Hi I have been on and off alcohol for too long to remember, only ever staying sober for weeks at a time. So I think it’s time to seek help, I am thinking about attending my first ever AA meeting tonight however I have spent all day talking myself out of it as I’m terrified … any advice ? Thank you
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It’s scary. Terrifying really. Difficult. I wanted to vomit the entire day leading up to it. But I went! And it was nice to have people around that understood and could speak to me in a way in a way others could not. I hope you make it there today!!
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I attended meetings a few years ago but I was still in denial so never followed through with them. The first 3 meetings I went to I literally spoke to no one, no one pressured me into anything I just sat and listened. I was so nervous but everyone is there for the same thing. In my normal life I constantly felt people were judging me which led to my alcohol abuse when I socialised to ease the anxiety. At the meetings I didn’t once feel judged as everyone had the same issues.
It’s just like Talking Sober but with real people!
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It is a terryfing thing to do mate. But they really do help. Just go tonight you obviously realise you have a problem now tackle it and the meetings i found are great even to just see your not the only one with problems.
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I would definitely advise you to go. I will say for the meetings to be effective you have to have a open mind and be ready to commit to sobriety. The people there are great just like the people on this forum. AA is just a bit more personal. I can be pretty quiet myself and don’t like speaking in front of groups. But I go and I participate and it gets easier. The people there understand what you are going through. Most have gone through the exact same things. So go and participate. All it can do is help. You may find some answers there.
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Youl be ok everyone there has been were you have and get phone numbers , its the start of your journey in recovery if this old scots guy can do it anyone can wish you well
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Yup, we were all terrified. It’s normal to feel this way. Just try to remember that it’s just people like you. You don’t have to talk or anything. They may go around the room and say their names but if someone ask you to share, you can say pass if you want. Or you can share😉
Also remember that the only requirement for membership is the desire to quit drinking. It sounds like you have that
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Thanks for all your help, advice and wisdom… I am definitely gonna go no matter how scary it all is !! I will let you guys know how i get on later !! Thanks for being there
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We used to always say we drink because we were Scottish and it was in our blood … but hopefully one day I can follow in your footsteps … thanks again
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Go there and be brave. Be honest and you will find relief.
They will ask at the beginning of the meeting if there are any newcomers or first timers in attendance. You will raise your hand, and you will say “hi i am (your first name) and i’m an alcoholic.” They welcome you as a brother or sister of the struggle.
The meeting will proceed and someone will bring forth a topic or start a general discussion, so long as it isnt a birthday meeting. Sit back and listen. Really listen. And if you feel so inclined, share your story, how you currently feel, why you decided to go to a meeting, and some recovery goals you have.
Sharing is not mandatory, but I find the more honest I am with these like-minded people, the more motivated I am to have one more second, one more minute, one more hour, one more day of sobriety. Ultimately if we do not have sobriety we never really have much at all. Sobriety comes first compared to anything else, and if AA can help achieve that, then onward we go to AA.
I went to my first meeting last year after I was just five days clean from opiate addiction. Though i didnt struggle with actual alcohol my mindset is just the same as an alcoholic. I felt very welcome there and before long i found a month clean. I was sharing at every meeting and my confidence and attitude were growing with each attended meeting. After a couple of months i found excuses to do other things than go to AA meetings. Around that time I relapsed, a year ago now, and I havent found the courage to get sober again.
This message is for you. It is also for me. Hoping that recalling my experiences with AA will motivate me to embrace the impending shitstorm of detox so i can once again feel the miracle of sobriety. It works if you work it, as they say. Work work work.
Best wishes and prayers for you. Tackle your demons or they will surely consume you.
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Thank you very much for your advice and honestly … hopefully we can both find the strength to tackle these demons together. If I can do this then I’m sure you can too good luck
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Give us an update on how the meeting goes won’t you 
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Go in there, pick up a meeting schedule pamphlet if they have one. That way you can look it over a choose specific meeting top discussion that you feel most comfortable attending. Maybe arrive early to the meeting. You will see people arrive and most likely they will recognize you are a “new face” and will approach you first introducing themselves. Sometimes there are AA “greeters” who’s service work is just that…to pay particular attention to making newcomers feel welcome. You are never required to say anything. You are perfect welcome to sit wherever you want to during the meeting and just listen. You will likely notice…“these people are just like me”! Listen for similarities and not differences. Great opportunity to meet new friends like here in TS, except in person. 
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Hi buddy meeting well really well … lots of really nice people. Very glad I went thanks for your support
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Nothing to fear but fear itself.
The same voice talking you out of a meeting will talk you into a drink.
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Glad you made it!
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My first day sober, I went to 5 AA meetings. Drove to each one, parked, cried my eyes out. Drove off with out getting out. 90 days later went to my first one…hardest thing ever. It was the best thing I ever did. Something about setting face to face with people battling the same stuff…this ap is great, but AA, and actual people…best thing I ever did.
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So am I… best thing I have done So far!!!
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so your from the promised land , what area do you live if you dont mind me asking , up the Scots
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Haha yeah sure am mate I live in a wee town called shotts do you know it ? Where are you from ?