOC. I introduce myself as an alcoholic/addict. In general meetings I don’t share too many details about the specifics of what I was doing. I share more about the feelings and emotions of being mentally sick, and using my addictions to escape. I share about being powerless over my addictions, and the pain I caused myself and loved ones. I can get my point across without going into details of my actions. In fact, I get many guys coming up to me after meetings to talk about some of their similar issues. I share more details in mens meetings. I’ve learned I’m definitely not alone. While I may have gone deeper and hit a worse bottom in other areas of addiction other than alcohol, there are others in AA meetings who struggle with other addictions and can relate to it. My sponsor knows all. My good buddies know my story too.
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Share away, for me that’s why we are here… To share and then to support one another.
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Aimee! Sharing your story from the heart is where it’s at. My story has some things in it that I share in a general way. For me it’s hard to tell my story in 15-20 minutes. Lots to say… 
However as I chair more meetings my story I tell gets more general when it comes to drunken log. My next chair I’m going to qualify myself quickly and get right into how the steps have saved my life.
Also, I want to point out people pleasing, we have to remember that we can’t please everyone. If others are triggered or mad or whatever that’s their inventory not ours to take. I try to come from a kind and loving place but I’m still rough around the edges…
I’ll pray for you and your share to go exactly as God wants it to go. Have a blessed day my friend!
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Personally, I like Matt's answer, as it's backed up by a quote from AA literature. There are parts of my story that I'll probably never tell in a meeting or with my sponsor. Those parts don’t really belong in a meeting. An example might be about sexual abuse. One needn’t say what EXACTLY happened, just that they were abused. That way people will identify with the feeling without being pushed away. It has to do with the principle of anonymity.
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Yeah. Honestly, for me, I can share a lot more in a mens meeting. Everyone holds back in coed meetings, especially when it comes to that sort of thing, and if they don’t, sometimes, they should. Also, I’d recommend a female sponsor but I know it’s difficult for women.
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My experience has been I don’t always talk about my deep darkest secrets because I could share them with my sponsor and my support group . Not everyone needs to hear my fourth step list. Beside some people of judgmental and they do break your animity so I’m always careful what I say it music just for me
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You don't share specific personal things in meetings. Just general overviews. Specific personal info can be shared on your 4th step with a trusted sponsor. Just because you are in AA doesn't mean everyone needs to know your story. We share in a general way, what we used to be like, what happened and what we are like now. Be safe!
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I believe this to be important and true.
I went to my first AA yesterday and I said what I did it was n still is a nightmare after 1 1/2 yr I have never felt more relief relax n calmness
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Congrats Cindy! Keep going. One day at a time. Just don’t take that first drink
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Okay so the only women’s meeting around here is not one I’m comfortable with. I went two Saturday’s in a row to give it a chance. Tarot readers and promoting the psychic fair there today. Just not my thing and I don’t have anything in common with that group other than being a woman and an alcoholic. I think I will probably just have to figure out how to tell the general story but I won’t be sharing too soon so hopefully I’ll know what to say and what not to when the time comes
I understand. I live in a rural area and options are limited. Our group is all guys and it’s hard for women to break in, although everyone is kind and open to them. A couple of them have found zoom meetings work for them and there are many. Good luck.