How to Get Through Your 1st A.A or N.A Meeting
Hello All in Recovery or Possible New Recovery Individuals!
Dave L. Here and I am a Recovering Addict
Below are some really great suggestions about how to get through your very first A.A. or N.A meeting if you are hesitant, nervous, or just plain horrified!
Don't Worry, Just read the steps below and you will see that it is a great place to be when dealing with any form of Recovery!
Recommended Steps:
1 First, try to find meeting as close as possible to where you live.
If you do not have a car or lost your licence, do worry just yet. If you call the A.A.or N.A directory, ( AA.Org or NA.Org) you might be able to find someone close to give you a ride!
Believe me, I am a Recovering addict and have used this method before. You will be totally amazed that many people in these programs were once in your shoes and are more than willing to help you with a ride if you want the help to get better through recovery.
There are thousands of A.A and N.A meetings everywhere!
If you still cant find one, call the AA.Org or NA.Org and speak with someone. They will usually be able to find something for you . Also, something to remember is that both A.A. and N.A. meetings worldwide are constantly adding new meetings all the time so unless you call, you might not find out where some meetings can be located.
Who knows, there may be a new meeting for you within walking distance! Many cities have hundreds, or even over a thousand AA meetings each week.
*** Another important factor to consider is don't just isolate your problem as just an alcoholic or drug addict. In my opinion, I feel that we are BOTH the same: ADDICTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE!!! ***
So, with that being said, if you wish for an N.A. meeting and can only find an A.A. meeting, GO TO IT !!! and vise versa! Don't worry if you feel very uncomfortable about speaking or sharing at first. You don't have to.
I didn't feel like sharing at first for some time until I got comfortable. Almost every addict at these meetings realize this and will let you know this. Sit anywhere in the meeting that makes you very comfortable. Even way in the back if you want. Just as long as you are able to hear the speaker talk. And if you really feel like sharing anything , please do!
After the meeting, don't feel shy to talk with someone about your situation. They will understand your "uncomfortableness" and make you feel at ease. Remember, they are there for the exact same reasons you are there! Most of them have probably experienced the same horrible things you went through so remember you are 100% in the right place!
2 Pick a compatible meeting.
If you are going because you're curious about AA or NA, go to an "open" meeting, which is for anyone. Closed meetings are only for people who have decided they have a problem with alcohol and want to stop drinking. Some meetings are for men only or women only, are foreign language speaking or are for other special groups. The sources above can guide you to the right meeting.
3 Ask for a ride if you don't have a way to get there.
The local AA or NA office can usually arrange for someone who is going to the meeting to pick you up.
4 Get there early.
Many meetings are held in churches. Watch what door people go in so you can follow them to the right room. If you aren't sure if you're at the right place, ask someone if it is the meeting for "friends of Bill W" Or ask someone you see if they are a "friend of Bill W"
5 Expect to see all kinds of people there: young, old, worn-down, elegant.
They may be very different than you. You might be surprised that so many people look healthy and happy. They are all there for the same reason no matter how they look on the outside.
6 Relax.
You aren't required to do or believe anything. You don't have to say a word. As they say, "Take the cotton out of your ears and stick it in your mouth." - Just listen.
7 Watch how the meeting works.
They usually begin with volunteers reading from AA or NA literature, followed by a group discussion, book study or featured speaker.
8 Sometimes the leader will ask if anyone is at their first AA or NA meeting.
If you want, you can raise your hand and give your first name.
9 Listen.
You will get a lot out of your first meeting by hearing others' experiences. You might not understand all the discussion, but try to find something you can relate to. Look for similarities, not differences.
10 When they pass the basket for donations, you do not have to contribute.
If you want to, the normal contribution is $1 or $2 in the U.S. Don't give more than what others are giving.
11 Take a white chip or "start-over/beginner" token if offered.
Some groups give chips/tokens to people that have been sober for a particular length of time. They also give a white chip to anyone who doesn't want to drink just for one day. Chips/tokens are reminders to help you stay sober. They are free.
12 Ask the chairperson after the meeting for a directory that shows where and when AA or NA meetings are held.
You can go to as many meetings as you want. If you go to a second meeting located near the first one, you might recognize people that were at the first meeting.
Edit Tips
If you see someone there that you know, don't worry that they will "tell on you." They are probably there for the same reason you are.
If you get there late, it's OK. Just go in and sit down.
- Go to a different meeting if you don't hear anything that you can relate to. Each meeting has a unique personality.
- Tell someone you are new. They will probably introduce you to others.
- Meetings start on time. Plan to get there early and stay late so people can introduce themselves.
- Go sober and not high. Otherwise the experience won't be very useful.
- If people give you their phone numbers, they want to help if you need it. Call them before you take a drink. Say that they gave you their number at the meeting and you want to drink.
- There is a lot of laughter in AA or NA meetings. It's also OK to cry.
- During the meeting, don't ask questions or talk to anyone in the group directly, even if it seems like someone is talking directly to you.
- Stay after the meeting to ask questions or tell them your story.
Good Luck and Don't Worry, You are Making the Right Choice by Going !
Thank You,
Dave L. (Recovery Addict)
