Feelin a little anxious HELP

[brandiroars386]

So some of you know I am going to my first NA meeting tomorrow.  As tonight is coming to an end, the reality is setting in that I am really going to do this.  I am more nervous about going than telling my husband I had a pill problem.  What is really starting to bother me is why the **** am I freaking out about this?  I am racking my brain trying to figure it out.  I know it's one of the best things I can do for myself, I know I need to get a grip on my aftercare.  Anyone have insight?

[OpenMind24hours]

Today is the tomorrow I worried about yesterday. Didn't make that up Brandi, I read it on here. I hope you have wonderful meeting tonight. Keep your mind open & search for a new way of living. I know you'll find it at that meeting somewhere!

[brandiroars386]

After reading all of these posts, I think you all had really great points.  Yes, it's true I am scared to admit to people I don't know that I am an addict.  Not only that but it is going to be so foreign to me to talk about it in that kind of a setting.  I am nervous that I will know someone there, or they will know me.  Thanks for your insight friends.  It starts at 7 tonight, so I will let you guys know how it goes.

[brandiroars386]

OMG!  That is crazy awesome!  I will be thinking of you while I'm there!  Can't wait to hear about it.

[tigerlily75]

Well, I will go to my first na meeting tomorrow too! You inspired me and so it will be both of our first days, our new lives, and we will go together in spirit! :)

[Kbusymom]

Annibelle is so right; my experience was the same.  You will be welcomed with open arms.  I was so scared to go back after relapsing, but the experience was still the same. I was welcomed back with no judgement and given so much encouragement.  Meetings are like MH; people love us until we learn to love ourselves.  

[Pat1956100]

I think it's a huge step and your feelings are perfectly normal.   I was wondering if you called them first and maybe there is someone that will go with you if you are really freaked out about it.
If not, like the others above have said, I am pretty sure you will be warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable.  You don't have to say anything.  Just see how it goes and how you feel.  One minute at a time.  Just like staying clean.

[annibelle48]

Hi there! I was scared to death before my first NA meeting. I went by myself and when I got there, people greeted me and hugged me and once I sat down, I was so thankful I went. All the people around me were loving, wonderful people who were addicts just like I am. No one judges me or looked down on me or looked weird at me. I knew I was in the beat place I could be. People will give you phone numbers... If you want to introduce yourself, just say "hi, I'm Brandi and I'm new here". If you're comfortable with saying you're an addict, say hi I'm Brandi and I'm an addict and I'm new here. That's it. Once you hear everyone share, you won't feel weird about saying hi. It'll be good... Really good. I'm proud of you....

[digger1976]

I agree with Sonrissa, it's more the fear of the unknown, you've never had to do something like this before, it's a big step! The fear is always way worse than the actual experience, once you get this hurdle out the way, you are going to be so proud of yourself, and so will the people at the meeting. You will be warmly welcomed, and told there's nothing to fear! From there you will enjoy it I'm sure, new friends to help you! Go and be proud of yourself for all you've achieved, ;)

[Sonrissa]

Hi Brandi, I really understand this. I am horribly shy, and don't do well in groups. But honestly, I think you will really feel good once you go. Everyone will be very welcoming, and try to make you comfortable. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Just sit and listen. You will find tons of support there. Try really hard to relax. I believe you will discover that your freaking out is totally unnecessary. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

[brandiroars386]

Yes I was planning on going alone.

[Pat1956100]

In my opinion, you are freaking out because you are about to admit to the world that you are an addict and of course that is difficult.  We have hid it from the world forever.  It's the complete opposite of what we are used to and totally out of our comfort zone.
Are you going to the meeting alone?