Do not worry about speaking, do not worry about getting involved, just do not worry period. This is what I was told at my first meeting. Just sit and listen!

In time, you will want to get a sponser. It took me a month to get a sponser. Several turned me down and if that should happen to you, don't worry about it.

Right now, the most important thing to do is stay sober. Avoid your triggers which are habits and people that make you want to drink. The first thing I did when I graduated from my treatment program was to get rid of all my drinking buddies. I also stayed away from bars and parties and anything that pushed the wrong buttons in my brain.

Try to go to as many AA meetings as you can. I managed 3 meetings per week in early sobriety but there is no set number. Whatever you feel you need.

Congratulations and may your Higher Power walk with you and guide you on the road to recovery!

God Bless!

When you go to a meeting, get there early. There is a treasure trove of oldtimers, newcomers and people with various sobriety time. I learned a lot from them. I would pull aside one of them to chew on their ear.

And like my friend Bob said, you don't have to do anything at a meeting but listen. There is no AA police. Just walking through the door my first time was scary enough. Welcome to a life worth living!
Hugs, Dianna

Hello tennisme,

You have already made good progress by admitting that you have a problem and deciding to go to a meeting.

My suggestion to you is to take it easy for now and just try out different meetings. Arriving early and talking to other members over a coffee is a good idea as it enables you to ask questions and get to know people. Once you find your way around you can start thinking about a sponsor and the programme.

Sobriety takes a lot of commitment at the start so you need to be prepared to stick with it, even when things are not going your way it will be well wort it in the end. Try to keep an open mind and rule nothing out.

Tennis we are here for you.

We have a great community of people here who were sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Please post away. Welcome.

I remember my first meeting. It was in the top of a church. I almost didn't go in but somehow just opened the door and went in. I will never forget walking up these steps that had a bad carpet design and at the top there was a small chapel off the hall. I was pulled in there and to a stained glass window. I just said. Hey god I need a little help. I remember that like just yesterday. I don't remember the meeting, I just sat there and sweated and shook. That was June 9, 2012. I went on to other meetings and finally found my home group. I went to a mtg today at 530. I cannot explain it but if I go to mtgs I don't hang out in a bar. It took just some action to counteract drinking, I cannot believe I'm sober. You can be as well!
1is2many

Just don't worry too much on what you will say. Just attend the meeting and learn from the people there. They will not force you to speak. Just be yourself :)

the saying in AA for newcomers is take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth...that means more important to listen to the others than to speak your mind...but I will say that you should listen to them and decide who is talking the things you are able to understand will help you...then that person can be asked to be a sponsor in future meeting...

Thank you everybody for your advice and kind words. I made it for day three. I am trying to think positive and get all the negative thoughts to go away. Not easily done when I have done so many terrible things because of my drinking.

I am asking God for help and for forgiveness. I am only focusing on today and that makes things easier. I started a journal today any suggestion on what to write to begin my day that will help me focus on positive things and on staying sober.

Tennis

I cannot do groups, I get anxiety and I do better on my own, but, when I get sober enough, I would like to mentor. Journal or write about your experiences and be honest, it may help someone in the future!

Hey TM -- Congrats on taking those first steps. We are here for you. There are all kinds of folks in AA meetings, just as there are all kinds of folks outside the meetings. Don't put any pressure on yourself to do this or do that at a meeting. Just promise yourself not to drink for today and start with that and keep coming on here when you can. You can do this!! Hugs, PG