The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Well, I did it. I attended my first AA meeting last night. It was kinda how I imagined it to be. There must have been about 45-50 people there. Everyone in the room "shared" except me and my girlfriend that I brought with me and one other person. When they got to me, I just said, "No thanks, I think tonight I will just listen". Then they moved on to the next person.
I actually learned a lot! I would say that 80% of the people are truly suffering with this disease, you could hear it in their voices. The other 20%, I think either they were like me, a non-alcoholic, or perhaps their attendence at AA was mandated and they really didnt want to be there. My heart truly breaks for the people that are suffering with this disease. It was like they all had a big secret, a common secret. When people shared their experiences, I'm surprised my mouth didnt drop open. I was in shock at some of the stories they told. I had to hide tears that were filling my eyes. I feel so bad for the ones that seem to be doing all they can to beat their alcoholism.
All in all it was a good experience. I may go again because the next time I wont be so leary and uncomfortable. Those in recovery, who are really trying, certainly shed a lot of light on the disease. They all seemed to have so much regret.
My thoughts on the "meat market" were accurate. After the meeting, quite a few men came up to my girlfriend and I and were making idle chit chat. I was asked to go for coffee by two of the men in the meeting, and asked to go smoke by another. I dont smoke, so that was easy to get out of. I had to politely decline the coffee offers, not wanting to hurt their feelings, but their is NO WAY I could ever be in a relationship with another alcoholic. NO WAY!!
We were both welcomed back, and I know I'd like to go back to a meeting or 2. Its such a learning experience, at least for me it was.
You all know I was so nervous beforehand!! I'm glad I had the strength to go though!!
-- Edited by HEARTBROKEN IN NJ at 13:44, 2007-04-17
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Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want, doesn't mean that they don't love you the best way they know how
(((((Heartbroken))))) Good for you - some of my best lessons have been learned in open AA. It certainly helped me to have compassion and not hate for them. The ones who were trying to hit on you (if that's what they were doing) just don't have any recovery yet. Keep going back - you won't regret it.
I actually thought about going to a AA meeting, now I think that I will ... I am afraid that my husband is one of the ones sitting there because he HAS to as it is court ordered.
Hi Hippy Great post AA is where i too learned a lot on this disease and the diffrent stages each people founf themselves at in their life.
The beauty or miracle i found with the rooms of AA was the wonferful welcom and oh so intense Honesty, totally bearing of their souls and reaching out.
Where they went round the room i simply thank the readers and the person sharing and explained i was a grateful member of alanon and had came along with my husband to learn more of his illness in hope to save myself and my marriage, such wonderful people were glad to see me on a weekly basis they were reg members so after a few times being there i simply stated my thanks and said ill just pass.
A yr later i dont go now, know that AA is my husband chosen path and Alanon is mines and its great we both have our own space so to speak.
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