The material presented
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level.
I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions.
I grew up with an alcoholic father. He hit my mom; they got divorced. I haven't talked to my father in 5 years because he got himself a new family and completely dropped ours. I recently started looking up the effects of growing up with alcoholic parents...Ive always wanted to talk to someone about it but have never "gotten around to it."
I am currenty working on a BA in Psychology. One of our assignments is to sit in on an AA, NA or Al-Anon meeting. I guess I kind of needed that push..
Im wondering, of the people that have gone to meetings, what I can expect and what's the best way to find a group. There's so many different ones! Does anyone know of any in Chicago that they can recommend?
Welcome, these are some numbers that could help you find a meeting near you.... 800-344-2666 meetings 800-351-9996 litature worldwide Alanon meetings 888-4252666 Alanon meetings sound great,you will find comfort and love and understanding.Please seek hun you will find one near you love angel123/Sharon
I'll decribe what my meeting is like - if you are in a big city, it will probably be different in the details for you, but the centre will be the same.
Our meeting is in a public building, where our cars can be parked outside without anyone taking any particular notice - there are often several other meetings of other types going on at the same time. Our door is right at the back, so no one sees you going in.
We are in a small room, with three or four round tables pulled together, and chairs around. There is hot water on a counter, with tea, hot chocolate, instant coffee, etc. Another table holds literature for sale or lending, and there is a stand for pamphlets.
You just come in and sit down. There wil be a few people just sitting chatting, getting themselves coffee, etc. Someone would ask if you are new (it's a pretty small town, we all know each other) and get you a newcomers package - this has pamphlets, phone numbers, the serenity prayer, etc.
When it is time, the door is closed and the meeting starts. The chair reads the opening, and then we go around the table reading the steps and traditions - yes, you too. There is a sheet at every seat with it all printed out. We then go around the table and introduce ourselves, first names only. Usually there are one or two short readings, to set a topic for tonight, and then the chair will throw it open for anyone to speak, about the topic or anything else.
Someone chooses to start, and they share. No one else speaks while they share - in general, it is frowned upon to 'cross talk' at meetings. Then someone else shares. It might go around the table, or just random. You do not have to talk, just pass when it is your turn if you like. However I urge you to say something honest about what you are feeling - even if that is just confusion. This is a place where you can literally say anything - we have heard the most awful things, you will not shock anyone. Many (most) people just cry for their first few meetings - there is always kleenex.
If there is time after everyone has shared, we often will talk further about points that were raised. "What you said about your mom reminds me of how it was for me....." that sort of thing. It is very unlikely that anyone will be given advice or direct commentary about their troubles - instead, people will talk about how it was and is for them.
Then there is a short closing reading, and we say a prayer. It is perfectly OK not to pray if you don't want to. Then everyone helps clear up, and we go. Sometimes some people go for coffee after.
((Rmazi2)) Welcome to MIP - Hope you were able to find a meeting that you felt comfortable attending & that you will continue to post here. There are tons of people who have some really great recovery to share their experience, strength & hope in dealing with the affects of the disease of alcoholism. Most of all for me, here & in my home Al-Anon group, I have found a love & acceptance that have never been able to find anywhere else.
Don't give up before the miracles happen in you - You deserve them.
Rita
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No matter what me and my God are going to be ok, even better than OK -
