Attending first AA meeting tonight. Very nervous. Any advice?

[EvenMoreFuriousVexation]

Hello all,

I have been getting support from my local alcohol service for some time but although my consumption has reduced, I am struggling with frequent relapses. So it's time to try a new approach.

I have social anxiety and really struggle with groups so I'm quite apprehensive about attending.

Any positive or negative experience to share? Especially about a first time.

Thanks x

Hello there - good for you.

Just remember everybody is there for exactly the same reason. You don’t have to say anything other than letting people know you’ve been trying to stop but finding it difficult. Conversely, you can talk as much as you want to, but I’d advise just listening too. There will be people there just a few days or weeks sober, and some who will be many years - we all help each other.

I was in exactly your situation about 30 years ago, and then I just wasn’t capable of imagining how good life would be sober, so great was my misery. It’s had its ups and downs, but it’s been an incredible journey.

I wish you the very best of luck.

PS I’ll be going to a meeting too.

I hope you found it helpful OP. Go to as many different meetings as you can and just listen. Look for the similarities with your story, not the differences. My first meeting was 11 years ago and I have not had a drink since. They have been the best 10 years of my life.