you sound like the old adage "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." you are ready and the teacher has appeared. congratulations! and, yes, i do know how you feel. you just got back your life. that is very exciting...

It is good that you are finding a safe harbour in the meetings. I was like that at first when I was new to AA and so were many I know - so you are not crazy!

I still love going to meetings but now it is for a different reason.

The best thing to do is find yourself a sponsor and you could always join our Alcoholics Anonymous group in between meetings.

I will find the hyperlink I posted and send it to the top of these discussions.

I like where you are at in your heart felt thoughts just keep in mind one can become addicted to anything. In saying that I would rather be addicted to A.A. than alcohol. Keep up the good work you are worth it.

I use to do 4 meeting,s a day , kept me sober plus met alot of sobriety and clung to that , stayed sober 3 yr,s you do what,s best for you keep up the gud work !

I use to think that all the time... "I WAS" going to meetings to avoid responsibilities. There is a happy median to everything.
Sobriety to me is being responsible in all areas of your life; bills, cleaning, working, just getting out and having fun.
I have calmed down to the 3-5 meeting's/week.
There is nothing wrong with getting super involved right out the gate..
You will be no good to nobody without sobriety,,(if you are like me)

From my exp. and I say this all the time I want and need the meetings to deal with outside responsibility's. We all need to do what ever works for us so we can be responsible.

To Recovery

From my exp AA is not a selfish program. The program of AA as out lined in our big book if it is followed caused me to be selfless. It taught me how to be a giver instead of a taker. Readhow it works it explains this very clearly

I go to a meeting a day. I have missed only a few days of meetings in the past 6 1/2 years. The program has worked for me.

I feel that when life needs my attention, then I will be able to miss a meeting. But only when it means I am going to be of use to someone else in exchange.

The program has given me back my life with many new people and opportunities included. I will miss a meeting only when some of those things I have gained from the program need more attention than I need to go to a meeting.

Always check your motives.

my beliefs are different than others in AA, but here it goes anyway, I believe you can get addicted to meetings and it becomes a crutch, I was going to 2 meetings a day for around 2 yrs and realized I wasn't really living life on the outside and depending too much, that being said it is a good idea for a newcomer to go to as many meetings as possible especially if you have the cravings still. I don't go to meetings as much and found my life more balanced and alot better sobriety, but that's just me, I can't give anyone else advice on this cause I would hate that someone would relapse if I told them not to go as often, only you know how many meetings you need to feel ok with yourself.Do some soul searching and a personal inventory. take care.

Great post guys. People are sharing there own exp.,strength , & hope what works for them instead of telling what other people should be doing . Refreshing.

I too became addicted to meetings. For me it became unhealthy, so much so I quit and drank again. I go now but only once, maybe twice a week to keep a reminder.
As said, whatever works for you.
I agree with Mattress one can become addicted to anything, but I do believe addicts are way more prone. AA is a great addiction but to much of anything is not good.

Thank you everybody! As usual i got some great advice... thank you all so much for taking time out of your day to reply, it is very much appreciated!!

i really needed to hear all of this. thank you!

A lifestyle balance is key, too much of anything is usually a bad thing even something that is positive. Good luck....:)

AA Sponcee's question;

How long do I have to go to meetings?

AA Sponsor's answer;

Until you WANT to go to meetings!

Just Kidding. At some point we stop going to meetings for selfish purposes (our own sobriety) and start to go for unselfish purposes (helping others).

The 12th step (carry this message) is not just a necessary step. It also happens to be a source of joy for those who feel as if they have something to give others.