If you have taken that all-important step of detoxification, your next logical step would be to join AA – Alcoholics Anonymous.
This is the place to be if you truly want to leave that stupor-ridden life behind and embrace the joys and cheer a life free of alcohol offers.
What happens at AA meetings
If you are wondering how to go to an AA meeting, you can use an AA meeting locator or AA meeting directory to check the list of local AA meetings.
This is what you can expect when you attend a meeting:
There, you will find yourself among a group of people who have been through what you have been, have similar life experiences, felt the same helplessness at times, and got the strength to fight alcoholism – just like you.
There are many forms of these meetings. However, most of them have one thing in common – the sharing of self-stories. Also, you will find many former alcoholics proudly flaunting badges of milestones. Every single such milestone is a moment of celebration – that one is fully capable of leaving the nasty past behind. And this celebration is not a solo one, all the friends that you will make here will celebrate this with you.
What to share
If you are wondering just what you will have to disclose here, do not panic. There is no pressure at all about you having to share. In the beginning, you can just sit back and listen to what the others are saying. In case your family started avoiding you because of what you did, you might want to relate that too.
It is an informal meeting. While some people believe that there are religious overtones here, that is untrue. You are here because you want to turn your life around. There are no fees or hidden charges. In case a hall or room is rented and refreshments are provided, there may be a contribution drive at the end, but there is no obligation to donate.
In case you feel weird about going alone to a meeting, you can ask if a friend or family member can accompany you. Some meetings allow that. You will find that sharing your life’s stories is easier with supportive and encouraging people all around you.
Listening to them may provide succour to you, knowing that there are so many people just like you.
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