You don't have to talk in AA. No paper-work either.

They'll ask if there's any newcomers though and ask you to say your name.

No you don't have to pay, but they pass a basket and most put a dollar in there.

They typically last an hour and you don't have to write anything down.

Thanks QuiteMad.

MY first time I was pretty nervous at first ,thinking I;m at my lowest part of my life....but after a few minutes there I was feeling much better about way I came there...and the encouragement was terrific. Sometimes the first step on anything is the hardest one of all.........

it is scarey..........yet once you mention that....well all of the people there have had to go to the meetings the First time............so you won't be alone................they all have been there.

I would suggest, getting a Big Book if posssible. Maybe read some. Meetings are good, just keep going to them. They have a lot of good suggestions and support. I go to meetings 10-15 early and stay 15-30 minutes after to talk with others. Most will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and some might even give you their phone number, take them and call them. It really helps! Let us know how it goes! It's great that you want to change things!

when you go to a meeting, just sit and absorb it all. there are no pressures there. if you don't want to say anything don't. if you do be honest. there is nothing you can say that will shock or dismay them. some one has already been throughwhat you are experiencing.sometimes more than once. i did look around at other meetings till i got lucky and found agreat bunch of people. i used to feel lower than a snakes belly too. keep your chin up, you are doing something positive for your self.

You'll be scared cuz you're only human. Sometimes meeting strangers is difficult enough for some but it's even scarier when you are hauling in an admittance of need of help just by walking through those doors.. It can make you feel vulnerable. And we alcoholics don't like that feeling! At least the disease doesn't.

Go in and have a seat anywhere. A person will lead the meeting with Serenity Prayer. You don't have to pray if you don't want to. They ask if it's the first time for anyone. Raise your hand and you will get a nice warm greeting from everyone there who knows what u are going thru. Most groups will pass around a sheet of paper for newbies.... If u are male, u will get men's phone numbers & vice versa. This sheet will be given to you so can contact a person frm. the group for any reason. There will be a couple readings on what AA is about. Then you will hear many stories of what the alcoholic speaking lives with. Some funny, happy....some sad, some tragic.

You don't have to speak at all unless you want to. Then the chip system for sobriety goes into action. After that, before the meeting closes, everyone in the room joins hand and prays the Lord's prayer. Then you will meet many great wonderful human beings. If u get nothing, you will at least know you aren't alone. AA doors are open anytime, whether u accept them or reject them.

Good luck friend

This is a huge step, Congratulations.

I suggest Big Book or Beginner meetings at first. Beginners meetings usually encourage you to speak and they'll explain how it works and make suggestions. If you can't find one of those two don't let that deter you, go to whatever meeting is available. You don't have to speak but it is a good idea to introduce yourself and say you're new. Best of luck to you.

Congratulations! Going to an AA meeting may be one of the best choices you'll ever make. Remember that all groups are different and you may have to "shop around" a little. I was terrified before my first meeting but when they found out it was my first one they changed the topic just for me and everyone told their stories.

On a lighter note..lower than a snakes belly? Thats the funniest saying i've heard in a long time. LOL. I am going to use that at the first opportunity. IS that an american saying? Never heard it in the UK.

Chin up..things improve daily i was lower than a snakes belly last week. Day 9 and things are improving. Big hug