Announcement

**Eve11** · June 17, 2009, 01:05 AM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Time,

I had many positive experiences with AA and really liked the support of meeting people face to face and having mentors that talked to me, called me, encouraged me, etc. 3 of us would always go out for dinner after our weekly meeting and it was the best relationship. Very fond memories.

BTW, was AF without a problem for 7 years. Then met a guy who didn't like A.A. because his sister became addicted to A.A. and he talked me out of attending. Did ok without it for a couple of years and then relapsed I believe because I quit attending. The support for me was and is crucial. That's why I come here weekly (usually daily).

Good luck!
Eve11

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 01:54 AM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi Eve.

Thank you for you for your honesty.

I greatly appreciate it.

Brett.

**brittzak** · June 17, 2009, 08:36 AM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

You know I hear people say it is trading one addiction for another all the time....may be it is..but honey..I sure as hell would trade being drunk for a 1 hour AA meeting a day any time. AA is not for everyone...but, it has helped many. Brett, my suggestion to you is...you are going to get a million opinions, but NO ONE is YOU. Attend a meeting or two and make up your own mind. No one lives your life, but you.

**mom2ajt** · June 17, 2009, 08:56 AM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

I think it depends on the specific meetings as well. I've been to a few - some better than others. Try a few different locations and groups. The size and make-up of the group can vary quite a bit!

**polaryzed** · June 17, 2009, 04:20 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi Time To Love . . .

I can only attest to a person very close to me who has been going to AA for several years.

When she started 6+ years ago, unfortunately she was still smoking marajauna and taking other drugs so her head was not exactly in the right place to start with.

Two years into AA she slipped up and decided to go to rehab.

Today she swears by AA and how it's 12 step program and the people have changed the way she thinks, lives and loves others. She frequents various AA meetings in the city she lives in as well as finding other meetings in other cities that she visits. The people who know her say she is their inspiration to stay sober and live a AF live.

Best of the best in you journey ~ You Can Do It too!

**cacky** · June 17, 2009, 04:35 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

I like AA. I dont feel like its the only answer but i have met alot of great people. I also socialize with my AA friends outside of meetings. I love hearing the success stories and watching people transform from desperation to having experience, strength and hope. On the flip side, i also find AA to be quite difficult to be in as a repeat relapser. Its difficult going into the rooms and telling people that i drank (yet again) I dont always do it but i try to. This of course is all in my head. The group just is happy that I come back in.

I would try several meetings before you make any decisions about the program. Just like with any other group (there are good ones and not so good ones).

**CS04** · June 17, 2009, 04:44 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

I have been to AA meetings on and off for many years, in the city I used to live in and also here. You can find a group that clicks for you. You may find parts of it uncomfortable (a lot of people take issue with the God/Higher Power stuff), but as they say, "take what you like and leave the rest." I do like the fact that there are meetings everywhere in the country/world at many times during the day. As much as I love my MWO friends, and I have made some very close friends here who I talk with on the phone on a regular basis as well as posting, chat, etc., sometimes GOING TO A MEETING and talking to people in person is quite helpful.

There are also women's meetings, men's meetings, beginner meetings, gay/lesbian meetings...you get the idea -- much like the many threads here. I found a women's meeting that even serves lunch -- free food to boot!

But, as several here have said -- try a few. It can't hurt. Sit in the back, you don't have to say anything. I have said my name and that I am new, but I don't say "Hi My Name is CS and I'm an alcoholic." I can't voice those words.

My two cents.

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 05:00 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi Britzak.

You are right. The only person who can decide if it's right for me is me.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Stay well.

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 05:03 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi Mom2.

Unfortunately we only have a few locations close to where I live.

Most of those only have one or 2 meetings a week.

I will however try each one to see if they "fit".

Thanks again.

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 05:05 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi polaryzed.

Sounds like your friend has done extremely well with AA.

Thanks for your kind words and response.

Brett.

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 05:08 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi cacky.

Thanks for your honesty.

I think the social contact is what I'm looking for. At present I don't personally know one person who does not drink.

I appreciate your advice.

**TimeToLoveMyLiver** · June 17, 2009, 05:22 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Hi CS04

I think you have covered two of the main concerns that I have. I'm not a religious type of person so the whole religious thing feels a bit hypocritical on my behalf.

I also dread the though of saying hi, my name is Brett and I'm an alcoholic.

It may be the truth, but I am concerned by feeding this sort of information to my mind. I am totally aware that I should never drink again.

That would be like me saying Hi my name is Brett and I'm addicted to marijuana. I haven't smoked marijuana in 14 years or so and I'm 99.9% sure I will never do it again.

I want to move on.

I would however like to meet other people who have been through what I have been through and can relate to never being able to drink again.

I really want my cake and eat it too don't I ?

Thanks CS, I really appreciate your thoughts.

**cacky** · June 17, 2009, 05:29 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Time, CS is right when you go ..you should take what you want and leave the rest. You dont have to actually say anything. You may actually hear something you need to hear. The spirituality...well dont let that keep you out.

**gyco** · June 17, 2009, 05:43 PM

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

hi time,i commend you on your honesty,why the end of june and not now,you want to save your liver ? it is a strong organ , if not the stongest in the body, the brain is what you want to revive,ive been in and out of AA for 10years as someone said,it iss not for all,the book tells you that,buy the book,and read the 1st 164 pages,that is the gift,,then theres stories,im not being smart or nothing , i do no how you feel,there are many books on alchoholism out there , you have to choose whats best for you,what you have is an addiction to a substance,just like eating to much,not eating,starting fires,the list goes on,your thread struck me,i as i say to many ,wish you well gyco

Welcome Guest to My Way Out Forums.

Announcement

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

To AA Or Not To AA any Success Stories Appreciated.

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment