I know the first step is actually getting myself into a meeting. (Hardest part for me, right now.)
I’ve never been truly open to anyone about my real struggles, besides my dad. I don’t even know where to begin. I know local groups around me, but I’m scared. Anyone’s advice or experience with their first time attending?
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Go early. Grab some coffee. Get a spot in the back. People will come to you and say hello. Say hello back. And then just listen. You don't have to share. You don't have to say anything at a meeting if youre not ready. Get your bearings. Come back.
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You are so right! The next step may be walking through the door of an AA meeting.
Congratulations on taking the first step! You've already done it!!! Coming here and asking for help is a huge step and you should be proud.
You can go to a meeting and listen or participate. Sponsors will be offered but not forced on you. If you get nothing else from it you'll still find that you aren't alone.
One day at a time, sometimes it's moment to moment...you've got this!!!
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Thank you, that made me feel less nervous. All I can remember is always walking in to crowded rooms, hiding behind my ex. Thank you 🩷
I liked that, “if you get nothing else from it you’ll still find that you aren’t alone.” I’m gonna remember that one. 
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Yeah, people who go late thinking it's less stressful are doing it the wrong way. Go early, and you get whatever seat you want and then you ease yourself into the group by people coming to you to say hello.
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I really appreciate that advice, I’m going to try and utilize that tomorrow. I’m going to try and push myself to go when my oldest is in school tomorrow, now. For some reason I always kept that horrible anxious feeling I had at the few meetings I attended and it never left, until you said that.
Maybe find a women's meeting too, that might help as well
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Don’t think about it or try to go. Just go.
Remember, it’s just a group of people with the same problems that you have getting together to discuss a solution and find a better way of life.
They are fellow survivors of the shipwreck called alcoholism.
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Oh this is a big one, yes. I have extreme trauma from men. Thank you also for that, I know of one somewhat close to me. That definitely would make me more comfortable.
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This too, just go. I hate thinking about “preparing and what ifs”. I mean I do have two little ones that I would have to have my parents watch for a short period so that’s the only thing that would need “preparation” but that’s easy. They’re so understanding, we all live together. It’s me just getting in my car and going. Thank you*.
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You can do it