I have went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the past. I was always uncomfortable. The meetings I went to were in bad areas of town, so there were a lot of shady people at the meetings, and they were always meetings that allowed smoking so I had trouble breathing during the meetings. I've sometimes used that as an excuse not to go to meetings. I've always been scared to go by myself.Well, recently a new AA meeting location has opened. It's really close to my house in a decent neighborhood. It's a non-smoking club. I've went by there late at night when I went to buy groceries after work, and there were some shady people standing outside. Last night I drove by earlier in the night, and the people weren't shady-looking at all. They did scare me at all. Maybe the people I've seen there before just went to the midnight meetings.
I now feel like this new location has taken away my excuses. I may start going to meetings there... probably during daylight. Maybe I will get something out of it. Maybe this time I can feel comfortable enough to go there and open myself up to letting it work.
Regardless of that, if I go back into treatment at the mental health facility, they'll have me attend an AA meeting one day a week at noon at the facility. The last time I was there, I didn't have to go to the meetings, but at that time I wasn't struggling with an addiction. But now, if I'm honest during my intake appointment about my alcohol/drug cravings and about how I've drank a few times while on psych medications, they'll sign me up for the AA meetings. If I don't go to the meetings, I'd be kicked out of the program.
4 comments:
I understand about feeling uncomfortable at AA meetings. I went to 1 meeting and quit. I go to a different program now and am much more accepted. I did want to comment though about one thing. I too come from an abusive background so I know that safety is a big issue. However, judging someone solely on how they look isn't an accurate depiction of who they are. Just as judging someone just because they have bipolar disorder isn't an accurate depiction of who they are either. Just something to think about. We all put our pants on one leg at a time.
Firstly...are you sleeping okay? I just realized you posted at about 3am. Anyhow, I hope you are well.
As for AA...hmm. I have my own opinions on meetings that I will post about but, if they help you then go. If the thought of going is scary then join the club. Just by going we admit we are powerless and that is pretty intimidating.
Also I agree with Natalie in the stereotyping but hey, I get where you are coming from. You just have to find the right enviornment for you.
Don't worry about me posting at 3 a.m. That's pretty usual for me. I don't get home from work until about 1 a.m. most nights. Some nights it's 2 or even 3 when I get home. I sleep until 11 a.m. or noon.
That's good to hear-that 2am is normal for you. It is a little worrying to see such a late statement from you.
I've never been to AA, but if it's the requirement to get help, do it. It's helped millions, so there's got to be something to it.
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