So I've checked out the list of AA meetings in somewhat of my area. There are a lot of different types of meetings...open, closed, discussion, Big Book discussion, Speaker, etc. However, none just for women and none for beginners. Is there a type that would suit a beginner more? As others, I will be very intimidated and probably emotional taking this first step. I really just want to sit in the background until I get warmed up. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated...thanks!
It would be nice if you could find a Back to Basics meeting.
I would suggest closed meetings, and big Book meetings, step meetings/tradition meetings too. Speaker meetings are good for newcomers too.
Try some discussion meetings but what my experience has been with those is that there is little recovery, sobriety, and step work, or talk of the book.
Please stay open minded and willing, and look for a same sex sponsor asap.
I use to get kicked out of closed meetings because I wouldn't identify then that I was really alcoholic...I just didn't know for sure. Open discussion meetings have lots of info from the majority of that meeting's membership so I'm not getting ESH from just one direction. When I finally accepted I was alcoholic I also went to an AA meeting where I could sit in the dark in the corner and hide out...only they didn't let me do that for long. I IDed myself and the meeting was very good.
It's good you are asking questions and for support...The fellowship will step up for you as it already has here at MIP. That will continue to happen as you keep walking thru the doors without reservation. When I had reservations I stayed away and that was very dangerous.
If you continue find a meeting that you can make your "home group". You will understand later where the value to your recovery in that is. For now just go, sit down, listen, learn and find something to practice that is new and different than what you now do. Have a great experience and come back and share it with us. (((hugs)))
Ok. I think I definitely need to do a Friday night meeting...my toughest nights. I'm going to stick in my city, too. I only found one on Friday night which is open and speaker. I am making a commitment to myself that I WILL go to that meeting. Geez...this is going to be so hard, but I know I have to do it. I will check in after and let you know how it went.
By the way, I truly thank God for each and everyone of you that have given me the knowledge, comfort and encouragement to help me take this new direction in my life.
One of the first meetings I went to was a speaker meeting also. It just so happened that it was a woman speaker, and one I could truly identify with. It was meeting her that kept me going back to meetings. At first I tried to hide in the corner and not be seen. After a while I moved out of the corner and eventually I began to share. Now I am a part of my home group. I wish I could say it has been all smooth sailing since I started, but for me, not so much. That is because I could not admit that I am an alcoholic, not because I wasn't offered help and support. I didn't take it. I am going to meet with my sponsor tomorrow and finish my 3rd step, begin my 4th. I have seen first hand the miracle of recovery in AA, and I want what they have. I just have to do the work. As one of the many AA sayings go, "Simple but not Easy". Please do let us know how it goes. Good luck and Peace.
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I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life so that I may enjoy all things.
Once you go to a meeting, you might ask others about women's and newcomer's meetings. Sometimes they don't label a meetings correctly... Sometimes there are women's meetings that meet on their own and might not be in the where and when.
I went to a wide range of meetings in my first year. It is recommended to do 90 meetings in 90 days. That gives you the chance to try all different types of meetings. Sounds daunting but really it's kind of exciting and you are going to learn a lot. Keep putting one foot in front of the other CM!
Mark
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Go to all of them ,everyday. Suit up, show up and shut up. Take what you need and leave the rest. Listen to people who have been around for awhile, watch their actions to see if they match their words. Go to meetings and dont drink.
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The smallest of good deeds is greater than the best of intentions.
Anonymous
Ok. I think I definitely need to do a Friday night meeting...my toughest nights. I'm going to stick in my city, too. I only found one on Friday night which is open and speaker. I am making a commitment to myself that I WILL go to that meeting. Geez...this is going to be so hard, but I know I have to do it. I will check in after and let you know how it went.
By the way, I truly thank God for each and everyone of you that have given me the knowledge, comfort and encouragement to help me take this new direction in my life.
We're happy to oblige. Keep hoping, keep praying, keep believing in miracles until you become one yourself. God bless...
Welcome to the forum! I have always felt comfortable in single-gender meetings, and even now, all the meetings but one that I regularly attend are women's meetings. It's just a different vibe and I feel like the fellowship is easier to get into. They should be labelled in the schedule, or call your local AA hotline and ask.
