There is no need to be nervous, but I was going into my first meeting too.
Essentially, you'll meet many of the same types of people that you do here. It's an inviting and understanding experience. Each meeting room has its own character, but there is always the common thread of helping one another through the recovery process. If you read through the website, you can see all the basic elements of the program and the basic elements of a meeting.
Good luck and let me know if you have more questions,
Jay

Thanks. I have read up on it quite a bit.

GA is a group of people who will welcome you in and they are all very nice. I have made friends there, and look forward to going. I find it very helpful to talk to people who understand our addiction. They care about you., and will be very supportive.
Hugs
Lisa

I so agree with what every one has posted here. My GA group has become a second family to me, much like DS, whom I consider my "virtual" family. Try to remember that each and every person there felt the same way you do, when they first came into those rooms. Generally you do 3 readings. Which encapsulate the twelve steps, the twelve traditions and a third reading that always hits home for me. In our group this reading is called "The Most", and I am sure you will be able to relate. It is based on Chapter 3 or the "Big Book" of AA. We simply substitute gambler so it reads as follows:
MOST OF us have been unwilling to admit we were real problem gamblers No person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from his fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our gambling careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could gamble like other people. The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy his gambling is the great obsession of every abnormal gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.

We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were real compulsive gamblers.. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.

We compulsive gamblers are men and women who have lost the ability to control our gambling We know that no real compulsive gambler ever recovers control. All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals-usually brief-were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced to a man that compulsive gamblers of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period we get worse, never better.
-Many times at new-comer meetings they go over the 20 questions.
It is suggested that you go to at least 6 meetings before you decide whether GA is for you. You can share, but you don't have to, if you don't wish.
As for the closest meeting being 45 minutes away. My rule of thumb, is, if I would have went that far to gamble, I will go that far for a meeting. Same thing follows about how tired I am. I certainly do hope you give it a shot. Love to all ~atticus