To worry about going to AA meeting incase I’m recognised?

[LittleBlackCurlyHairs]

I’m a healthcare professional that really needs help to stop binge drinking 4 nights a week.

But AIBU to worry about actual AA meetings incase I’m recognised by one of my own patients? How the fuck can I give out health advice when I’m in this state myself?

Unless you share your circumstances, surely all a patient could deduce from your presence is that you’ve had alcohol issues at some point in your life. Please go to a meeting. You deserve help to tackle this.

I had a problem with alcohol about 15 years ago and needed to go to AA and haven't had a drink since. I'm senior NHS professional too.
I went to my local one to find two of the GP's I work for regulars there.
We are all only human, AA is completely confidential and the atmosphere there is one of we can say anything and it will go no further, we are all battling the same problem, it doesn't matter who we are or what we do, we are doing something about it.
I did go a bit further afield so as to avoid any of my patients and it seemed the doctors had the same idea.

The group was incredibly useful and I needed the group to get myself together.

It's unlikely someone will recognise you. But to me, I'd be fine taking health advice from someone who recognised their own problems and took steps to address them. There will be all sorts of people there with all sorts of jobs

My bf is a regular AA attender and he sees people from all walks of life and never judges anyone who find themselves there-quite the opposite in fact.
One of the friends he has made through AA is a doctor and as far as I know she hasn't had any problems with going to meetings locally.
Good luck x

Well done for wanting to do something about it.

Please please don't use this as an excuse not to go to A.A. it is anonymous and everyone there will be so pleased you came.

It's the best support ever and everyone understands just how scary it is to walk into your first meeting. It's OK. It really will be OK.

I've been to loads an err in my first meeting saw my next door neighbour (though I didn't know he was then)!

He and his wife are now some of my closest friends.

In my home group there is a doctor and two other HCP, a teacher and all sorts

We all support each other regardless of what jobs we do/have lost.

You will be amount people who totally understand you and will never judge.

Please go, you'll be glad you did. I promise you.

Hi, one of the things about AA is that it’s anonymous. However, for some people that anonymity is paramount I believe there are some meetings which could help.

Please contact the AA

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/About-AA/Newcomers/About-AA-Meetings

If confidential, so please go if you think it will help. My cousin goes to one in our home town and has never talked about who she sees there.

You know there's also a counselling service available for Healthcare workers who need help with things like depression, medication, etc which is completely confidential and means you won't come across anyone you know if RL or have to ask a surgery you know for medication?

Please dont let it stop you from going. This is a case where you'll be much harder on yourself than anyone else could be.
Just imagine if you saw your GP there. You wont, but imagine how hard it must be for him to spend much of his day asking people whether they drink and going home and binge drinking? It must be a really heavy burden to carry...please do not talk yourself out of this.
I know a few people who got on really well at AA, many have professional jobs, and have been worried about someone judging that they shouldn't have an alcohol problem, but all they've received is understanding and support.
Some of the people I know (not really in my circle but my dads) have attended AA, and have worked as nurses, some even very involved with mentoring others with addiction.

Is there any chance that taking this step might even save your career? You say you're likely to be sacked.

And my cousin is general a big old blabbermouth! But her AA visits are sacred.

Many celebrities go to AA and it’s a credit to this wonderful organisation that nothing seeps out.
Hope you go along OP.
Sorry, think I pressed the wrong button.

I hope you're there now. It takes lots of courage to reach out for help but don't let a possibility stop you from finding support. I genuinely hope you find what you need.

But AIBU to worry about actual AA meetings incase I’m recognised by one of my own patients? How the fuck can I give out health advice when I’m in this state myself

You know what? If I was looking for advice and support I would want to take it from someone who knows, from someone who gets it and understands how hard it is. Look on this as another stepping stone and that by helping yourself by going to AA you will be able to help others even more aswell. You will find nothing but support at a meeting. Fair play to you for taking this step and seeking help. That is huge.

Hi @LittleBlackCurlyHairs did you get to a meeting?

If you aware local to me I can take you to one if that helps. I'm SE.

Honestly don’t worry about it, I have seen numerous household name celebrities at meetings and bumped into the odd work colleague too, it’s totally fine, everyone is there to support each other.

You could try this organisation: www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/
they help NHS staff in difficulties like yours.

Do you mean what would you say if you call AA? You'd be talking to someone in exactly the same boat as you! So there's nothing to worry about, they'd understand absolutely everything you say, even if you can't quite find the words.

One of the traditions of AA is you are welcome if your desire is to stop drinking. That's you, so you belong.

Sometimes professionals attend 12-step meetings so they know what they're referring others to ie research (but they wouldn't be able to share) . No one knows why you're there and, frankly, nobody cares. Everyone is focused on their own recovery and are deadly serious. It's life and death stuff.

There are myriad AA meetings at all times of day in every city or town. I often go to AA meetings while I'm traveling (though I attend another 12-step group (with less meetings) and wouldn't be able to share at AA), I am welcome, no questions asked at all, ever. I assure you, everyone is intensely focused on their own recovery. It's the most egalitarian place, love and understanding a given.

Well done for facing recovery. You won't regret it 🌺💐

I understand there are online AA groups, which might help you, especially if you find yourself in the position of having to self- isolate as well as removing the anonymity worry. There are certainly twice daily AA meetings on Secondlife. That might also be helpful if your working hours are irregular or awkward and you find you prefer a meeting where you can "see" other people. Second- life is free to join and you don't have to spend "lindens" on your avatar or anything. (Although you could spend a little and turn up as a giraffe or something if you preferred.)
Whatever you decide, very best wishes and I hope things get better for you.

AA/12 step meetings are relying on WhatsApp/zoom/etc meetings at the mo.