AA

[Kidro]

This is the first thing i want to ask for help on with my recovery. I have gone to maybe 10 aa meetings. 5 back in 2004 and 5 this year. I always feel overwhelmed when i go. Most of the people are quite my senior (i was 18 then 21 now). Some people have even brought there small children with them. Its like the people are so over zealous to have someone new show up that that surround you and wont let you leave. I guess back in 2004 i was not serious about getting sobor i was just going to go. Now I am i very serious about getting sobor and I am having a hard time feeling comfortable with AA meetings I think i might be better off at NA meetings but they are mostly in the city and I am a country boy and do not like going to the city if at all possible.

If anyone has any advice for a new comer to let his guard down and be more receptive to the meetings please feel free to inform me. Also for the people that have done this a while from my perspective let the new comer find there place and dont barrage them at first wait a little bit until they feel more comfortable.

[Signal30]

Hi kidro. I'm also new to this site. I'm not sure if they have these booklets in your area, but where I'm from they have a "Where and When". It is a booklet with all the meetings in your area. They also have a description of what kind of AA meeting they are.

O - Open discussion
C- Closed discussion
L- Lead speaker
OB- Open Discussion/beginners meeting.
BB- Big Book discussion
etc..

Ask fellow members if there is a booklet that has a list of different meetings, types, locations, dates, and times. From there you can find a meeting that you feel comfortable in, and better yet you can find one you can call your Home Group.


Tom

[janbear]

Hi kidro. I go to both NA and AA here. NA is more like what you are speaking of,here anyway. So excited when there is a newcomer. I understand what you mean about not overwhelming the newcomer. I like to make them welcome but the last thing i want to do is overwhelm them.
I know often to newcomers it is suggested to come 30 minutes early and stay a little later when its over. It can help you feel more comfortable with people. Also making 90 meetings in 90 days also helps with the comfort level and it gets you into a new habit. Remember they were once where you are at so they probably know how you feel. Hang in there and keep coming back.