AA meetings

[mjax024]

when i got out of bed this morning the wds didnt seem too, too bad....the problem is i woke up frustrated from no sleep for a couple days and very thirsty....really intense cravings. so i've decided my first meeting should be tonight after work, i already have a very close friend taking me so i can't worm out of it, but my question is how do they work? i know the difference between open and closed meeting, but beyond that i only know what they show on tv and movies...am i expected to tell my story tonight? do i have to say anything but my name? it just seems very intimidating to me at this moment.....

[dede2121]

i have been going to meetings since i quit 53 days ago and havent spoken at all. other than to tell my name. i just feel better listening.  maybe someday i will open up and share but i still am uncomfortable. now i do sit and talk to people before the meetings but just dont tell my story during the meetings.

[Htownnofrown]

There are different formats to meetings, but the majority are simple discussion meetings where a leader will introduce a topic, then either call on people to share, or open the meeting to volunteers. During what I like to call the preamble, where they read a few things out of our basic text before opening the meeting, they might ask if there is anyone attending their very first meeting tonight. At this point you can raise your hand and give them your name if you like. You'll find that most people that have been to a few meetings identify themselves like this: "My name is Ross and I'm an alcoholic". You do not have to identify as such if you don't know if you are or not yet. The purpose behind asking if there are any newcomers is not to embarrass you but to let some of the 'oldtimers' at the meeting know who you are so they can welcome you. You most definitely do not have to tell your story lol. You don't have to say anything the whole time if you don't feel like it. My sponsor actually recommended I just listen at the first few meetings, just so I could hear what was being said instead of thinking about what I would say when it was my turn.

I will say this; I am glad you are trying out a meeting. Try and be open minded. Listen for the similarities between others stories and yours instead of picking apart the differences. Also, go to a few different meetings, that way if you don't quite like the first one, you might find one thats a better fit elsewhere. AA saved my life and I know it can do it for you, it is very true when they say 'it works if you work it'. Good luck, let me know how it goes!

Ross

[Katrina81]

I had the same questions about NA. My 1st nite I didnt say anything. Not even my name. The 2nd nite I gave my name. Now I have gone to more than 5 and they cant shut me up. lol so while they encouraged me to talk they didnt pressure. again this is just my experience. i would hope you will feel encouragement and NOT pressure. Good luck and keep me posted after the meeting.