Thanks gim, the Newbie that Gail spoke about was me. I wanted to know about the 12 steps that all go on about as I am not religious (but do believe my higher power to be that of mother nature itself). It doesnt really get discussed in my meeting, although they are on show in the room.

I was asking when we are supposed to be introduced to them, who does this, etc etc etc. It seems this is where people get their reinforcement from yet it seems to be something (in my 3 weeks of going to AA) that I have not really come across (barr the 'odd' reference to step 4 or 5).

Thanks very much

k8 :)

I'm with you thats why the 2nd step was so important to me early on. Came to believe power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. This told me and to this day it has nothing to do with religion, it's spiritual
If your on a step and are struggling with it , what I was taught you need to back to the one you think you just completed. I hope this helps.

But that is the trouble Gim, I havent done any steps...just baffled where to start really.

I have the 'little' blue book, have read all the way to Section 5 and now seem stuck. Just dont seem to wanna pick the book up again. Maybe I should go to the beginning.

No one has even talked of being a sponser at my group, they just say come back and keep listening.

Katebear - no one has approached me at any of my meetings about being a sponsor. I thought that was like the key to the recovery process. I mean, I still go to the meetings and they are working for me but I'm at a loss as to what to do about the sponsor thing. I read the AA big book a couple of weeks ago. Had checked it out of the library before but couldn't start it because I just wasn't ready. Now I'm ready and reading whatever I can find. I know it's a disease and not willpower - I always knew that. My life was such a mess and I was so afraid to go to any groups or to talk to the doc. I had no friends with the same problem so I was really alone. Now i've got friends at all my groups and a great support system. Like they say at the end of the meetings - Keep coming back, it'll work if you work it. tron

Kate the steps was put in order for a reason. Remember you didn't get to this point in a day and its going to take some time to change. If your anything like me I always wanted everything right now like your seeking to recover. Have you read the Dr. opinion?? If you can relate you probably are one of us and that helped me with the 1st step.

Thanks for inviting me to join this group gjm. I'm still trying to figure out how it all works, but I've got plenty of time for that. Can you tell me how to make the page fit my screen. I'm computer illiterate. If not no biggy. Once again, thanks. ksd

Thanks gim for inviting me to this site. You asked what kind of meeting I am looking for well somewhere I feel comfortable, thi just might help. Thanks again, Deb

Ho to Katebear and Tron,

Welcome its cool that you got to ask these questions here.

The recovery on offer in AA is the 12 step programme, not the meetings (although it's cool to get some help and fellowship from them) Please try to find a f2f meeting where recovery through the steps is talked about and where you can get a sponsor who can take you through the steps. The longer you leave doing the steps, the more likely you are to drink again and I know from my experience that relapse is not necessary.

The Big Book contains all that is necessary to recover (except a sponsor lol)

Stick around, if you like what we have, you are more likely to do what we did!!

WELCOME

Lyn

Thanks everybody, this is really helping and getting me to question what I am all about and reinforcing my want/need to change.

Gim, you are right, I do want everything now but know I am prepared to work it. You mention reading the Dr. opinion - what is that please?

I have been to a f2f meeting three times now Lyn but think I need to be going to more than one a week. I do take alot from the speakers in the one I go too....but the steps are not talked about which is why I am finding this so interesting. That is why Gail is helping us 'newbies' out which is fantastic, especially as it is taking alot of her time.

Kate:
In response to your first questions and concerns on this string I would suggest you read:
the Spiritual Experience in the Appendices in the back of the Big Book. ( your little blue book)

Then re-read the first 57 pages only of the big Book. Paying particualr attention to The Doctors opinion and we Agnostics.
Get a high lighter out and mark every thing you INDENTIFY with.

The Big Book of AA says on these two concerns you have:
"We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals. This should be an entirely personal affair which each one decides for himself in the light of past associations, or his present choice. Not all of join religious bodies, but most of us favor such memberships.

In the following chapter, there appears an explanation of alcoholism, as we understand it, then a chapter addressed to the agnostic. Many who once were in this class are now among our members. Surprisingly enough, we find such convictions no great obstacle to a spiritual experience.

Further on, >>>clear-cut directions are given showing how we recovered

Bringing this back to the top for the new people that just joined the site.
There is a SOLUTION.

Hiya, I am still drinking and have looked at teh alcoholics discussions for about a month. I don't live far from Gailly and want to know if I can come to her meeting and talk to her and if it is alright if I am still drinking but want to stop.

Scouser, The 3rd tradition states, The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to quit drinking.
I'm sure Gail would be more that happy to guide you.

There is a solution my friend.

Thanks mate.

Hi Scouser, great to see you here.

Your name would suggest you come from Liverpool? There are some really good meetings there too.

By all means come along to our meeting and I will be happy to meet you there and chat with you. We are a friendly, happy bunch and feel free to send me a private message with any questions you may have. We all remember our first meeting! I will be happy to introduce you to the guys as well.

Our next meeting is on Thursday night at 7.30pm, it is an open meeting so if you want to bring a friend or relative as well, that is fine.

I will send you location details.