AA?

[sweetheart]

Can someone tell me positives/negatives about AA? I was planning on going to a meeting Monday and my BF talked me out of it. He said it's not that anonymous.

[k2]

http://wqd.netwarriors.org/showthread.php?t=6173


http://wqd.netwarriors.org/showthread.php?t=6175

These 2 threads might be helpful. The first one is supposed to be "Pro AA" and the 2nd "Con." They ended up each having a bit of both. As far as I know, AA is anonymous...you only have to tell them as much as you are inclined to...you don't have to fill out paperwork or anything...

What does he mean not "that" anonymous?

[Lia~~]

Not going to AA because of fear of confidentiality is a rationalization our AVs use on us. We aren't too afraid to let our best friends see us dog drunk and acting like fools, or go into work hungover-- but we're afraid someone might see us leave an AA meeting? I sure used that one.

AA is anonymous-- you may see someone you know there- well they are there for the same reason as you. If it's work you're worried about-- go to a meeting away from where you work.

I am not a big pro-AA person-- but it is a part of my recovery process-- one tool. The more we have, the better chance of success we have. Those links K2 left are good reads. :)

[serenitysearcher]

Although I don't currently attend meetings, AA was a really helpful part of my early path to sobriety.

I don't hesitate to go back when I need some support for my quit.

I say, try a wide variety of tools and keep what works.

Serenity

[Rich]

Yep whatever it takes to not drink. Only listen to though that have quit drinking. Only they know

[manatee hunter]

I am not an AA fan either, but I think that you should give it a try and not worry about the anonymity issue, they are all there for the same reason. It's helped a lot of people and may be just what you are looking for.

[Molting]

I never wanted to be associated with AA before. Now that I've gone, I'm glad its there. The good news is it will always be there and it will always accept you.

[TwinCity]

don't let others decide what is best for you, try it out for yourself.

[Steve]

It gave me a strong foundation to work off of. It took alot of the pressure of me. I was accepted even before I got their. Once I went to an AA meeting, I found out their was nothing to be scared of. It is something I would recommend for everyone to try. Like Lia wrote, we need alot of tools in our bag when fighting the AV. On the other side, their is alot of people who have quit without using it. It just depends on the grip alcohol has on you. If we keep continuing to fall, we need to give other options a good try to help us. If you try out one, try out a couple before making your mind up. When we admit our addiction out openly, we solitify to ourselves that we are an alcoholic. It is like a weight being lifted off of us.

steve

[Molting]

I like what Steve posts.

I have gone about 50 days to my home group. In that time, I've only seen 3 other newbies come in. One is so fresh to AA, she's fighting it all the way. Tears of fear, an emotional basket case. I think that person comes because she sees the strength in the members. People keep reaching out to her. Only 2 others have come (one an AA member who goes for periods of sobriety than has to restart, another very fresh person that is a local so we don't know the full story based on language and culture)

All of them get special consideration because everybody says the new member is the most vulnerable. Its true because you are walking around unarmed against alcohol.

so, I do hope you have an open mind and try it.

[Jigsy]

The good is, you do get support like nowhere else.

The bad, it does feel a little cultish but not in a freaky "let's take over the world" or "lets all have each other's babies" way. :D

[Babble]

Hi


AA

All Avenues

Explore them,
make your own mind up;)

M:D:D

[bigsister987]

my BF talked me out of it. He said it's not that anonymous.

Are you sure he didn't talk you out of it for another reason? Maybe he doesn't want to think of you as an alcoholic. Is he supporting you?

[iwantasoberlife]

Can someone tell me positives/negatives about AA? I was planning on going to a meeting Monday and my BF talked me out of it. He said it's not that anonymous.

Does your bf drink? If so, then he's probably not in the best position to advise you on such topics. Just my opinion. Give the Allen Carr book a chance, Sweetheart. It might help you out. It's called The Easy Way to Stop Drinking. Just a thought. I went to a few AA meetings and they definitely help some people. I preferred Carr's approach to the subject though. All the best!