Whats a good Meeting Type for a Newbie?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2004
Whats a good Meeting Type for a Newbie?
12
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 3:53pm
I am finally thinking about exploring AA as a way to get my winoism in check. I looked on the website and there are so many different meetings - I don't know where to start. Any ideas?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2004
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 4:14pm

If there is a newcomer meeting, that would be the best. Speaker meetings tend to be larger, but sitting and listening to someone, and identifying with their story helps a lot. In my area (Central NY) we have discussion meetings. They are good also.



Avatar for carol777
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 5:07pm

I agree...a Newcomers is slanted for those who are uninformed.

I find this accurate..

http://www.bma-wellness.com/papers/First_AA_Meeting.html

Good for you!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 5:10pm
Good for you! I suggest the following types of meetings: women's meetings, closed discussion meetings, step meetings, speaker meetings, beginners meetings - just about any meet will do!
God bless and keep us posted!
Leslie
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2004
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 7:12pm

There isn't really a womens or beginnings meeting in my area. I called the local office and the gentlemen suggested a gratitude meeting. Then he was like, let people know thta you're new, get some telephone numbers, identify a sponsor, we suggest 90 meeting in 90 days, blah, blah, blah. I was like WTF - I was just going to go to a meeting and check it out. Now I am really nervous about going and quitting drinking - I didn't think I would have this much anxiety about living wineless - but apprently I do.

Does this initial apprehension mean that I am destined for failure? Is it common to be apprehensive at first?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 8:19pm
YES!!!!!! Apprehension is completely and totally to be expected. While it is a good idea to let people know you are new, you do NOT have to say anything at all!!!! The hardest thing in the world to do is to walk into an AA meeting - but please remember this: EVERY single person that is in that meeting felt exactly like you are feeling now. You are not alone - trust me.
AA saved my life, my marriage, my relationship with my daughter, my job, my health, my home, and my sanity.
What have you got to lose?
Deep breath... you can do this...
God bless,
Leslie
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2003
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 9:21pm

Hi June,


WOW....the anxiety I went thru!

Avatar for carol777
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 08-15-2006 - 4:24am

"Does this initial apprehension mean that I am destined for failure?"

Not at all. The guy you spoke with was over zealous.
Just go and listen. Go to several and consider them as classrooms.
Read the link I gave you for what to expect.

" Is it common to be apprehensive at first?"

Heck Yes! None of wanted to be alcoholics!
How about asking a friend to come with you?

I never heard of a person dying from an AA meeting
I know many alcoholics who died without finding them.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2004
Thu, 08-17-2006 - 4:50pm
Well, my therpist has been in the program for years. She was able to help me identify a meeting tomorrow night - hopefully I will be starting a new chapter.... I am nervous but excited at the same time. Any tips for meeting numero uno?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2003
Thu, 08-17-2006 - 11:06pm

I was told at my first few meetings that all I had to do was change everything in my life...and start out by doing three things.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Sat, 08-19-2006 - 1:27am

>>Is it common to be apprehensive at first?<<

I'm probably coming in late with this but, of course it's common. You're only talking about taking on a whole new life, a new way of thinking, reacting, living. It's a big step. And then there's the fears of "What if I can't do it?". Very normal.

Have you checked into Women For Sobriety? In my area we only meet once a week. I don't know what your level of needed support is but if the 90 days, 90 meetings thing is overwhelming, maybe a different program will be a better fit?

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