Great questions.

I hit my bottom this week. One day I woke up, did my routine and realized "I can't do this anymore, and I can't do it alone".

I had no idea what AA was.

I sat in front of my computer, typed AA ~ hands shaking, tears streaming I read who I was (this is my story, not everyone's story).

I clicked on the link: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/meeting_finder.cfm?origpage=29

found a number, picked up the phone and called.

I had to leave a message, but within minutes someone called me back.

I talked to the person who called me. They helped me find a location near me, and gave me instructions. At the beginning of the meeting, they ask if anyone is new. I was such a mess, they all knew I was new. They took volunteers (4 women because I am a woman) who took me to a seperate room, who shared parts of their story with me, let me share part of my story. They answered my questions, gave some advice...the most important of which thus far for me has been keep coming back to meetings. Different meetings, some I'd like, some I wouldn't.

I hope this helps.

I wish you well friend on your journey.

thanks for the info- felt like an idiot for asking

Never a dumb question. people will be waiting for with open arms when you " just show up" Remember every one it that room had there 1st meeting just like I hope you do.

Wish ya well.

You just show up,just find a meeting in your area. Most people are scared there first time but you will find they are all there to do the same thing to live without alcohol, take care and enjoy the meetings.

...by the way there is never a dumb question, the only dumb question is just the one you never asked.

Don't feel like an idiot. The whole reason for this forum is so that we can ask all these questions. Once you get used to talking about this stuff here, it becomes easier to talk about it elsewhere.

get the phone # for AA by calling your local directory. The person there can tell you where meetings are in your area. No signing up. Just show up! That's where the miracle begins...

shoes, here's a link to meetings in the SC Tega Cay area...

http://area62.org/dist21/district21.htm

Yes, you just show up and take a seat. No sign on, no fees, nothing. Some go daily in the first few months. I did. There's a thread around on first meetings experiences, I'll send you a link. CM xxx

Oh that is so not a dumb question shoesy-I knew NOTHING of alcoholism, but you'll learn as you go much as with everything else in life that is a new experience. Just pay attention and you'll learn so much if you're willing to listen...

I googled AA in my town got lots of info, just showed up though I felt like throwing up, sat in the back, fessed up I was in my first 30 daze when prompted, got my 24 hour chip and hug and the rest as they say is history.5 month chip today.