Do you remember?

[janbear]

Do you remember your first meeting? What it was like? Just curious.

Today, Halloween night, in 1987 was my very first meeting. I remember it pretty well. I guess my longterm memory is better than my shortterm. lol It wasn't a pleasant meeting for me, for i wasnt welcomed. Hubby took me and he sensed the same thing, so i know it wasnt just me. I remember leaving it and saying to my hubby, If that is AA, i dont want anything to do with it. He said he would take me to a real meeting so we went to a different town and it was the complete opposite. I was spoken to and very Welcomed. The people were so happy and i didnt know how to take that, all i knew is that they had something i didnt, it appeared they had some peace in their lives. The cammraderie was just wonderful. I dont remember alot of specifics that night but i remember thinking they were talking about me. I could relate to them on a level i couldnt relate to anyone else. They understood and that is what kept me coming back. So i guess my second meeting is what impacted me more. If i had given up after that first meeting who know where i would be today, but hubby wouldnt let me. God was definitely working through hubby. Anyway, enough about me, How about Others? What was it like for you?

[admin]

My first meeting was on December 2, 1997. I was scared and nervous. I had made a big mess of my life by drinking. The meeting took place in a small church on the AF base where we were living at the time. They met once a week on Tuesdays. It was a small group of about 7 people. They went around the table and each person shared. I was last. I cried alot when I shared. I was relieved to have finally found people who understood me and I understood them. Afterward, we prayed and then the 2 other ladies that were there talked with me and gave me their numbers. I went back the next week and kept going back until we moved. Then the next place we moved, I continue to go to meetings there.

[tlyn]

My first meeting was not very long ago. Only 3 months. I was scared to death and nervous. Introducing myself and saying that I was an alcoholic was hard, but brought such a sense of relief. I had known for a long time what was "wrong with me", but was scared to take action by admitting it and going to a meeting. Anyway, I got a lot of phone numbers and someone even gave me a big book. They told me to keep coming back. I had finally found somewhere that I belong.

[DaveH]

I sure do remember, in fact my prayer is that I never forget. And I am referring to the first meeting that finally took. During that meeting when it came time for anniversaries, I remember a fellow stating that he had 5 years that night. Everyone applauded and as they celebrated his anniversary, my heart sank. It had only been two days since I had a drink and I was ready to give up. My hands were trembling so I held them together under the table out of sight. Five years he said!!! I thought to myself, there is no way I can do that, in fact I could not see me lasting until the end of the week. Then they asked him how he did it. He gave that well worn answer, one day at a time. As I sat there I thought to myself maybe, just maybe I could decide not to drink tonight. And I did. I went on to get a sponsor, worked the steps, and have strung a few days together. Last September 5th I managed through the grace of God to put together 20 years.....one day at a time. Thank you for the question, it reminded me how good God has been.
Regards,
DaveH

[Julie193]

Wow...those stories are so inspiring for me. My first meeting was this Monday, just 4 days ago! I have wanted to go for years and have been sooo afraid. My husband is out of town this week and so I thought I'd try it....what did I have to lose? At least I was making the decision on my own (very important to us control freak alcoholics!)

Everyone at the meeting was so encouraging and supportive. So many people came up to give me phone numbers after the meeting (at this point, I didn't even know why) Now, after 4 meetings in 4 days (on my way to 90-90), I've been doing alot of studying and reading and are begining to understand why I could not stop drinking by myself.

I am also grateful to have discover this site. I have learned so much from all of you.

Thank you!
Julie193:smile:

[kaistevens]

My first meeting was oct. 11, 2003. There were about 10 people. In such a small group, they just went around the room and everybody spoke in turn. I was just past the halfway point.
When it was my turn to talk, I cried and said that I felt like I was losing my best friend.
They told me, "That's okay, you are."

I can still feel that lost desperation. They said they had hope. I didn't believe them, but I kept going back. I've been sober since March 21, 2004.

Love ya later, Kai

[ocee12]

My first meeting was 2 weeks ago in Cheriton,Folkestone,England.I was very nervous and sceptical for the first 10 minutes.Within the meeting I heard myself say Hello my name is Kevin and I'm an alcoholic.What happened then was very emotional for me and I had to leave the room for composure.A fellow (Deano) came out after me and showed me his prayer card and what he reads on it i.e what he is gonna do for the next 12 hours.So simple but effective for me.I went back in and felt relieved that I had said what I said.So I am here after two meetings and have been invited to one tomorrow evening to which I will go.so far so good.GLAD I WENT.
Keep it up you all.Take care
Kevin

[DianaMarie7968]

my first meeting was march 1st, of this year, I can't say i was scared, but I can say I came into NA broken and sick and whiped out, I ended up joining that group 30 days later, It was the warm welcome and the hug I got when i came in, i was a complete mess, crying, still sick, but yet soo tired of using, and boozing...well here I am now 8&1/2 months later and i'm diligent seeking my recovery, always calling my sponcer, getting numbers from people with quality clean time...I pass out keychains, I do h&I, now i was nominated as a h&i rep!! so i love being of service, i always go to my meeting early to help set up, even if i'm not a member i help out, its really nice to beable to be of service, and to carry the messege! thanks for allowing me to share! love Diana