At first ever meeting

[MalbecJunkie]

I’m kind of scared, it’s kind of intimidating.

Well done for going. My BF celebrated 4 years at Xmas. You can do this.

Have you been yet? It's going to be fine I promise!
You can either say, "hi I'm, X, this is my first time here and I don't want to share today thanks", or "pass thank you", or "hi, I'm X and I'm an alcoholic and here's my life story.....".

All of the above is welcome!

You are likely to be thrusted with phone numbers from well meaning people at end of group, in my experience, take all politely, but DO NOT contact opposite sex members. This is actually an AA rule"

If you don't 'gel' with the first group you go to, try others, you'll find your tribe!

Good luck. Xx

How was it @MalbecJunkie?? Thinking of I this week hope it has been going well for u x

It was a lot less frightening that I anticipated!
It turned out this meeting was based on mindfulness practices.
The next one is more “my name is Malbec and I’m here for public humiliation”

Things are moving forward - I have a date for my medical detox.

Fantastic news! Is that a home medical detox or inpatient?

I did it as an inpatient as there is another alcoholic in my household which meant an at-home detox wasn't appropriate.

Now over a fortnight alcohol-free, so very early days but I'm glad about it.

That's amazing @MalbecJunkie, well done you!
Are you finding it hard with your partner at home?
My husband isn't an alcoholic, but does drink most days, I found that hard... and it used to really annoy me when he was drunk and slurring and being annoying when I was sober. Felt so lonely. At one point, the deal was no booze in house, so he'd go to pub several evenings a week, and I felt lonelier than ever.
HOWEVER, I had a lot of people in AA tell me to leave my husband and father of my children which just was never going to happen. I'm pleased to say he drinks a lot less now.

Do you find the AA is working well for you?

I’m not actually in AA, I’m using an NHS affiliate program which is working well so far.
Three zoom meetings a week, other in-person groups available should I want to attend.

I’m actually having my most difficult day so far - some health care stress and extended family worries. When I got a bit of good news an hour ago the urge to say to hell with it was strong, so I’m having a soft drink and a cookie to distract myself.

NHS programme sounds good!

Good for you, distraction and keeping busy is so important in the early days.
I can understand the urge, but 'play the tape forward' and picture how drinking would affect both you and any difficult or celebratory situations in the next 24/48 hours... it's not worth it.