I am 22 and nervous about going

I'm 26 and went to my 1st meeting back in march 2007 and my 2nd meeting 6 days ago. Both were different.

1st meeting I went alone, 2nd meeting met a friend online who is also in recovery and he took me to the other meeting. Both times I was nervous. I think my 3rd 4th and 5th meetings I'll still be nervous.

But it's actually kind of kewl. Just sit and listen. If you feel like introducing yourself, go for it. I'm trying to get use to going before I introduce myself but I'm almost positive someone will talk that you can relate to.

Listen to other replies. There's some knowledgeable people with a lot more experience than me.

expect to be welcomed with open arms and told to keep coming back. Just listen and try to relate with what is said. Please go open minded and ready to hear some stuff you dont want to just yet. At times you may feel people are talking directly about you but ther not they are telling there experience. You may feel that some one has read your diary but they havent you just have alot in common with them. Try to find an all womens meeting in your area you may feel more comftorable there at first. If you want to talk talk by all means if you dont then dont. None of the people want any thing from you but they want an awful lot for you. They can help if you let them. I was sacred to death my first one and now i am right at home.

Overworked said it all. Just look for the similarities and not the differences.

You can expect to hear sober alcoholics share about their experience, strength and hope.

And remember one meeting isn't going to cure 5, 10, 20 years of drinking and using.

I absolutely loved it. I did feel a little uncomfortable with all the people and the friendlyness for a little bit. I raised my hand and said i was new at every new meeting i went to and each time i got a piece of paper with a list of womans numbers. People introduced themselves to me and told me good luck and to keep coming. You should ask if the y have an extra alcoholics anonymous book, or grab some pamphlets on the 12 steps and what the program is all about. You may hear people talking about God but remember it is a God of your understanding and its a spiritual higher power, not religious. I love meetings because the moment i walk in I feel my spirituality level rise. People laugh when things are funny and are quiet when its serious. People listen and actually care. Everyone is genuinly nice and wants to help. Remember when they want to help, they dont expect anything back from you! Good luck!! KEEP COMING!

and remember to IDENTIFY not compare your stories!

agree with all replies and overworked1said it all why not give it a go what have you got to lose x

dont forget every one is there to get support and to put the drink down and stay stopped x

at AA we share our experience strength an hope with others....... i've been sober several 24 hrs now so i get asked how ya do it meetin is one way...it took awhile but now i lov goin to meetin....

Overworked hit the nail on the head- I too was scared to death my first time and now feel at home. So true! Remember, everyone in those meetings are just like you. It's the best thing on the planet for my disease called Alcoholism. I can take what I need from a meeting and leave the rest. Without it I'd be dead!
F.R.O.G.

P.S. I was 22 when I walked into my first meeting as well. :-)
F.R.O.G.

We have all come to that place where drinking does NOT work. It is a non- threatening, non-judgemental place to be. I have integrated the meetings into my schedule, so my days are seamless. I go to my office and am either originating loans or working on a project then I go. It is really a great uplifting expereience to hear what others have to say. I can NOW super focus and BE in the moment. If I am at work, i am at work, if I am being a husband and dad, I can do that...but the meetings, relly drive home for me at least that what is imortant is taking control of yourself and your life...thank God for another chance everyday to get through life without drinking. We quit drinking everyday...it is that first drink...that is the downward spiral to hell.Go for it...you will feel really great about what a wonderful gift this life that God has given us and you will smile again.

Hmmm, I have only been to one meeting and was scared to death. I took along a close friend who is not in recovery but was supporting me and I walked in full of bravado cause I was going to prove to myself that I didn't have a problem. Then they went round the room and told thier stories and I could relate to each and every one. By the time they had finished I was sobbing, and so was my friend. I left with piles of information, and heaps and heaps of phone numbers for people to ring. I never rang any of them, and I never went back to a meeting - but it was my first step to recovery because thier courage inspired me, and their love overwhelmed me. I also was forced to admit that I have a problem, cause I could identify with each story. I have been asked if I am anti or pro AA, I am neither, I couldn't do it (I don't think i am courageous enough) and have chosen a different path to healing, but the love and support at those meetings is amazing. If it works for you - go for it! You'll find plenty of support, if you are open to it!

Bless.

well, I went to my first meeting, 22 days after this post, and I can't believe it! It was so brave. The people were welcoming. Hearing their stories was like hearing the voice of God. I hopefully made a couple of friends, I don't know. I gave the girl I sat next to a call, I don't know if she got my message or will call me back. I should go back to another meeting, but I don't know if I will. I need to feel like I deserve to go, if that makes sense. I want to go, and heal through it, but I am afraid they will tell me I'm too young, havne't been through enough, I don't really have a problem. I have a problem with alcohol, depression, abusive relationships, loneliness. I really just want to make sober friends. Who understand what it is like to feel insecure in this world. I hope I go back. I just will need courage, from God or somewhere.

I don't black out. I haven't had a DUI...yet. My alcoholic boyfriends haven't hit me. I have some things going for me like a new good job. I just feel worthless to these people and I just want to feel worthwhile to them, at AA, but I don't know if I can truly understand, if I havne't been drinking long enough