I'm hoping this forum will help...because I could really use some.

[cally]

14. I've found peace in the meetings and I'm very shy

Every meeting is very different. There are some meetings I don't like much but many that I love. Some meetings are very small and most people talk but you don't have to. Some are very large, have a speaker, and you will not have to say a word. Most meetings ask newcomers to introduce themselves but you don't have to. If you do introduce yourself as a newcomer, members will come up and say hi and offer support. To be honest, the first time I went to a meeting that freaked me out and I went to another meeting. Unless it's a very large meeting, members usually introduce themselves by their first name and say they are an alcoholic but you don't have to say anything. Just say pass and that's all. There are newcomer meeting if you would feel more comfortable there.

Generally meetings last an hour and have some time for members to share. The program works because we help each other stay sober. It's a we program. Members will offer phone lists and maybe literature. We do this because someone once helped us and it keeps us sober.

BTW, many alcoholics isolate from others. One of the gifts of sobriety is opening the world back up to us. I'm still inclined to shyness but I'm much more open now. Feel free to PM me, if you have any more questions.