If you are new to AA meetings, the feeling can seem to be quite overwhelming at first. However, what you should remember perhaps is that alcoholics’ anonymous meetings are there to help you tide through this crisis of abuse. It should be viewed as a support system and not as an additional task or regime that you must follow. Here are some tips for help.
Getting Used to AA Gatherings
Some tips that are likely to help you deal with AA gatherings include
- Begin by attending meetings regularly: Start with a bang and attend meetings daily. When you begin your battle with alcoholism, anxiety, depression, and irritation will be an order of the day! If you feel anxious or restless during your free time, consider attending multiple meetings in a day. Bizarre as this may sound, attending several meetings can help in keeping occupied. It will also provide exposure to multiple support groups for added assistance.
- Look out for a Sponsor: When you are new to the struggle against alcoholism, having a sponsor can be one of the easiest ways to stay committed. A sponsor is your guide and anchor and it would be nice to be able to call someone when you need to talk and discuss your problems. Choose someone who needs something from you. This could be help and assistance in just any form! A mutually beneficial relationship with a sponsor always works. You can even stand up at a meeting and declare that you would need a sponsor. Many members would divert you in the right direction.
- Invest in The Big Book: Alongside heading to an “AA meeting near me” invest in The Big Book. It is only a small investment. However, it will help you immensely in steering clear of addictive substances. Here you can find personal stories, information concerning the steps involves in AA gatherings, sound advice on living day to day without drugs and alcohol, and so on. There are promises formally outlined for those who follow these directives. Although there would be many books that can help you through this journey, The Big Book enjoys a different level of importance.
- Steer clear of relationships for the Moment: Once you become fresh and sober, you are likely to be bored and typically lonely. Many alcoholics tend to get involved in relationships for feeling loved, to ease pain, and to replaceaddiction with something more fruitful. However, relying on another person for your happiness does not help in the early stages of sobriety. If you are already in a relationship, the recovery program should remain your foremost priority. You need to explain to your partner that a lot of your time will now be spent at meetings and that there is nothing personal about it. The best you can do is join a local AA meeting and save time on unnecessary travel and commute. If you wish to get into a relationship simply wait for a year in complete sobriety.
Keep checking your progress on a sobriety calculator and never miss your AA meetings in Texas. Success is guaranteed.