AA meetings - general info ..

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TigerNow

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hi there,

a friend of mine is planning on going to some AA ( Alcoholics Anonymous ) meetings and is understandably a bit nervous about what to expect. As neither of us know anyone who has been, and as he doens't want everyone to know he is going and so can't really ask around, he would feel a lot more comfortable going if he knew what to expect . Can anyone let me know or have heard about the following :

1. how many people normally are at a meeting ? is there a limit ?
2. what is the general procedure, if there is one ?
3. how long do the meetings go on for ?

If anyone knows this stuff someone who has been there I would appreciate any info . It is not an easy thing to admit and I want to help him as much as possible through this .

Thanks
 
There are some contact details here [broken link removed]Maybe he could phone and ask about the set-up
 
there is no general procedure -- just attend...just a desire to stop drinking...let someone know you are a newcomer...or better if you can go with someone first time..

there is no limit to the amount attending...anthing from 5 to 60 depending on venue...lots of things...they are all over town...

they usually last an hr or thereabouts...and usually start at 8.30...
 
thanks very much both of you for your information. I have passed it on , so hopefully things will work out for him.

Thanks again!
 
Does anyone know of a similar organisation that isnt so focused on religion/God.....A friend feels he needs some confidential support but is put off by the references to God on the website and also in the twelve steps programme.....
 
Snork Maiden said:
Does anyone know of a similar organisation that isnt so focused on religion/God.....A friend feels he needs some confidential support but is put off by the references to God on the website and also in the twelve steps programme.....
Click to expand...
There is no mention of religion or specific religious practice(s) in any 12-step group (AA / NA / GA / OA, AlAnon, NarAnon, Grow, etc.) Some groups may choose to use specific prayers but these are optional and vary across different groups and all these decisions are discussed and agreed within that group.

AFAIK, there is no specific prerequisite belief in God, Allah, This post will be deleted if not edited immediately, Vishnu, Jehovah, or any other named 'deity' or brand of 'Godness'. Newcomers are usually encouraged to use something like the experience of the group of long-timers as something more powerful than themselves, something that has their best interests at heart.

If your friend needs to talk to an individual in a confidential environment then a referral from their GP to a mental health professional might be appropriate.
 
Another option maybe, in existence since the mid 1980's - [broken link removed]
 
Thanks mathpac for your response and to the link. With regard to the underlining religious ethos of AA, this [broken link removed] is to the 12 steps and it mentions God a few times......i just know that this would not sit well with my mate, it would be too heavy. I will review the rational.org site and see if this might help.

really appreciate your help!

Snorkie.
 
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