Hey guys. I’m just reaching out to see how you all feel about meetings? What’s discussed? Does the person running the meeting call on new comers? Are zoom meetings as affective as in person?
I am a shy person and I have very bad anxiety so for me to put myself in this situation it’s seeming impossible. Right now I am not in dire need of a meeting but I would like to at least try it out and see how I feel? Would love some feedback! Thank you!!
Hey Ash Leigh,
Most of my meetings lately have been in Al-Anon. But I have been to quite a few AA meetings and NA meetings a long time ago. I wanted to see what it was like because my kids were addicts. Anyway. I’ve never seen meetings where people were pressured to talk. Maybe that’s not always the case. But if someone did call on you to talk you can just say “pass.” I feel many people have been in your shoes and would respect your decision to pass.
I’ve heard Zoom meetings are great if you can’t get to in person meetings. But I’ve also heard many people really prefer the face to face meetings. I personally wouldn’t like zoom AlAnon meetings because I hate zoom. But if my life was unmanageable at the time I’d do zoom.
I’m sure some others will join in with some answers.
You can always search up above about meetings. There are a lot of beginners who have shared their experiences.
Here ya go.
I suggest trying out intherooms.com and get the feel how meetings are done. You will not be called on unless you turn your camera on and request to share.
I personally enjoy in person meetings much better than online. At in person, you’re not required to share either. The great thing about meetings is you do what you feel comfortable doing and no one will push you.
I have this AA meeting app that tells me the times these online and in person meetings in my area are… and it’s great because I didn’t know I had some choices so close to me. I almost joined one today but I just am so terrified of being put on the spot. Even saying “ pass” or speaking at all scares the shit out of me. My best friend is almost 2 years in and I know she will be right by my side but I still feel way too nervous right now. Hmm maybe it’s just something I have to think about. Thank you all for your feedback!!! 
Everyone’s recovery. The ups and downs and how they deal with it.
No. You are invited to say your name so you can be welcomed. You are invited to share, but you don’t have to.
Then get in there and overcome it ! I’m an autist myself but consider my homegroup my family by now. Some of them became friends.
Just try some groups untill you find one you feel good about. AA or NA.
The best thing about AA is if you go long enough and work it properly it will knock all that ‘Me’ out of you… That ego, false pride and fear will be replaced with the feeling of " I wonder who I can help today by sharing my experience?"
Remember everyone there is or was as scared as you but is it as scary as living the rest of your life as a miserable alcoholic.
The opposite of fear is faith,may you find some now.
Everyone there has been were you are now go along see for yourself dont have to say anything , just sit and listen get phone numbers best move i made , i have done three top tables last week and another this Thursday, still love them even after decades of going wish you well
Tonight I attended my first CA meeting and I absolutely loved it! I have quite a bit of experience going to AA and NA meetings but what I loved so much about CA was how absolutely all inclusive it was. It doesn’t matter if your problem was with alcohol, drugs, even sex or gambling, it was a space where all were welcome. I’ve had experience at AA meetings where it wasn’t acceptable for me to introduce myself as an addict and I know at NA meetings it’s not acceptable to name your drugs of choice outright but at CA I could openly share about my struggle with crack and fentanyl and it was not only accepted, but everyone accepted me and many people in the room could relate to my struggles and were there to help if I needed guidance.
I hope anyone who is reading this and is new to 12 step programs could get something out of my experience. AA and NA absolutely saved my life and helped me get clean and sober, I’m just excited about the experience I had at CA tonight. If anyone was ever wavering on trying out a CA meeting, I hope my insight was helpful 