peachy, it helped me immensely. Like you, I didn't know too much about AA meetings. At my first, everyone was really nice and welcoming. Yes, I was uncomfortable and felt like all eyes were on me. We sat in a couple of semi-circles, there was about 30, quite informal. They all went around the room and introduced themselves, "Hi, I'm Ted and I'm an alcoholic". "Geez" I thought, " I'm not saying that" Then my turn came, "Hi I'm Leanne, and I drink too much". No-one said anything, just nodded, and they went to the next person. "Hey, say something dudes, berate me for not saying I was an alcoholic" but they didn't. They just accepted who I was. Then they started talking. I didn't listen at that meeting, I saw this banner on the wall at the front, and the first few words said "the twelve steps". I counted the rest. 200 words on that banner. At that first meeting, I was just hoping to get through the hour without burping or farting. I was sure everyone could hear me breathe. At the end, everyone stood around and chatted. They were really welcoming.

The 2nd meeting I went to the next night was different. It was in an old hall, and there were about 70 people. People were asked to share their story and they stood, told of where they had been in their life, what brought them to AA, and where they were at today in their journey. Some were really sad, some were oh so funny, then there was this one guy who stood up and talked about the effect his drinking had on his children and wife. Oh my god, I just stopped in my tracks and listened to this guy. Everything he spoke about, was like he was living my life. For the first time, I starting thinking about the effect my drinking was having on my family and the people around me. I burst into tears, loud uncontrollable wailing. I got up and ran out of the hall, sat on the front step and bawled my eyes out. "What have I done". That was one huge reality check. There was a girl who came out and put her arms around me and she said "It gets better". I'll never forget that meeting. I stayed behind and spoke to that speaker. I was emotionally drained, yet relieved. I knew I was where I needed to be to get help. All these people had walked in my shoes. They were sober, and happy, and that's what I wanted. I attended nightly meetings for the first 6 months, shared at most, and I stopped counting and READ that banner on the wall. Did what it suggested too :} Coogee xxx

I went to my first meeting, and it was nice to finally feel like i was home. I have a long way to go but with gods help it will work. Prayers for everyone.

Thanks everyone.

The reason I am going in 2 weeks is because I am attending with someone from my day patient group. AA is held in our hospital once a week, he is busy next monday.

I am openminded, I will give it several goes.
AJDMOUSE - work and travelling is the reason I wanted to get my feet wet so i can use it as a tool when working.

Serenity - I will be sure to pm you with any questions.

I am thinking of AA as another tool in my toolbox in my fight against this disease. The way I see it though is its my disease and my fight, so I use out patient, cbt, medication, family, DS, partner, internet, knowledge, relaxation, god, 2 Disceased family members and self awareness. Now Im adding AA.

Each tool is useful, but no one tool will do it all alone.