Author: James Anderson
When at a A A. meeting, how do you introduce yourself?
Or perhaps they would all be depressing and solemn and holier-than-thou. I found out you rarely get to be an alcoholic by being depressing and solemn and holier-than-thou. These were the same people I drank with, although now they were making more sense. The critics never quote the words “as we understood God.” Nobody in A.A.
Many people use the terms “alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” interchangeably. However, alcoholism refers to alcohol addiction or dependence, where the individual has a physical or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol. Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where a person drinks excessively in spite of the negative consequences. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. But within less than a year of sobriety it felt wrong and untrue, “like a machete” to her throat. Shedding the label freed her from explaining who she was and was not, everywhere she went. The very first time I said these words they were incredibly powerful and liberating — when I finally said them, my surrender was complete. But as my sober time increases, I’m growing more uncomfortable with saying these words. A “cult?” How can that be, when it’s free, nobody profits and nobody is in charge?
Understanding Alcoholism and the Signs of Severe Drinking Problems
If you find yourself regularly thinking about your next drink, or if you’ve tried to cut back on drinking and never quite succeeded, you may have an alcohol addiction. Whether you’re the loved one of someone struggling with alcohol addiction, or you yourself are struggling, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to know that you’re not alone. Thousands of people from all walks of life battle alcoholism every day, and thousands make the decision to seek help. Mrs. Seiberling, a nonalcoholic who had sought spiritual help in the Oxford Group meetings, was the person who introduced Bill W. To A.A.’s other cofounder, Dr. Bob, who was then struggling to deal with his drinking by attending Oxford Group meetings in Akron.
This assessment was created by the World Health Organization and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions. I say I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous because I believe there is an important difference between being an alcoholic and being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The meeting begins with the chairperson reading the AA Preamble, then leading a group prayer, the Serenity Prayer (short version). Afterward, different members of the meeting read sections of AA literature, including the “Alcoholic Anonymous” book (commonly referred to as “The Big Book”) and “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.” A typical AA meeting lasts 60 to 90 minutes, although this may vary depending on the type and format of the individual meeting.
Warning Signs You’re an Alcoholic
She started walking down a frozen river bed, thought she herd bells ringing, and sat down to freeze to death. The couple on the sleigh (so help me God, this is what she said) took her home with them, and then to an A.A. A priest who eavesdropped on his first meeting by hiding in the janitor’s closet of his own church hall. Lots who just walked in through the door. No one who had been “sent by the judge,” because in Chicago, A.A. “If you don’t want to be here, don’t come.”
- You need to heal and repair the damage to yourself and others.
- In August 1979, I took my last drink.
- Closed meetings, however, are restricted to people who are members of AA.
- I said I didn’t need to go to any meetings.
- He was in one of those classic office buildings in the Loop, filled with dentists and jewelers.
While AA is faith-based, it is not about indoctrination or forcing people to find religion—it’s about supporting people as they work to change their relationship with alcohol. Members of AA support one another by sharing their experiences, listening to one another, and providing tips for what has helped them on their recovery journey. You might wonder how long AA meetings are. Or maybe you’re concerned about whether you’ll need to get up and share your story at a meeting. Learning more about what to expect in an AA meeting can help you feel more at ease and get more out of the experience. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
Press Play for Advice on Coping With Alcoholism
When I mention Humble Howard, you are possibly thinking you wouldn’t be caught dead at a meeting where someone read from his driver’s license. He had a lot more to say, too, and was as funny as a stand-up comedian. I began to realize that I had tended to avoid some people because of my instant conclusions about who they were and what they would have to say.
And, for me, that’s what this is all about. Living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life with the people who love me despite my faults. I’d be really grateful if that were a possibility, but it’s not. I am grateful, but I’m not grateful to be an alcoholic.
You may choose to speak at your first AA meeting, or you might opt to simply observe and listen. This can help take the pressure off during your first meeting, giving you time to get more comfortable and familiar with how meetings work. The chairperson asks if any newcomers or first-timers are attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. You may or may not be one of them as this is an option and not mandatory.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have experienced problems with drinking. Anyone who has a desire to do something about their drinking can join. Feeling a little nervous about going to your first AA meeting is normal! Learning more about how meetings work and what happens during a meeting can help you feel more comfortable.