Please tell me what I can expect at my first AA meeting?!
Question: Hi. I've had a drinking problem for several years resulting in physical dependency and liver problems. I'm very committed to quitting and already visit my psychiatrist once a week for counseling.
I've decided to try AA to have the support of a group of people. I am, however, an athiest. I will be happy to treat everyone's beliefs with respect and hope they do for me. I've been told that I can take what I need and leave the rest from the system.
Is this true? Will people be nice to me? I'm very nervous and would really appreciate any input.
Thanks!
Answers: Hi. I've had a drinking problem for several years resulting in physical dependency and liver problems. I'm very committed to quitting and already visit my psychiatrist once a week for counseling.
I've decided to try AA to have the support of a group of people. I am, however, an athiest. I will be happy to treat everyone's beliefs with respect and hope they do for me. I've been told that I can take what I need and leave the rest from the system.
Is this true? Will people be nice to me? I'm very nervous and would really appreciate any input.
Thanks!
I am also an atheist and struggled with that issue when attending AA/NA meetings, but the benefit of having the support group far outweighs any religiosity in the structure of the meetings, implied or explicit. They always refer to a "Higher Power," and most atheists choose to use "The Universe" or the group itself as their higher power. As long as you can envision yourself as part of something bigger than yourself, you'll be fine. They are usually very tolerant of all different beliefs or lack thereof, but each group has its own "personality." The point is that you are to put p"rincipals before personalities" and not let anyone get in the way of your recovery. I did have some trouble with the feeling that the whole thing was a bit cult-like, but I knew my life was at stake and so, for the first time in my life, I let myself go with the group for a while. Some folks will become addicted to the process of recovery and end up sounding like automatons but you can choose to use AA until you don't need it anymore. As always, the key is thinking for yourself and incorporating what works for you. And yes, you will be welcomed with open arms. Much luck to you!
Yes people understand what you are going through there is no reson to be nervouse you will meet lots of people and the good news is thers so many meetings to go to its fun take care of you .
I have never been to an AA meeting but I would think you would absolutely be treated with dignity and respect after all everybody there has been through struggles with alcohol so will be supportive. I would focus more on getting well and not worry about the religious aspect to AA. You will be discussing coping with staying sober and likely not have religious discussions.
the people their are very nice and they don't talk much about religion and if they do they are very open and welcome. you'll have to be open about your addiction and understand that people aren't judging you and they just try to help you out.
People will be very nice to you, of course, they are there to help you ;-)
Being an atheist should not be an issue on an AA meeting!
Acknowledging you have a problem will be the first step, because people with an alcohol problem tend to say there is no problem at all!
they depend on where you go... ive been to some (court order) that everyone laughed, and joked around.... but in some people flip out, scream, fight, or are just rude.
The hardest thing for me was.... I kicked some girls' ***, she couldnt prove it, so she instead called a hotline and said I was an alcoholic... I dont drink... in the past 365 days i may have had four drinks.... so I had to go... I kept saying i'm not an alcoholic... but denial is the first step... so you have to go in there and believe in God, say you're a drunk....
they are very closed minded... they relpace their alcohol and drug addiction with cigarettes and caffiene, and push God and jesus down your throat, and tell you you suck.
That was my expierience... and I'm pretty easy going, so I didnt instigate this. (well easy going until a certain point)
It depends on the meeting and the people there really.
But everyone is welcome. You may speak if you wish, or hold your peace. At the end everyone may hold hands and say the Lord