It's the start of a new way of living. I remember my durst meetings, they were so boring, and I felt so uncomfortable, my mind and body raging for escape but I hung out, waited for others to come and talk to me. When I became aware of by going to the next 89 meetings the welcome feeling became a feeling of acceptance. I'm so grateful for being in the presence of people seeking the same path and being able to relate to one another. Fellowship is the magic of recovery. We can't do it alone.
You might be right, but Iāve been doing this all by myself for two months now. And despite a few challenges, this have been by far my best two months in decades. Im just getting frustrated being told that Iām doomed to fail if I donāt join a fellowship. You see, I donāt want to replace my dependance on booze with dependance on AA, or any other such group. At least not for now. Only time will tell if I will be ok, or if Iām just naive and ignorant.
Oh by no means am I ever going to say you are doomed to fail. There are aspects of groups and being stopping people of like mind that are very helpful. It's always good to have someone to teach out to. The cliche is it works if you work it. It's a proven program and we are all here for you any time any place. So before you puck up a drink or drug, or even if your struggling with emotions. Recovery is the most difficult thing I have ever done. And I've failed at it a couple of times. The only thing we have to change is everything. Keep up the good work, congratulations on 2 months. I wish you the best and a future that proves to be all you deserve in this life.
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Thank you! Overall sobriety has been rather easy for me so far. Iām trying very hard to not get distracted by some false sense of security. That said Iām feeling really good with what Iām doing for now. Allen Carrās book āthe easy way to stop drinkingā kicked things off rather nicely for me. But I also invest a lot of time keeping the momentum going every day. Bottom line: to each their own! Wishing you the best in your path too! 
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Thank you
I felt weird at first too but now I go to tons of meetings. Iāve definitely not been to any where Iāve seen Cookie cutters so maybe try a different area then you did. I love the all Woman the most but thatās just me..youāll find something that is got you!
Nadja, Iām so glad you went to an AA meeting! I thought youād never go, lolā¦ kudos to you. Youāre growing in your spiritual journey. Being honest, open and willing to try a new way is blissfully beautiful. AA may not be for you but there is a program, a way of life, that is of zero Alcohol and youāll find it. Maybe itās this App thatās helping you? Whatever you choose just know that there are people that will help you.
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I agree with you a 100 percent. I go to meetings on zoom and don't have a sponsor. I'm always told I need a sponsor and have to follow the steps. That works for most but not me. I am happy with myself and making changes on my terms. There's somethings from the steps I take then there's some I just don't bother. I go to meetings for therapy. I'm able to talk and listen to other stories. Which in actuality allows me to heal because I know now I'm not alone or the only one that bad things happen to. I don't want to steer you wrong but do what makes you happy. I'm maintaining my sobriety and thats all that matters to me..
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Yes we have to find what works for us, so true! For me thatās tons of reading every day. Some call it bibliotherapy haha. Easy to do for an introvert like meā¦I know I need to work on connecting with people. But for now Iām happy where I am, and Iām sober.
Yes, of course, curiosity got the best of me, and I wanted to meet sober people. And I will try other meetings in the future. Not for staying sober, I think I got this now. But for personal growth. AA prolly really isnāt for me, so itās good that there are other options these days.
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Wonderful! Keep sharing your experience. Itās moments like this that will give the newcomer who is in fear or doubt that they too can go to a meeting just to see what itās about.
AA has no monopoly on recovery.
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Itās ultimately you that has to not pour a drink. Itās ultimately you, that has to show the self restraint to not have a drink. Iāve found, thru AA, thru the combined experiences of everyone at the table, I can be reminded of the collateral damage alcohol can cause. And , by your helping someone else, itās very therapeutic for you. Best!
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I think when AA started it was the only successful program, but since then it's paved the way for many different programs but the literature still says it's the only thing. So it's kindof historical, just like all the He Him God pronouns and "in man's history". Anyway I wouldn't judge too harshly after one meeting - there are all types of meetings including subgroups like women's meetings or gay meetings or secular meetings - and there are other 12 step programs that have kept what they felt worked but left some of the rest.