Thinking
of Going to an AA Meeting? Here Are a Few Tips
So,
you’ve been asked to attend some AA meetings. Or you want to attend some AA
meetings. You are probably wondering what to expect. Unless you’ve been to AA
before, then perhaps you may think you know what to expect. But, luckily, every
AA meeting is a little different. That means you can lay aside your
expectations and just enjoy the experience.
How
to find an AA Meeting. The oldest way is to look in the phone book, under
Alcoholism. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find a listing for
Alcoholics Anonymous. On the Internet search “AA meetings in (your city).” On
your smart phone, search for applications under the topics “AA Meetings” or “12
Step Recovery.”
Open
or Closed? If you believe you’re alcoholic, try a “closed” meeting, as they are
for alcoholics only. If you’re unsure about your status, try an “open” meeting.
The most important thing is to GO! It’s really recommended you try about eight
meetings before you make a decision about whether or not AA is for you.
Do I
have to talk? No. Every AA group is different; however, they all essentially
operate the same. You may or might not be asked to share or talk. It’s
definitely ok to pass. You don’t have to announce yourself as an alcoholic or
share anything unless you want to. It’s helpful to arrive at the meeting a
little early, that way you can get a seat and not draw too much attention to
yourself as a newcomer. The folks that are early to meetings are usually pretty
sturdy AA members; they come early to set up and welcome people just like you.
The people you meet will help you adjust to how the meeting works and what to
expect. Just tell them you’re new to AA, and that this is your first meeting.
What
to bring. The most important thing to bring along is an open mind. It helps to
bring a little willingness too. Listening is the best gift you can bring almost
anywhere. If you listen in on an AA meeting, often you will be able to identify
with or relate to folks who are talking. Of course you can bring a friend in
case you’re nervous or scared, but unless your friend is an alcoholic, it’s best
to go to an open meeting. Bring a dollar bill (or two) for the donation basket.
It’s customary in AA to pay the rent by passing a collection basket. This
usually happens about half way through the meeting.
Try
to remember that everyone in the room had been new to AA just like you. They
all had to find their way to their first AA meeting, they all had to ask
questions and feel a little uncomfortable.
Do I
have to stay for the whole meeting? No. But if you can, try and stay for the
entire meeting. If you can’t, if you’re just too uncomfortable or perhaps too
emotional, it’s definitely ok to leave. Be polite, try and wait for a pause in
people’s sharing before you exit. Try to remember that everyone in the meeting
is really there to carry a message of hope to you and are wanting to offer
their support to someone new to AA just like you.
No comments:
Post a Comment