I’ve been to a couple of AA meetings online today, they are easier for me than physical ones due to work, childcare, etc. I’m confused though by the 12 steps, big book, etc and where to start. Also how do I get a sponsor?
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I sponsor but not online , my guys go to face to face meetings . if you google the big book and 12 steps there are books that will explain and you can also search for sponsors online wish you well
The Welcome Connect platform allows you to connect directly with newcomers so you can mutually decide if you want to pursue sponsorship together . Are you seeking a sponsor? Find out when you can sign up on Welcome Connect.
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A sponsor should help you with that. The big book explains about various aspects of alcoholism and the 12 steps as set out by the two founders of AA. Usually in online meetings people willing to sponsor put their phone number in the chat, and you can ask someone that way.
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- Attend a few aa meetings
- Ask someone of the same sex who has what you want to be your sponsor
- Your sponsor will hold you accountable and be a lifeline when cravings/emotions get too much…they help you think outside your addict thinking
- You and your sponsor will go thru the 12 steps
Before asking someone to be your sponsor id suggest you meet for coffee/lunch and ask about their story and how they sponsor.
Dont overthink it. Just do the next right thing
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Thank you for the help 
I wondered if I could ask on this thread as it’s about AA.
I’m on day 886 and I’ve never been to a meeting and only just recently joined this site. So not really met people going through same stuff.
I’m terribly shy and awkward and not sure I could face walking into a meeting, I would literally be awful. But I fell I might somehow benefit.
I’ve also heard about online meetings but I’d be very embarrassed if there was someone I knew on there. I know this is a very silly attitude as they would be there for the same reason.
Can anyone help with how they did their first meeting? And overcame their fears?
Of course before, if I was shy or scared, I would have had a few drinks and then walk in anywhere!
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I started going to meetings very early in sobriety. I’m sure there was some nervousness on my part but I can safely say that the fear of picking back up was a lot worse than my fear of sitting in a room for an hour. It was life or death for me so I was willing to do anything to stay sober.
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If you download the Everything AA app, there is a section there for meetings. It will show a ton of online meetings from all over.
Some will say they require you to have a video on, some will ask that you say why you don’t want it on (I did this in one, I just explained that I’m new, I didn’t feel comfortable with having a video on yet and if they prefer I left I would leave, but they didn’t mind at all) , some just don’t mind if you don’t put on your video.
If you go for a meeting that is a bit further afield than your current location you might feel more at ease. I have been to a couple now and haven’t shared anything yet or turned on my camera but honestly, the people are so genuinely lovely, and you will feel at ease when you start to listen and see they are just like you.
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I do online. The first few months I just listened with camera off. I listened to various ones until I found a speaker meeting that I liked. I listened to that and started sharing with my camera off for a few weeks / months. Then I started turning my camera on. I was shaking the first few times I shared, and literally just word vomited. It is OK. Everyone is there to support, and you don’t have to be Nobel prize winningly inspiring. Some meetings ask for you to put your camera on a bit so they can check you are a real person. You can easily leave a meeting and log onto a different one another time if you really don’t want to show your face yet.
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Thanks everyone, that is so useful and good to know. I am going to give it a go!
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