Oh man.. I wish I had seen this video. I'm about to go to my 3rd meeting today. 5 days sober. Just found a group 2 days ago... walked in terrified to speak and broke, didnt even know if I had to pay. Felt like I was going to be asked a million questions as to why I'm there... but nope complete opposite, a man just walked up to me and asked if I'm here for the first time to join a meeting, I said yes but I have no money. He said dont worry about it. Just sit down and listen. You dont have to do anything if you dont want to. Just listen to the stories and asked if I wanted coffee or water... i felt so welcome and didnt even feel pressured to come back. They didnt come up to me and tell me, you need this, come everyday, its necessary. They just asked how I was doing and they hope to see me back again. That they've seen it help a ton of people and that I'm welcome anytime.... I went back the very next day... today I think I'm going to stand up and talk... even if it's for 2 mins. Just to say what got me there...
Congratulations brother, your msg means alot to me, keep it strong, don't give up, remember the first time you when there... You will succeed and change your life.
I went to my first AA meeting yesterday evening. My anxiety was so bad that I was visibly shaking and I could not control it. I was not planning on speaking, but I decided to. All I basically said was that I was just looking for a support system and vaguely told them about why I was there. After that, everyone there shared some of the reasons why they were there. About halfway through the meeting, I was no longer shaking. All the men there wrote their phone numbers down on a piece of paper for me to reach out to them. Everyone there was very supportive. I will definitely give the program a chance. They also gave me a free copy of the book
I am opioid and gambling addict. Alcohol isn't really my poison, but I get the why he didn't say it in the video because addicts have to realize they have a problem themselves because addicts are stubborn people. Sometimes they need to relapse many times before they get they have a problem.
@@ashpeers4500 the 12 step programme you do on a daily bases , you dont 'do' and complete them its a programme for a way of life , so the programme never ends - its 1 day at a time
I remember when I went to AA at 19 years old. I felt that my addiction wasn’t bad. Here I am at nearly 25 and I’m still addicted. I remember my mom telling me at 19 that I wasn’t an alcoholic, and I listened, but being homeless multiple times, pissing away my military career, a close call with DUI and a nice cops who gave a me a chance. I’m just afraid to go back
I was in the same boat in high school in AA. Now 29 almost 30 and im back at AA meetings due to my habits. You CAN do this, it takes a lot of work but you can do it!
I was coerced into going at the age of 21. I was the youngest at the meetings and felt like a fraud, that I hadn't been drinking long enough to be a bona-fide alcoholic. And yet the problem did not go away. I was in a catch 22 situation where I couldn't carry on drinking, but didn't believe I had the enough drinking experience to provide genuine motivation to stop (so doomed). It drove me crazy and that eventually became my rock bottom and I returned to AA without expectations of success. Had my last drink at the age of 23. I am 62 now. Ultimately I rejected AA's 12 steps, but without the fellowship (the people) I never would have stayed sober. It is not unusual to have no control over alcohol (alcoholic) and have other issues also. But there is no problem that cannot be made worse with alcohol.
I never thought this day would come but I am actually done with drinking I'm 24years old and I've had enough I cant wait for my first AA meeting this afternoon..
This and the other 2 replies are so hopeful!! To get sober in your 20’s is AMAZEBALLS!! 🙏💪 Don’t try to do it without meditating- honestly- best thing EVER & helps sooo much
Beautifully put. I remember my first meeting over 20 years ago. I was made to feel welcome from the word go and haven't looked back since. AA and the program of recovery saved my life. simple as that.
I had my first last, it was NOTHING like what you hear or see. That’s what always stopped me, the “stigma”... I’m not religious, they don’t care. I’d prefer to be around people who KNOW how hard it is, not people who have no clue. I’m sticking with it.
Watching this in preparation for my first meeting tomorrow. I’m such a socially awkward person so even this is a big step for me. Thank you so much for your guidance video!
Me too. Awkward, but a friend in AA has offered to take me. (Oh, I also wrecked my car driving without my glasses .) I'm seeing her tomorrow, and I think I'll ask her..
Been going to aa meetings for three and half years and as many meetings per week as I can make. For me it is always a very soothing experience knowing we are all alike and there for each other, to keep us sober.
With 37 years of sobriety. The newcomer is the most important person to me. I see myself and What will happen to me If I let my guard down. And share my experience strength and hope. With them.
I've had one day sober from beer. My mother said it is time ta quit drinking alcohol. I'm 4/20 friendly and it's helped me tremendously than alcohol. I feel calmer when I smoke weed. I pray for current alcoholics who are struggling. Thank GOD for sobriety!!!
This does a good job of capturing the "Live and Let Live" attitude of a typical AA meeting. Being a newcomer in any group can make you feel anxious. AA handles that in exactly the ways shown here. You can speak or say nothing. Others are glad you're there, but they want you to stay if you want or leave if you want. When you're the newcomer, those present will tell their story rather than insist you tell yours. Although everyone's experience is different, it's fairly common to hear your own story coming out of someone else's mouth. Maybe you thought you were the only one. Or maybe you thought no one had gone as far as you had. By the end of my firsts meeting, I wasn't entirely sure what had happened, but I definitely knew I would be welcome if I came back. I believe all of the above are intentionally "built into" a typical AA meeting. This video shows what I mean.
I'm sober today by grace of god + AA 12 step programme I eventually became teachable n got honest with myself n others + v importantly was willing to go to any lengths to find recovery this simple programme works n has done for me on a daily basis since 23 September 2007 god bless all
It's totally normal to be nervous the first time you attend a meeting. I was nervous the first 4 or 5 times, then you get to know people by face and name. It's becomes very easy. It's helped me.
My dad's always been an alcoholic ever since I was a baby. When he went to AA, he got up the courage to speak and a woman said "Oh you're boring! We don't want to hear them stories" it really knocked his confidence and he never went back 😔 It's nice to see this and know that that's not how AA meetings are supposed to be. That woman should have been kicked out but no one said anything. Because of her, my dad's never got the help he needs to stay sober 😭
damm this is such a good video. i've been considering going for a long time but always just put it off. this video is very comforting and is really well done. can't believe you don't have more subscribers or views. thank you for this🖤
Thank you for this! I really needed the heads-up. I’m so sick and want to make my fiancé and mom proud and finally give sobriety a true try. I lost my partner over 10 years ago and my mommy this past month 💜
Been in different AA places in mexico some places have you there against your will and I had been sober for 4 months then I relapsed and it took me 2 more weeks of relapsing to finally find the determination to stay sober been 2 months sober going on 3 I thank my higher power for giving me another chance at sobriety and fixing my mess of a life
Great video there are too many negative ideas about A.A. and this was a great overview of a meeting.Well done and thank you as I know this video will help others.Keep coming back 💜
A A Saved my life. I average ten meetings a week, I'm involved in Service work and continue to further my program every day. I have ten years in the program relapse the couple times. And my experience from that reaffirms the importance of a sponsor in my life. I tried doing it on my own my own way and the result was nil. Today I celebrate almost three years of continuous sobriety. And I will forever be indebted to Alcoholics anonymous
If I don't drink and don't die for another 54 days, I'll celebrate 31 years sober in AA. As far as the video is concerned, I'm reminded of what the old timers told me. Never be nervous or self-conscious at an AA meeting. Nobody's listening to you, you're in a room full of alcoholics, they're all thinking about themselves.
I remember my first day in rehab and the first meeting while I was there. That was on 12 December ,1993. On December 12, 2023, I will be alcohol free 30 years. It works if you work it.
Sure but when it comes to working the steps, or looking into Bob's background, there are a lot of red flags and turn offs. So yes, find a support group if you are in recovery, but it absolutely does not need to be the cult of AA.
@@juicy1598 let's see if I can give you maybe like three pretty big problems with AA : - not scientific = not evidence based, not updated, not peer reviewed, very low rate of effectiveness - based on a blend of Judeo Christian and psychedelic dogma = claims to be a book for people of all belief systems but is evolved from Evangelical Christianity (Oxford Group) mixed with LSD research that probably had Darpa backing (Bill W the founder of AA partied with people like Aldous Huxley and Carl Jung) - subjectively immoral = promotes selfishness, ego, dishonesty, unwillingness to change, discourages inquiry, causes group-think, not centrally organized to prevent accountability, uses brainwashing techniques like NLP to trick participants (more like a cult and less like a bunch of individuals recovered from addiction) There's a ton more stuff we could go over but RUclips likes to auto delete almost everything nowadays and anything over two sentences is TLDR for most people so... Yeah just keep going back. It works if you work it.
36 consecutive years sober in AA & I cannot remember ever - sitting in Circle. There are usually tables or couches. Buts its always portrayed online like that! Its not like that, I promise you, its WAY more relaxed & Everyone in there went to their own First Meeting ! The Only thing you have to say - when asked - Do we have anyone new here/ at their First Meeting ?(Only if you WANT TO ) Is raise your hand say your First Name & what you are - alcoholic. Thats IT! Later you'll get to know people after the meeting or if they have a coffee break halfway through . Its the place you Belong, by just being- you. ♥Every meeting will be different, that's why you need to go back. Also to choose a Sponsor, someone to help you out a lot with everything.
I started going to AA last year. And I Steve Flynn am the only person who can post about me at AA meetings on a Public Forum. I am never to say the names of anyone I made friends with at AA. Nor the names of any person I've seen and heard at AA. But I am happy to say I am almost 14 months Sober. Early Sobriety wasn't easy for me but Sobriety right now is easy. And I will keep going One Day at a Time without touching that first drink 🍷.
Honestly, the smoke in the room was RIDICULOUS. I could hardly breathe, everyone smoked and most people were burnouts. I was not impressed, never went back and stopped drinking on my own. But hey, it HAS helped people. I have heard many good things.
Thank you for this video. One of my characters in my current novel I am writing is attending an AA meeting and this gave me a lot of good info to add in, I appreciate it!
@@riro1024 not very feasible. I live in the country in the woods, 100 miles from the nearest town. Plus it's usually late at night when I am writing fiction and need this kind of info!
0:36 this is from a movie called “Smashed” and it’s a really good drama-comedy independent film about a young elementary school teacher who has an alcohol problem and does the 12 steps and eventually recovers. It’s a definitely a film to seek out if you haven’t seen it!
Every body reacts to meetings in different ways.. Just go a meeting and smile at people and if they want you to read or share just tell them you would like to listen.. I walked out of my first meeting wanting to go to another meeting.. And everyone is differant But not unique.. We will probably know you are there and will do anything to Ease you.. When the meeting starts We are all the same.. Nobody is in charge There are no dues There is ALWAYS coffee You can smoke to just look Where we are congragaded Do this 100% and you will be Sober and truly Happy...
Some meetings you have to identify as an alcoholic. I’ve been to a few of those that they get mad if you identify as any thing else or don’t say it . They will usually say that at the beginning of the meeting, these meetings are called closed meetings
The only requirement to attend a closed meeting is that you have the desire to stop drinking. That is all. If you are forced to identify as anything in a meeting, the people getting mad are trying to control things they shouldn't. The proper way to get someone to identify as an alcoholic the way the book describes an alcoholic, is to take a person through step 1 in the big book and they will then beable to qualify themselves as an alcoholic if they meet the big book criteria.
I've been to meetings where people were new and didn't say they were alcoholic, and I've never seen anyone respond in a negative way. Sometimes people are confused about it, and need to hear recovering alcoholics talk before they can understand that it applies to them too.
@@leeleeturn most all the meetings in my area usually state in the beginning that this is a meeting for alcoholics only and please limit sharing as it pertains to alcohol. One meetings welcomes Addicts but asks them to only share if they identify as an alchaholic and the other simply asks addicts to leave after the birthday cake celebrations
I desire to quit drinking because it’s only brought me to downfalls, I’m about to go to aa meeting for the first time and I’m very anxious, this video really helps calm the nerves.
Great presentation..all meetings are different. You don’t have to pray on your knees or believe in God….the General Service office of A.A. suggests that the programme is open to each individuals interpretation. It’s a life changing experience in spite of life’s hardships…Im 34 years sober now and have had the best years of my life and this has influenced my family who are not even A.A. members
The discovery that those visitors who have no wish to stop drinking are welcomed by the chairperson at open AA meetings was a real surprise. From information available to the public online.
Im laying in a bed in my moms house crying. I lost everything this crap. April 18th 2024 I think I black out, i only think this because my partner of 15 years call police and I went to jail for the first time in my life. I will be 50 on the 25th and I can't believe this happened. I love my partner with all of me. I just can't comprehend how i let this happen. We have work so hard for where have gotten. Im so proud of her. And I love her deeply. Drinking started as a weekend thing then it grew and grew. Sometimes everyday. I would pray so hard every morning for help to stop, but this demon has a hold of me and I let it take the person I loved from the first date. We are so good together, we laugh, we work well together, we like and love almost all the same things.even with our age grap of 16 years we have had an great love for each other. But now i lay here praying, begging God to help me and please put us back together. I don't even know if this ok to comment, if not , I'm sorry and please delete.
@@thesoberempire I haven't been able to make it to a class although I have been searching for one. I live in a pretty secluded area unfortunately. I have however stopped drinking for the time being thankfully. Thank you for asking, I appreciate that so much..
well done David! i have always noted that in the media the same meetings are not portrayed accurately .. and unfortunately for recovery.. so you did a great service! i would joe we have cast and dressed the actors perhaps a little less self-assured and “together” .. maybe some downcast faces and raggedy or unshaven or obese people to give a truer (in my experience) of the wide variety of attendees. But wonderful work nonetheless and loved the smoking’ car!
I've seen everything from yuppies to young people to working class people to homeless people in AA meetings, sometimes in the very same meeting. It's one of the things I love about AA. Best diversity anywhere, and yet all have a common bond.
Some people at AA are very overbearing and many are great. I’ve only had one or two bad experiences out of the many times I’ve went. I no longer go to AA, but I am not opposed to others going if/when they need it.
Thinking about taking my dad to an AA meeting after his bender that resulted in him throwing up everywhere, falling and passing out in the living floor. He’s 52. I’m 18.
How I became the stop drinking expert was firstly I went to rehab and whilst in there getting a bit of time up without using any drugs or alcohol I realised I can actually live life without this crap and a dam good life also. No more hang overs feeling like shit having to apologize to everyone for my behaviour the night before no having to be around people that use abuse lie steal and cheat of you.. Thank God.. I don't even do meetings because there is too many dickheads in the rooms.. You can do this also don't give up.. Peace Freedom Love..
I just wanted to know what happens at AA one my roommate hates going they say that it's bunch people who whine and cry, they say that meetings are a waste of their time and the program is stupid and waste their time they still have a issue with drinking maybe that's why they hate going.
I went a meeting that was hosted by a treatment facility I was in while trying to quit drinking and when I sat down some lady told me I could sit there because I wasn't part of her Chapter. I got up and walked out, never went back to an AA meeting. I'm glad they help some people but for me listening to other people talk about how alcohol destroyed their lives wasn't very helpful.
Are there any meeting types or times that tend to have better groups as a home group? I went to a beginners meeting in the evening, and it was just kind of so-so. It actually felt a little weird, tbh. Kind of like old timers sizing up the fresh meat, with some crazies mixed in. On second thought, it was pretty uncomfortable, lol.
Fresh meat 😆😆. Every group is a bit different. I didn't get a hone group until about 6 months with the fellowship. You can always change homegroup also.
Find a small community AA meeting When the meeting starts there may be a chance to introduce yourself.. Maybe say your first name and inform people it is your first meeting.. people will be so Happy you are there.. Remember to only do things that help you.. There are no musts in AA.. Good luck and God Bless
I show up to work everyday, not on time but 30 minutes early(that I don't get paid for), then I do a large portion of someone else's work on top of my work. I do it fast, I do it right. If I'm able to do this and drink 8-10 pints of ice beer, what's wrong with that?
I have 10 years, most of them only pretend to know what they're talking about lol as far as the steps go they're better then 20 years of " professional " therapy and it's also a combination of awesome and beautifully simplistic spirituality
I tried going to AA meetings, but none of them want me in or help because I'm non religious as the circle is very small in my small city (about 6-8 people show up). I'm not there to try out religion, I just want help to stop drinking everyday. I'm in my early 30's I've been drinking a six pack everyday since i was 18. I have epilepsy as well since early childhood, it just makes me sad when the hospital doesn't want to help as they just suggest the same places I've gone already
I've seen religious zealots destroy meetings. Once they get a foothold in a group they bring in their alcoholic friends and simply cannot stop self-righteous proselytising. Closing with the "serenity prayer" seems outmoded in the UK, where non-believers are now in the majority. I went to my last AA meeting 28 years ago and I've haven't picked up a drink since then. Suffering alcoholics who know me have asked me for help over the years (I am not ashamed of my drinking history) flatly refuse even to try AA because of "all that god stuff". Dare I suggest that the fellowship should consider secularising itself? If people want to parade their religious beliefs there are still churches everywhere and a day each week is set aside for their use. Their number is falling. Many of them have now been turned into dwelling places, carpet warehouses, restaurants or even - incongruously - nightclubs. Some have simply been turned into empty demolition sites that have not found a developer.
New people in the meetings sometimes cry, but everyone understands and are usually supportive. When someone goes to a meeting for the first time, it's because they're in a pretty down place. Crying is understandable.
I’m taking a friend (also housemate) to his first meeting on Tuesday, I’m just wondering what I can do to help him outside of these meetings? If anyone has any advice for me I would be extremely grateful.
The thing is, I would love to meet fellow alcoholics and build upon a support group. I am just not excited about religion being thrown into it. I myself am not religious. I notice that the idea of ‘praying’ makes me not want to attend. Any of you got some advice on what to do?
Have got more info by now? Here where I am no one seems to be very religious, and the general idea is that 'a higher power' simply could be a better/sober me/you. Admittedly, this is a lousy presentation where casting seems to have been performed from fuckin Hollywood. It's not like that in the real world; we are real ppl.
I e been sober 2 years .i go to meetings I know a few people but always feel like an outsider .even there.. I have such social anxiety I just can’t get over the hump..I’ll jump around to different meetings so I don’t get to involved ..I’m sick..but sober
This video was extremely helpful! I’m a writer and am in the process of writing a scene that CORRECTLY sums up the events of a typical AA meeting, not the Hollywood version. I would definitely feel… “icky” about intruding on an actual meeting (as a sober person who’s never had issues with addiction, that’s not okay for me to go to a meeting, specifically for research… yikes!), so these types of videos are invaluable to me! ❤
You can attend an open AA meeting. Closed aa meetings are for people trying to quit drinking. You could also attend an al-anon meeting. Al anon is for people who are affected by someone elses drinking
Im years sober, and just wanted to say, AA has not only changed my attitude it has T r a n s f o r m e d My Lifestyle and outlook on life and My health... Very reputable organization..Your first few times joining you'll hear alot of 'Phrases' And 'Sayings' which may not mean anything to you but in due time you'll be using them too and they'll mean something to you. E v e r y b o d y Is a V E R Y potential Good Friend. There will be people from all backgrounds. But you do have the same issue in common. Just a ol drunk, striving for self sanity in hopes of maybe finding an E A S I E R way to cope with life without the immortal insanity of Depending on alcohol as a higher power.."To thyself be true" 'Just not right now' A N D always stay humble enough to realize "To God be the Glory" And T h a n k Y o u L o r d..
I feel I'm at the point where I should go to a meeting. Do all AA meetings have a religious theme to them or are there more secularlized formats. Speaking as an atheist the prospect of having to read a prayer would not only make me feel like they're trying to indoctrinate me, but the discomfort would make me want to drink
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh man.. I wish I had seen this video. I'm about to go to my 3rd meeting today. 5 days sober. Just found a group 2 days ago... walked in terrified to speak and broke, didnt even know if I had to pay. Felt like I was going to be asked a million questions as to why I'm there... but nope complete opposite, a man just walked up to me and asked if I'm here for the first time to join a meeting, I said yes but I have no money. He said dont worry about it. Just sit down and listen. You dont have to do anything if you dont want to. Just listen to the stories and asked if I wanted coffee or water... i felt so welcome and didnt even feel pressured to come back. They didnt come up to me and tell me, you need this, come everyday, its necessary. They just asked how I was doing and they hope to see me back again. That they've seen it help a ton of people and that I'm welcome anytime.... I went back the very next day... today I think I'm going to stand up and talk... even if it's for 2 mins. Just to say what got me there...
Awesome stuff. I'm glad to hear it 😊
You still sober?
Awesome taking that first step to recovery!
Congratulations brother, your msg means alot to me, keep it strong, don't give up, remember the first time you when there... You will succeed and change your life.
I’m so proud of you. I hope you’ve kept to it
Today is my first AA meeting, I'm not scared I'm just sad and emotionaly shaterd from my behavior's from being drunk.
I agree
Reckless behavior is my forte and I am looking forward to my first meeting
How long have you been sober now that it's been a year?
its behind you, keep moving forward sister.
I know exactly how you feel smh
Stop to real right on the nose
I went to my first AA meeting yesterday evening. My anxiety was so bad that I was visibly shaking and I could not control it. I was not planning on speaking, but I decided to. All I basically said was that I was just looking for a support system and vaguely told them about why I was there. After that, everyone there shared some of the reasons why they were there. About halfway through the meeting, I was no longer shaking. All the men there wrote their phone numbers down on a piece of paper for me to reach out to them. Everyone there was very supportive. I will definitely give the program a chance. They also gave me a free copy of the book
I am opioid and gambling addict. Alcohol isn't really my poison, but I get the why he didn't say it in the video because addicts have to realize they have a problem themselves because addicts are stubborn people. Sometimes they need to relapse many times before they get they have a problem.
AA Changed my LIFE!!!! PERIOD!!! 27 Years Sober Still going to meetings
Did you do the 12 steps
@@ashpeers4500 the 12 step programme you do on a daily bases , you dont 'do' and complete them its a programme for a way of life , so the programme never ends - its 1 day at a time
❤
I remember when I went to AA at 19 years old. I felt that my addiction wasn’t bad. Here I am at nearly 25 and I’m still addicted. I remember my mom telling me at 19 that I wasn’t an alcoholic, and I listened, but being homeless multiple times, pissing away my military career, a close call with DUI and a nice cops who gave a me a chance. I’m just afraid to go back
You don't have to go back but you'd be better off getting treatment of at least some kind. Like they say, you're an addict for life
It is never to later, you still very young, don't waste your life in this "illusion of happiness "
I was in the same boat in high school in AA. Now 29 almost 30 and im back at AA meetings due to my habits. You CAN do this, it takes a lot of work but you can do it!
I was coerced into going at the age of 21. I was the youngest at the meetings and felt like a fraud, that I hadn't been drinking long enough to be a bona-fide alcoholic. And yet the problem did not go away. I was in a catch 22 situation where I couldn't carry on drinking, but didn't believe I had the enough drinking experience to provide genuine motivation to stop (so doomed). It drove me crazy and that eventually became my rock bottom and I returned to AA without expectations of success. Had my last drink at the age of 23. I am 62 now. Ultimately I rejected AA's 12 steps, but without the fellowship (the people) I never would have stayed sober. It is not unusual to have no control over alcohol (alcoholic) and have other issues also. But there is no problem that cannot be made worse with alcohol.
hope you are doing well 💖
Going to my first meeting Monday night, I've waited far too long, but I'm sick of getting drunk
I never thought this day would come but I am actually done with drinking I'm 24years old and I've had enough I cant wait for my first AA meeting this afternoon..
@@yfaofficial07 23 years old here and I’m amazed how good it feels to be sober. In a year from now, you’ll be amazed how far you’ve come.
This and the other 2 replies are so hopeful!! To get sober in your 20’s is AMAZEBALLS!! 🙏💪
Don’t try to do it without meditating- honestly- best thing EVER & helps sooo much
@@JBTee123 thank you!
This really helped...I'm also sick of abusing alcohol and harming my body. I'm starting my first meeting nextweek. 😊
Beautifully put. I remember my first meeting over 20 years ago. I was made to feel welcome from the word go and haven't looked back since. AA and the program of recovery saved my life. simple as that.
Are you white? Of course it's for you
@@fishnow1560 Yes massa
I had my first last, it was NOTHING like what you hear or see. That’s what always stopped me, the “stigma”... I’m not religious, they don’t care. I’d prefer to be around people who KNOW how hard it is, not people who have no clue. I’m sticking with it.
If you're new, WELCOME. Listen to the similarities and not the differences and by all means, KEEP COMING BACK 👍
You rock! Carry on.
If your new welcome of your white and your a female. Welcome
Watching this in preparation for my first meeting tomorrow. I’m such a socially awkward person so even this is a big step for me. Thank you so much for your guidance video!
Me too, I found this really helpful. all the best for your
Me too. Awkward, but a friend in AA has offered to take me. (Oh, I also wrecked my car driving without my glasses .) I'm seeing her tomorrow, and I think I'll ask her..
Hang in there.
And walk through your fear. And remember.
Things come to pass. Never to stay
Been going to aa meetings for three and half years and as many meetings per week as I can make. For me it is always a very soothing experience knowing we are all alike and there for each other, to keep us sober.
It's a "soothing experience" because your white
Im attending my first meeting tonight. This helped put me a bit at ease. Thank you
How's it going ?
With 37 years of sobriety. The newcomer is the most important person to me. I see myself and What will happen to me If I let my guard down. And share my experience strength and hope. With them.
I've had one day sober from beer. My mother said it is time ta quit drinking alcohol. I'm 4/20 friendly and it's helped me tremendously than alcohol. I feel calmer when I smoke weed. I pray for current alcoholics who are struggling. Thank GOD for sobriety!!!
I'm going to my first meeting this evening. Thanks for sharing. I've been nervous all day about it. This makes me less anxious a bit.
This is what I love about this. Talking, listening, maybe even nothing, and no judgement.
Thanks for doing this man. I honestly can't tell you how grateful I am you made this video buddy. Much love.
Thanks man, that means a lot.
Honestly, are you white?? I can't tell you how many white people this has helped
@@fishnow1560 no in my picture I'm purple.
This does a good job of capturing the "Live and Let Live" attitude of a typical AA meeting. Being a newcomer in any group can make you feel anxious. AA handles that in exactly the ways shown here. You can speak or say nothing. Others are glad you're there, but they want you to stay if you want or leave if you want. When you're the newcomer, those present will tell their story rather than insist you tell yours. Although everyone's experience is different, it's fairly common to hear your own story coming out of someone else's mouth. Maybe you thought you were the only one. Or maybe you thought no one had gone as far as you had. By the end of my firsts meeting, I wasn't entirely sure what had happened, but I definitely knew I would be welcome if I came back. I believe all of the above are intentionally "built into" a typical AA meeting. This video shows what I mean.
I'm sober today by grace of god + AA 12 step programme I eventually became teachable n got honest with myself n others + v importantly was willing to go to any lengths to find recovery this simple programme works n has done for me on a daily basis since 23 September 2007 god bless all
This is helping me not be nervous
Awesome man. Remember, there's nothing expected of you. Everyone there is just like you. 👍
Anything you did, they already did it and couldn't probably add to it. Lol
It's totally normal to be nervous the first time you attend a meeting. I was nervous the first 4 or 5 times, then you get to know people by face and name. It's becomes very easy. It's helped me.
My dad's always been an alcoholic ever since I was a baby. When he went to AA, he got up the courage to speak and a woman said "Oh you're boring! We don't want to hear them stories" it really knocked his confidence and he never went back 😔 It's nice to see this and know that that's not how AA meetings are supposed to be. That woman should have been kicked out but no one said anything. Because of her, my dad's never got the help he needs to stay sober 😭
That's crazy
😒😒😱😱²💕💕
Really goes to show what a fragile position some folks are in. Seems like a strong group leader is crucial for success.
Yeah alcoholics love to make up stories like that about AA so they have an excuse to keep using.
damm this is such a good video. i've been considering going for a long time but always just put it off. this video is very comforting and is really well done. can't believe you don't have more subscribers or views. thank you for this🖤
Thank you for this! I really needed the heads-up. I’m so sick and want to make my fiancé and mom proud and finally give sobriety a true try. I lost my partner over 10 years ago and my mommy this past month 💜
I'm sorry ❤️❤️💔
I've shown this video to TONS of newcomers over the years. It's so very helpful!
I’m surprised this video doesn’t have more views. Thank you so much for uploading.
Wonderful video. Thank you for making it. I hope every person out there who is nervous to take this first step in recovery can find this video.
I went to about 4 meetings and I cried like a baby the entire time of every single meeting. The Zoom meeting are lovely
I was going to ask about Zoom. How do I take part that way when I can't get to a meeting? (No car.)
Been in different AA places in mexico some places have you there against your will and I had been sober for 4 months then I relapsed and it took me 2 more weeks of relapsing to finally find the determination to stay sober been 2 months sober going on 3 I thank my higher power for giving me another chance at sobriety and fixing my mess of a life
Great video there are too many negative ideas about A.A. and this was a great overview of a meeting.Well done and thank you as I know this video will help others.Keep coming back 💜
Thanks so much for creating this. I am sure it will be helpful. Takes me back to my first (solo) meeting! I was scared too...
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
@@thesoberempire Hi just wanted to know the procedures of this meethin could i get to know are there any early timings for the meething
A A Saved my life. I average ten meetings a week, I'm involved in Service work and continue to further my program every day. I have ten years in the program relapse the couple times. And my experience from that reaffirms the importance of a sponsor in my life. I tried doing it on my own my own way and the result was nil. Today I celebrate almost three years of continuous sobriety. And I will forever be indebted to Alcoholics anonymous
If I don't drink and don't die for another 54 days, I'll celebrate 31 years sober in AA. As far as the video is concerned, I'm reminded of what the old timers told me. Never be nervous or self-conscious at an AA meeting. Nobody's listening to you, you're in a room full of alcoholics, they're all thinking about themselves.
I remember my first day in rehab and the first meeting while I was there. That was on 12 December ,1993. On December 12, 2023, I will be alcohol free 30 years. It works if you work it.
Thank you. I’m sober for only 6 days now. ♥️
If you don't like a meeting, find a different one. There are as many different kinds of groups as there are alcoholics.
Sure but when it comes to working the steps, or looking into Bob's background, there are a lot of red flags and turn offs. So yes, find a support group if you are in recovery, but it absolutely does not need to be the cult of AA.
@@thisisgettingold wtf is wrong with aa lol ?
@@juicy1598 let's see if I can give you maybe like three pretty big problems with AA :
- not scientific = not evidence based, not updated, not peer reviewed, very low rate of effectiveness
- based on a blend of Judeo Christian and psychedelic dogma = claims to be a book for people of all belief systems but is evolved from Evangelical Christianity (Oxford Group) mixed with LSD research that probably had Darpa backing (Bill W the founder of AA partied with people like Aldous Huxley and Carl Jung)
- subjectively immoral = promotes selfishness, ego, dishonesty, unwillingness to change, discourages inquiry, causes group-think, not centrally organized to prevent accountability, uses brainwashing techniques like NLP to trick participants (more like a cult and less like a bunch of individuals recovered from addiction)
There's a ton more stuff we could go over but RUclips likes to auto delete almost everything nowadays and anything over two sentences is TLDR for most people so... Yeah just keep going back. It works if you work it.
36 consecutive years sober in AA & I cannot remember ever - sitting in Circle. There are usually tables or couches. Buts its always portrayed online like that! Its not like that, I promise you, its WAY more relaxed & Everyone in there went to their own First Meeting ! The Only thing you have to say - when asked - Do we have anyone new here/ at their First Meeting ?(Only if you WANT TO ) Is raise your hand say your First Name & what you are - alcoholic. Thats IT! Later you'll get to know people after the meeting or if they have a coffee break halfway through . Its the place you Belong, by just being- you. ♥Every meeting will be different, that's why you need to go back. Also to choose a Sponsor, someone to help you out a lot with everything.
This video makes me more comfortable to go to an AA meeting. Thank you
👍👍
Leaving for my first today
I needed this. I'm 20 days sober and am still nervous about going to my first meeting.
How was it??
I started going to AA last year. And I Steve Flynn am the only person who can post about me at AA meetings on a Public Forum. I am never to say the names of anyone I made friends with at AA. Nor the names of any person I've seen and heard at AA. But I am happy to say I am almost 14 months Sober. Early Sobriety wasn't easy for me but Sobriety right now is easy. And I will keep going One Day at a Time without touching that first drink 🍷.
Honestly, the smoke in the room was RIDICULOUS. I could hardly breathe, everyone smoked and most people were burnouts. I was not impressed, never went back and stopped drinking on my own. But hey, it HAS helped people. I have heard many good things.
Weird didn’t even know they let them smoke in the rooms in some places. Smoking is only outside for all the meetings I’ve been to.
Currently living in Vegas and all the spots are all far from where I live. I know I shouldn’t complain but I wish they were closer
Thank you for this video. One of my characters in my current novel I am writing is attending an AA meeting and this gave me a lot of good info to add in, I appreciate it!
just go to an open meeting and take notes
Really!
Yup! It's a domestic thriller called Unseen Empire set in the South Bay music scene
@@riro1024 not very feasible. I live in the country in the woods, 100 miles from the nearest town. Plus it's usually late at night when I am writing fiction and need this kind of info!
0:36 this is from a movie called “Smashed” and it’s a really good drama-comedy independent film about a young elementary school teacher who has an alcohol problem and does the 12 steps and eventually recovers. It’s a definitely a film to seek out if you haven’t seen it!
My first meeting is on Friday, thanks for this post it's really reassured me x
I love this. Well done. So well thought out.!
Great Video! Definitely subscribing. Hope you are still making content! About to check out more of your videos. God Bless
Every body reacts to meetings in different ways..
Just go a meeting and smile at people and if they want you to read or share just tell them you would like to listen..
I walked out of my first meeting wanting to go to another meeting..
And everyone is differant
But not unique..
We will probably know you are there and will do anything to
Ease you..
When the meeting starts
We are all the same..
Nobody is in charge
There are no dues
There is ALWAYS coffee
You can smoke to just look
Where we are congragaded
Do this 100% and you will be
Sober and truly Happy...
Going to AA meetings is not going to keep someone sober who doesn't want to be
Some meetings you have to identify as an alcoholic. I’ve been to a few of those that they get mad if you identify as any thing else or don’t say it . They will usually say that at the beginning of the meeting, these meetings are called closed meetings
The only requirement to attend a closed meeting is that you have the desire to stop drinking. That is all. If you are forced to identify as anything in a meeting, the people getting mad are trying to control things they shouldn't. The proper way to get someone to identify as an alcoholic the way the book describes an alcoholic, is to take a person through step 1 in the big book and they will then beable to qualify themselves as an alcoholic if they meet the big book criteria.
I've been to meetings where people were new and didn't say they were alcoholic, and I've never seen anyone respond in a negative way. Sometimes people are confused about it, and need to hear recovering alcoholics talk before they can understand that it applies to them too.
@@leeleeturn most all the meetings in my area usually state in the beginning that this is a meeting for alcoholics only and please limit sharing as it pertains to alcohol. One meetings welcomes Addicts but asks them to only share if they identify as an alchaholic and the other simply asks addicts to leave after the birthday cake celebrations
Today is my first AA metting Its Nice experienced. .....
I desire to quit drinking because it’s only brought me to downfalls, I’m about to go to aa meeting for the first time and I’m very anxious, this video really helps calm the nerves.
How has your meetings been? A follow up for someone interested in going
Great video! Very informative and awesome editing.
Glad you liked it
Great presentation..all meetings are different. You don’t have to pray on your knees or believe in God….the General Service office of A.A. suggests that the programme is open to each individuals interpretation. It’s a life changing experience in spite of life’s hardships…Im 34 years sober now and have had the best years of my life and this has influenced my family who are not even A.A. members
The discovery that those visitors who have no wish to stop drinking are welcomed by the chairperson at open AA meetings was a real surprise. From information available to the public online.
Im laying in a bed in my moms house crying. I lost everything this crap. April 18th 2024 I think I black out, i only think this because my partner of 15 years call police and I went to jail for the first time in my life. I will be 50 on the 25th and I can't believe this happened. I love my partner with all of me. I just can't comprehend how i let this happen. We have work so hard for where have gotten. Im so proud of her. And I love her deeply. Drinking started as a weekend thing then it grew and grew. Sometimes everyday. I would pray so hard every morning for help to stop, but this demon has a hold of me and I let it take the person I loved from the first date. We are so good together, we laugh, we work well together, we like and love almost all the same things.even with our age grap of 16 years we have had an great love for each other. But now i lay here praying, begging God to help me and please put us back together.
I don't even know if this ok to comment, if not , I'm sorry and please delete.
I am sitting here at 4 am drinking a freaking martini. 😪 Gonna try and get into AA this week. I need it bad.
Did you make it to a meeting?
@@thesoberempire I haven't been able to make it to a class although I have been searching for one. I live in a pretty secluded area unfortunately. I have however stopped drinking for the time being thankfully. Thank you for asking, I appreciate that so much..
this helped on my paper for health class
I'm really glad it helped.
I am going to do everything in my will power to get sober and to stay sober but it's only one day at a time
well done David! i have always noted that in the media the same meetings are not portrayed accurately .. and unfortunately for recovery.. so you did a great service! i would joe we have cast and dressed the actors perhaps a little less self-assured and “together” .. maybe some downcast faces and raggedy or unshaven or obese people to give a truer (in my experience) of the wide variety of attendees. But wonderful work nonetheless and loved the smoking’ car!
I'm glad you liked it. 👍
I've seen everything from yuppies to young people to working class people to homeless people in AA meetings, sometimes in the very same meeting. It's one of the things I love about AA. Best diversity anywhere, and yet all have a common bond.
This is a great video. Thanks for uploading this.
Thank you for this video! Very pleasant.
👍👍
Some people at AA are very overbearing and many are great. I’ve only had one or two bad experiences out of the many times I’ve went. I no longer go to AA, but I am not opposed to others going if/when they need it.
Thinking about taking my dad to an AA meeting after his bender that resulted in him throwing up everywhere, falling and passing out in the living floor. He’s 52. I’m 18.
Have you thought about Al Anon for yourself? Or some type of counseling? Al anon is a 12 step group for people affected by other people's drinking?
Thank you for sending this message.
I hate being an alcoholic. Shame, regret and guilt aside. It’s fucking brutal and I’m still the asshole. If you got out, I’m sincerely happy for you.
I hope you are getting better mate 👍
Cheers, 40 days sober!
@@morias64 I'll drink to that!
I've been putting it off. I'm going to try going this week. I think that one of the reasons I'm scared is because I am slowly coming to terms with it
Same here
I’m 17 years sober
Remember if you don’t like a meeting. It doesn’t represent all of AA
Just try another meeting
Find your crowd
Everyone is different
Me going hungover, no idea what I did the night before crying and blubbering don’t regret a thing
How I became the stop drinking expert was firstly I went to rehab and whilst in there getting a bit of time up without using any drugs or alcohol I realised I can actually live life without this crap and a dam good life also. No more hang overs feeling like shit having to apologize to everyone for my behaviour the night before no having to be around people that use abuse lie steal and cheat of you.. Thank God..
I don't even do meetings because there is too many dickheads in the rooms.. You can do this also don't give up.. Peace Freedom Love..
Right on !
oh they go in a circle and do make you talk!!! Lotd’s prayer at the end!
I just wanted to know what happens at AA one my roommate hates going they say that it's bunch people who whine and cry, they say that meetings are a waste of their time and the program is stupid and waste their time they still have a issue with drinking maybe that's why they hate going.
I went a meeting that was hosted by a treatment facility I was in while trying to quit drinking and when I sat down some lady told me I could sit there because I wasn't part of her Chapter. I got up and walked out, never went back to an AA meeting. I'm glad they help some people but for me listening to other people talk about how alcohol destroyed their lives wasn't very helpful.
Am needing to get back to AA as relapsed after 2 years sober hating myself for it 😞
Are there any meeting types or times that tend to have better groups as a home group? I went to a beginners meeting in the evening, and it was just kind of so-so. It actually felt a little weird, tbh. Kind of like old timers sizing up the fresh meat, with some crazies mixed in. On second thought, it was pretty uncomfortable, lol.
Fresh meat 😆😆. Every group is a bit different. I didn't get a hone group until about 6 months with the fellowship. You can always change homegroup also.
Find a small community
AA meeting When the meeting starts there may be a chance to introduce yourself..
Maybe say your first name and inform people it is your first meeting.. people will be so Happy you are there..
Remember to only do things
that help you..
There are no musts in AA..
Good luck and God Bless
@@brpitrepeters7983, thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
What to expect going in for AA meeting? I don't even drink or do any drugs
I show up to work everyday, not on time but 30 minutes early(that I don't get paid for), then I do a large portion of someone else's work on top of my work. I do it fast, I do it right. If I'm able to do this and drink 8-10 pints of ice beer, what's wrong with that?
7 months sober thanks to AA :)
Going to my first meeting tomorrow.
I’m terrified 😢
I have 10 years, most of them only pretend to know what they're talking about lol as far as the steps go they're better then 20 years of " professional " therapy and it's also a combination of awesome and beautifully simplistic spirituality
this perfectly describes my first meeting
I tried going to AA meetings, but none of them want me in or help because I'm non religious as the circle is very small in my small city (about 6-8 people show up). I'm not there to try out religion, I just want help to stop drinking everyday. I'm in my early 30's I've been drinking a six pack everyday since i was 18. I have epilepsy as well since early childhood, it just makes me sad when the hospital doesn't want to help as they just suggest the same places I've gone already
I've seen religious zealots destroy meetings. Once they get a foothold in a group they bring in their alcoholic friends and simply cannot stop self-righteous proselytising.
Closing with the "serenity prayer" seems outmoded in the UK, where non-believers are now in the majority.
I went to my last AA meeting 28 years ago and I've haven't picked up a drink since then.
Suffering alcoholics who know me have asked me for help over the years (I am not ashamed of my drinking history) flatly refuse even to try AA because of "all that god stuff".
Dare I suggest that the fellowship should consider secularising itself? If people want to parade their religious beliefs there are still churches everywhere and a day each week is set aside for their use. Their number is falling. Many of them have now been turned into dwelling places, carpet warehouses, restaurants or even - incongruously - nightclubs.
Some have simply been turned into empty demolition sites that have not found a developer.
Do people cry a lot at these meetings? I feel I would be a blubbering fool then run out.
New people in the meetings sometimes cry, but everyone understands and are usually supportive. When someone goes to a meeting for the first time, it's because they're in a pretty down place. Crying is understandable.
It is a safe place to cry.
I’m taking a friend (also housemate) to his first meeting on Tuesday, I’m just wondering what I can do to help him outside of these meetings? If anyone has any advice for me I would be extremely grateful.
Yes it works but if you dont play by the rules you are left out in the cold..... Quite harsh for addicts/alcohols.
VERY GOOD WORK HERE
The thing is, I would love to meet fellow alcoholics and build upon a support group. I am just not excited about religion being thrown into it. I myself am not religious. I notice that the idea of ‘praying’ makes me not want to attend. Any of you got some advice on what to do?
Have got more info by now? Here where I am no one seems to be very religious, and the general idea is that 'a higher power' simply could be a better/sober me/you. Admittedly, this is a lousy presentation where casting seems to have been performed from fuckin Hollywood. It's not like that in the real world; we are real ppl.
Going to my first one today 3 days sober
I e been sober 2 years .i go to meetings I know a few people but always feel like an outsider .even there.. I have such social anxiety I just can’t get over the hump..I’ll jump around to different meetings so I don’t get to involved ..I’m sick..but sober
what movie is that scene from in the very beginning of the clip?
My psychiatrist keeps telling me to do this.
Excellent video!
Whats with the loud music in the background? It takes away from the video.
This video was extremely helpful! I’m a writer and am in the process of writing a scene that CORRECTLY sums up the events of a typical AA meeting, not the Hollywood version.
I would definitely feel… “icky” about intruding on an actual meeting (as a sober person who’s never had issues with addiction, that’s not okay for me to go to a meeting, specifically for research… yikes!), so these types of videos are invaluable to me! ❤
Well, you can go. No one is gonna kick you, just respect the rule: what you hear there, leave it there. Respect the names and stories.
Anyone can go to open meetings. Find out whether they are open or closed.
Good luck to you🎉
I’ll be happy to share my story with you!!!
Closing prayer? Not about religion, what about that? I (was) going to my first one tomorrow. We'll see.
Can you attend an AA meeting if a loved one - not yourself - is the one with a possible drinking problem?
You can attend an open AA meeting. Closed aa meetings are for people trying to quit drinking. You could also attend an al-anon meeting. Al anon is for people who are affected by someone elses drinking
damn i just watched this whole video. were all here for a reason
Im years sober, and just wanted to say, AA has not only changed my attitude it has T r a n s f o r m e d
My Lifestyle and outlook on life and
My health... Very reputable organization..Your first few times joining you'll hear alot of 'Phrases'
And 'Sayings' which may not mean anything to you but in due time you'll be using them too and they'll mean something to you. E v e r y b o d y
Is a V E R Y potential Good Friend.
There will be people from all backgrounds. But you do have the same issue in common.
Just a ol drunk, striving for self sanity in hopes of maybe finding an
E A S I E R way to cope with life without the immortal insanity of
Depending on alcohol as a higher power.."To thyself be true"
'Just not right now' A N D always stay humble enough to realize
"To God be the Glory" And
T h a n k Y o u L o r d..
Thanks for letting me share..
Thanks for sharing
12 years today.
I feel I'm at the point where I should go to a meeting. Do all AA meetings have a religious theme to them or are there more secularlized formats. Speaking as an atheist the prospect of having to read a prayer would not only make me feel like they're trying to indoctrinate me, but the discomfort would make me want to drink
No one forces anyone else to recite the prayer. I've come to enjoy listening to it as the words make me feel peaceful, but I don't recite it myself.
What a helpful video! Well done 👍 🙏❤️