To AA or not?

[pingu1997]

3 months and 1 week AF......

but I'm struggling a bit right now and I feel a social outcast and devoid of personality without a drink in my hand. Also working with a counsellor over depression and self esteem issues and I haven't found a way yet of dealing with life's shit without pouring vodka down myself

So she suggested AA and the thought of it made me a bit scared

What she said, which I did relate to a lot, was that this is a difficult thing to overcome on your own.

Any advice please would be gratefully appreciated, I am very confused right now

Thank you
Corinne

[Muppett]

To AA or not?

I considered going to AA but I live in a small town and have been to AA meetings in the past. Seems everyone (in my experience) talked about each other out of the meetings BUT having said that, it's a programme that's helped millions of people. Follow your heart and do what YOU want. Good luck. Kia Kaha

[Lavande]

To AA or not?

Corinne,

Sorry, I just saw this.

I don't go to AA myself but many do & it has helped them tremendously.

Why don't you jump into the AA thread, see what you think:

https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...6-a-50557.html

Best wishes!
Lav

[red67]

To AA or not?

Hi Corrine I have tried AA many times and has so far not been for me. What really did help me was SMART Recovery. SMART is based on behavior and cognitive changes. This was my saving grace. I finally felt the power to change my life and it gave me the tools to do it. However in saying that I am still trying to find an AA group that fits me. I am looking for a supportive group that accepts the way I am choosing to live alcohol free, using this website and behavior changes. There are so many ways to become and live alcohol free, use whatever works for you and don't feel afraid to to try everything and anything that will get you there.

I am only two days behind you. It is a journey but it can be so transforming.

Great job and lets keep it up!

[pingu1997]

To AA or not?

I think I am going to give it a try on Thurs, if I hate it or it's not for me I don't ever have to show my face again.

I'm just finding it hard at the moment, can't really explain how, but trying to do this on my own is making Pingu a very unhappy cat at times...

That's why I thought about going to meet some people who would understand what it feels like....

[greeneyes]

To AA or not?

Corrine, I liked AA when I went. I never actively participated and never felt pressured to do so. It was just comfortable being there. There are lots of groups so don't make a decision for all based on just one. I remember calling the main numer in my area and the person I spoke to helped pick out a group for me based on our conversation about me and what I was looking for. I went to a couple, but liked the initial one the best. Give it a try - you've got nothing to loose and a whole lot to gain!

[pingu1997]

To AA or not?

what's a sponsor?

I am going Thurs with a totally open mind, being that if it doesn't float my boat then I won't be going back. I have nothing to lose by going. I am taking a non-AL friend with me for support. If it doesn't feel right then so be it. I think that's a good plan right now

The following week I have been invited to an evening meeting with an AL friend who has been involved for 12 years plus. I want to try it out first see if it's for me

Corinnex

[Marshy]

To AA or not?

Hi Pingu,

Like Greenie, I feel comfortable at AA. Everyone is there for the same reason and I like to hear other people's stories.

I don't know where you live and how many meetings there are but I'd say if you don't like the first one, try a different one, shop around a bit. You can get a booklet at your first meeting about all the different meetings in your area. Where I live there are thousands and some are aimed at specific groups - women-only, other languages, deaf, gay, religious/non-religious etc - so there are plenty to choose from.

It is good to meet people who know how it feels.

Good luck!

[pingu1997]

To AA or not?

I live in Berkshire and there are a few meetings but mainly in the evenings which are not a good time for me, but yeah I am going to try it and see how it feels and I'll report back on Thurs...

[Marshy]

To AA or not?

It's great that you have friends to support you and one who is already involved in AA who can show you the ropes. You can choose to get as involved as much or as little as you like. I've never had a sponsor, for example, because I've never wanted one and I've never been pressurised to get one.

As Zenstyle says, I think the meetings in Britain are very different from the ones in the States (from what I read on here).