Going back to AA

[Nichau]

aihfl, I lived in Florida for five years and never found a less-than-Bible-thumping group. (I *did* insist on sunset outdoor meetings, though!) I wish I would have found my group, as you did. That sounds awesome. However, like me, I remain jaded. So glad you found your group, and hope I do someday soon, too!

[aihfl]

Hi Nichau, I should have said in my earlier post I'm not so much agnostic as I am a largely secular Jew (I enjoy a good Seder meal and eat my fill of latkes during Hanukkah like the Christians and their Easter or Christmas ham) and what I enjoy about this meeting (there are other Jews that go for the same reason) is that there is ZERO religious talk. In most of the other meetings I've been to, it's made clear that the "God of your understanding" is the Christian one, and that would make me bristle to the point I became unreceptive to the message. I'm really grateful for these people. At the rate which my alcoholism was progressing, I think I would be close to dead right now without them.

[lex]

So glad that this AA group is a good fit for you! Many folks don't realize there are AA meetings all over the place and a lot of variety amongst them. Something for everyone.

[Mentium]

Thanks all for the kind responses. Attended a meeting two nights ago now - and going to one tonight. I was a bit anxious because I knew that there would be many of the same old faces, a couple of years older and maybe a bit judgmental. I live in a small city (aihfil: thus not much choice of the local groups - three in the city and a couple about 45 minutes drive away). Thankfully none of them produce the sort of hostile comments aihfil experienced - and in fact they were of course very welcoming.

Lex sent me some info about seeing the Steps in a different light. I have also read a lot about agnostic and atheist approaches, however the local groups, while not overtly religious certainly seem to believe they are on a 'spiritual journey'. Still the point for me of AA in the absence of a mindset that can deal with that sort of process is the peer support. Plenty of that.

Nice people all. Anyway will see how it goes!