I’ve been trying to get sober for almost a year now, I’ve fallen off the wagon more times than I can count but and I’m tired of falling into this pattern. I want to go to AA more consistently, but I have paralyzing social anxiety about going to meetings that triggers my drinking. I’ve been to a few but I’ve been a nervous wreck for most of them. I think having a consistent schedule and a sponsor would help me stay disciplined, but I can’t work up the nerve to go.
Anyone else dealt with this issue? How did you overcome?
I suffer from anxiety and remember my first meeting. Before it I thought, forcibly, “I’m going!” Took a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other. The more you go, the easier it becomes. It’s good to remember that every single person in those rooms has been exactly where you are.
If there are many different meetings in your area, try as many as you can make it to. You’ll find some that you like more than others. That should make it easier to want to go.
Have you tried virtual meetings? You dont even have to show your face and can still listen to the message. Maybe that could help you get used to how different types of meetings are ran so you know what to expect in person ahead of time.
All in all, no one will force you to share. Besides maybe your name. And no one will be offended if you don’t talk to them before or afterwards. I hope you can build up the courge and keep coming back!
I had this problem when I first attended meetings about 10 years ago, I would go home and drink over everything that was said by the people and I would never gain any time. So I quit going. But my drinking got so bad that I became violent and was in and out of jail and losing jobs and relationships left and right. When I attended again almost 4 years ago now, I went to the right group and got the love and support that I needed. I was told to have an open mind about the program and to not drink in between meetings. I was told to stick with with winners, go out to eat with them or go for a nature walk with someone. Make a connection with someone there. Please have an open mind about the program because it has done me wonders.
I to was nervous but i wanted to get sober and i was willing to give it a try , there are meetings on zoom .also i do 12 step work like someone like yourself is anxiety i go pick them up and take them to a meeting .maybe phone your local service office AA and they will put you right . wish you well
Welcome. Just a suggestion there are online AA meetings. I started with attending those. This past Monday was my first in person meeting . Liked so much I went again Tuesday. You can stay really anonymous with the online meetings. Remember all these folks are suffering from addiction and want to stay sober just like yourself