I'm not sure how the gossip works into that, but ppl go as often as they choose to go. Not everyone with that much time goes every day, some do. The point is to be there for the newcomer, or maybe that's just how they like to spend their time. I'm sorry I don't have a better answer, I'm glad they were there for me.

Yes I see your point & I am grateful to them for thier help. It would be pretty chaotic if they were not there.

I have just over 1 year in the rooms of AA. If it takes going for 14 to 19 more years to keep me sane and sober, I'd consider it a blessing. Like they say, "Keep Coming Back!"

As far as gossip goes, if you're paying more attention to the gossip than 'the message', then you ain't gettin' it! May God help you.

Boy do I hear this a lot:

Don't look at how long a person has been there, look yourself and they are like you, just one day at a time.

I have quite a few 24 hrs. in myself, I don't have to go to these meetings, I'm not forced, I go because I want to, it keeps me sober, plus you never know when a new person may walk through that door, and we are there to help them.

If you hang a long time and keep seeing the same people, you'll start to understand why we keep coming back.

You're going to start joining us and laugh with us, trust me were not here to ridicule you, we want to help you make it

I know this sounds real stupid but I have a little saying, " winners do the things losers don't want to do"

Also a little advice, don't be the last to come in and the first to leave, offer to make coffee, set things up, if it's a smokers meeting, empty ash trays, do some service work, you're going to meet the great ones this way also, don't be shy, you weren't shy when you were drinking.

I heard a complaint Thursday (Thanksgiving) why is there a meeting today? didn't you drink on holidays?

Well about all of the advice I can give you




DougC

Just last week we had a guy relapse after 20 yrs and he is not doing anygood, does that answer you're question it is for life, its a lifestyle.

Also, some are sicker than other's. It tell's you how warped alcohol can make the mind it is no joke.

Check it.
I want to die sober, whether I kick in the next minute or by some miracle of science, lifespans are extended to over a thousand years. Oh, and I want QUALITY of life in the meantime, too. That means staying sober by whatever means possible, savoring each individual day at a time. Seems like AA got a recipe that works for preparing this meal. And I'm a gonna be hungry till I die! ~LoL~

I agree with Doug C. I've been around a little over 5 years and I still go to meetings...you never know when someone new will need you or if someone old has heard your story (they may have been gone that day) In any case, just keep going, it gets better!!! Good Luck

what do you mean, nothing better to do? i cant think of a better way to spend my time than with ppl that understand where i have been and what i am like now. just because i might hit 5 meetings a week persay, that only takes up 5 hours of my time, i still have all those other hours to spend with family, friends, etc. and to help a newcomer gets me out of self, self is what gets me in trouble.

It's great that you are going to AA mtg. I had that attitude when i first went but i worked the steps & gradually these negative thoughts leave you. I would suggest, keep coming back, get a big book, sponsor, work the steps, turn it over, work it because you are worth it...one day at a time, sometimes one minute. Good luck, my friend...ty for the topic....good one. God bless...

There is one lady in my group who has been coming for *34* years. She is an inspiration to us all.

When I first went to a meeting I thought like you, Bloody Hell what are these people doing here 20 some 30 years.

Thought they must all be crazy, after 10 months I stopped going and of course relapsed.

I now accept that this is for life

Trickey

we have a gentleman (jimmy O) in our cty that has attended AA meetings for SIXTY YEARS !
He goes because he has something to give back to the fellowship that saved his life..
He goes, because he likes alkies(sober or new)...
he goes because he can...
He goes because God has a plan for him in those rooms and he must be there to witness that miracle every meeting...
I think if Jimmy can do it sixty years... i will try to add another 44years to the meetings i am hopoing to attend...
I wonder how many miracles i will continue to see too.

God bless.
botbotcoco

I spent 30 years in Pubs, was that not to long ????

If it aint broke...