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Post Info TOPIC: Trying to get the courage to go to a meeting


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Trying to get the courage to go to a meeting
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Hello,

I have never been to an AA meeting, and have never posted on any board. Honestly, I scared as H*** to post here. I know that I abuse alcohol and I know that it is because I was raped and am trying not to deal with it. I know it is hurting many people in my life, but I cannot seem to stop it. I'm very afraid that if I go to an AA meeting that they will expect 100% abstinence and I know that I cannot do that at this moment in time. 

I'm just trying to look for support, and to know if anybody else has been in this same position. I feel desperate and scared. I want to be well, but all I want is more vodka. Yet it's gone on for over 3 years, and I'm tired of it. 



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MIP Old Timer

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Welcome to this forum, Anna. There are many here who are like you-we could not control our drinking.

Before I came to AA, I tried, but could not stop getting drunk and passing out and blacking out. Now, I don't drink anymore. Have not done so for a long time. I had to realize that I could not stay sober by myself. I needed to get help and I needed to ask for help.

I would suggest you go to an AA meeting in your area. AA does not have any requirements. You can go to an open meeting without any kind of expectations being placed on you.

I went to my first meeting knowing nothing about AA. I was desperate and scared, just like you.I learned that many other people were staying sober and coping with life without using alcohol. So, consider going to an AA meeting in your area.

Or you can go to an online meeting. You can go to:

http://aaonline.net

They have about 4 meetings a day there.

Good luck to you. Keep an open mind and ask us any questions you wish. We'll be glad to help.

 



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First, deal with the things that might kill you.

 



MIP Old Timer

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Hi Anna!  Glad to have you here with us.  It's perfectly normal to feel anxiety about going to a meeting.  Fear is in all of us.  That's your diesase trying to keep you sick.  That's Alcohol ISM at it's finest.  It doesn't want anything good for you.  It wants to keep you in a constant state of fear so it can control you.  My suggestion is to walk through your fear and enter the rooms of AA.  Everyone there will understand.  Why?  Because we all had to walk through the doors a first time.  You'll find empathy, love and compassion.  You're wanted there, needed there and loved there. 

The folks in the meetings won't expect 100% abstinence.  The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.  It took many of us some time to be free of alcohol.

Part of how we stay sober is to help others.  So, don't hestitate to post here, you'll be helping all of us.  smile 



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MIP Old Timer

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Welcome to MIP Anna ...

Yep, know what you're feel'n quite well ... it was only when I got sick'n tired of being sick'n tired, that I decided I needed help ... I tried to control my drink'n but could not ... get in our life boat and together we can beat this thing ... this is why we're here ... to help each other ...


Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy



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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'



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Courage didn't get me to my first meeting, desperation did. Yeah...the suggestion and literature is based on abstinence but that is not a requirement to attend a meeting. Keep an open mind. 100 percent abstinent forever is too daunting for most folks coming in and even some of us who have been around a bit. That is why we focus on doing this just a day at a time. If you are drinking vodka round the clock, you might need detox to safely come off alcohol. It is okay...choose to live. Alcohol is a terrible "self-medicator" and its killing you. Keep us updated! You can do this. You are not alone. I was scared too. But only that 1st time going.

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MIP Old Timer

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PC- "Courage didn't get me to my first meeting, desperation did."

Second to that!  Desperation= Willingness for me.



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MIP Old Timer

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Welcome home. Xxxhugsxxx

 

Never give up on you.



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Thanks for everything.  Peace and Love on your journey.  



MIP Old Timer

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Hi Anna,
Our tradition 3 states that:

3." The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking."

Feel free to visit us at an AA meeting. We are alcoholics and if and when you decide that you are one of us, then feel free to join our group.
Kind regards.
Gonee.


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But for the grace of God.


Newbie

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Welcome Anna! Glad you posted here, there is an amazing connection for all of us in the AA meetings and in the forums like this one. I recently started in AA (Nov 14) and cannot believe how this community has changed my life. I just saw a young college girl come to her first meeting the other night and at first was really scared. With every minute of the meeting she was more comfortable and even told her story which is very powerful to be able to talk to folks without fear of anyone judging and get it off your chest. The wisdom in those rooms and forums like this are just what you need to start living your life instead of hiding in fear.

I would recommend talking to folks in there and asking them the path they took to get sober. Someone or multiple people will talk with you after the meeting and help give you good direction. I personally went to a detox at a hospital, then off to a rehab stay for 30 days. My work insurance paid for the majority of this and I was put on disability for that period. At work the only people who know and are legally bound not to tell anyone is our HR person, the company nurse (if you have one) and the person who handles the DB paperwork. No one else knows unless you want to disclose.

Please let people help you help them. By helping you it also helps us stay sober. It's a great way to live.

Good Luck

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To Thine Own Self Be True

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