The First Meeting

So you admitted you are powerless over alcohol and your life is unmanageable? Well, what are we going to do about it?!! Let’s talk Meetings!

My favorite response, which I also was guilty of saying is “that’s a joke, AA is just another cult” ha, even better “I don’t have a problem, that person is just annoying.” I swam the River of Denial for a long tiring time. So let’s smash these rumors real quick. The fellowship is absolutely incredible and powerful in itself. And the most busiest group of people I have ever met! There is always something to do or be at service of. I was shaking when I was dropped off to my first meeting. I had no clue what to expect and how to act. I walked in and took the furthest seat in the back closest to my exit strategy plotting how to get an Uber to a bar! Not even kidding, I was terrified. But that’s normal, “keep coming back!” “It works if you work it!” “One day at a time!” “The promises do come true!” WILL be repeated over and over again but one day it will just clique in your head and make sense.

Are your parents worried? Your boyfriend or girlfriend concerned? Friends getting fed up with the “I’m sorries”? Good news for them, there is a whole other part to this program for our loved ones! Al-Anon has but one purpose to help families of alcoholics. Their goal is to be welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. I felt this was so helpful for my family and friends, especially leaving rehab when no one knew what to say or do with me. “Are we mad at her? Are we overwhelming her? What do we do With her now?” and all we, the alcoholic, want is for everyone to ACT normal! lol, but it’s not always that easy, hence an Al-anon meeting may be needed.

There is a reason why there are 2.1 million members in AA. You will eventually find a meeting that cliques with your personality and schedule. Plus, other people who are also scared to be open about their situation. That’s one of the BEST and most important part about meetings, you are anonymous! The secret pact of anonymity is precious and taken very seriously. I highly recommend going to all different types of meetings, newcomer meetings to start! Then sharing here and there so people can hear your story. Really want to get involved? Becoming a door greeter, coffee maker, or cookie bringer can help you learn names and faces plus make you feel fulfilled by doing service to the group. This is a very friendly loving group, introduce yourself! We would love to get to know you!

Need to find a meeting? No worries!

https://www.aa.org/

https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/

The best resources app;

Meeting Guide App

over 10,000 meetings are posted world wide daily and can be set to your zip code and preferences easily!

enjoy!