'You need disclose nothing about yourself. You can retain as much anonymity as you wish. That is one of the reasons we call ourselves Alcoholics Anonymous.' Information for newcomers.
No harm in disclosing anything and everything. Why you ask? Because no one really gives a damn. Everyone is there with their own issues and you MAY BE HELPING SOMEONE ELSE WITH YOUR HONESTY.
They love fresh meat. It feeds their sense of purpose. I did find solace in the meetings for the 1st couple of years, however, I never bought the promise that if I didn't do it their way, i would get drunk. 90% of them act one way inside the rooms and another way outside the rooms. Careful who you share with and what you share. Anonymity has gone out the window. They talk, gossip and judge. I recommend outside therapy with a 3rd party. I have 25 years and quit going years ago when I realized my sponsor was a total narcissist.
It really is 2 different world's, the AA/NA World and the Real World. 99% of the members talk a good game but look at their real live's and you see another game.
Dont be dissuaded by negativity from people who still dont really want to quit. AA is not scary. Alcoholics will tell you lies about how AA cant help you. If you want to quit drinking AA is always ready to help you. No one will shame you or blame you. AA is not a cult demanding your money. You will be welcomed with kindness and understanding.
Love bombing then pressure to get a sponsor. After that comes negative affirmations and giving your will and thinking over to the group "consciousness". Then its a lot of repeating the same slogans and fear that if you ever leave you'll die. But keep coming back because it keeps getting better..a life beyond your wildest dreams. Thats all I have to say and now I need to get back to washing my sponsors car..even though he's not paying me, he promised me a pink fuzzy cloud!!
True! And the folks in the meetings are definitely not happy. In fact, not healthy either. They smoke, and drink copious amounts of coffee. All they talk about is what a piece of shit they were when drinking. Not a word about how much better life is sober.
1983. 1ST MEETING. NEW FRIENDS AND BRAND NEW SOBER GIRLFRIEND. SHE'S SOBER UNTIL THE MEETING WAS OVER THEN WE WENT OUT AND GOT LOADED AND STAYED IN A MOTEL ROOM FOR OUR HONEYMOON PARTY. LASTING APPROXIMATELY 4 DAYS.
You can absolutely rely on anything this guy says I consider him like blood family he has helped me considerably in AA😮 very humble man😮 we need more people like this in Alcoholics Anonymous😮 Please Subscribe and like all his videos😮 from your nephew Thaddeus I love you bro😮 thank you😢
AA is a religous organization for those who have never been to a meeting. It's basically more about finding God and going to meetings (basically mass) daily than being sober
'Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organisation.' Foreword to second edition of the book, 'Alcoholics Anonymous.' 'Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.' A program for living which demands rigorous honesty.
@Atitlan1222 A sacred text that cannot be changed. A sacred leader. Dogma, fear mongering, etc. AA is closer to a cult/religion than it isn't basically. If it works for anyone that's cool with me but AA is what it is.
@Jack-il3qv Nice quote. I forgot that according to the courts AA is a religous organization too. People have fought being forced to go to AA for its religous element and won. Instead being able to go to Smart or other secular programs. Plus almost every meeting I went to ended with the lords prayer. Kinda fishy.
There are folks that have an issue with God. How about a Power greater than yourself e.g. The Meeting, AA as a whole. As Boston Jon said, 'We are not church'. Anyway........
I remember my first aa meeting. For me it was a god send. On December 12, 2023, I will be alcohol free for 30 years. It works if you work it.
You're worth it !
Thanks for posting this. Just what I needed.
Tomorrow I'm going to my first meeting, I'm very scared. I hope it goes smoothly.. i think I could benefit from a meeting but idk
YES YOU WILL. AND KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT.
Thank you for posting this!
AA can't help people who are not willing to admit that they could benefit from intelligent , honest conversation with like minded people
'You need disclose nothing about yourself. You can retain as much anonymity as you wish. That is one of the reasons we call ourselves Alcoholics Anonymous.' Information for newcomers.
Agree
No harm in disclosing anything and everything. Why you ask? Because no one really gives a damn. Everyone is there with their own issues and you MAY BE HELPING SOMEONE ELSE WITH YOUR HONESTY.
Heading to my first meeting Tonigjt, nervous and found your video very helpful!
Good idea this video Jon.. help newcomers to know in general what they encounter.. 😊😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍
They love fresh meat. It feeds their sense of purpose. I did find solace in the meetings for the 1st couple of years, however, I never bought the promise that if I didn't do it their way, i would get drunk. 90% of them act one way inside the rooms and another way outside the rooms. Careful who you share with and what you share. Anonymity has gone out the window. They talk, gossip and judge. I recommend outside therapy with a 3rd party. I have 25 years and quit going years ago when I realized my sponsor was a total narcissist.
It really is 2 different world's, the AA/NA World and the Real World. 99% of the members talk a good game but look at their real live's and you see another game.
AA is what you make it. No one forces you to do or think anything! 🍻
Panned response
@@bryanfinkell9022 At the start...
Im going to my first meeting this Saturday in uk
I really want to go to one and find community but I’m terrified about running into someone I know.
Hey, I know one thing you definitely WON'T see at a meeting: critical thinking and independent thought.
Your best thinking got you out of there! Same with me.
Amen !
Which is what got you to where you are. Your SICK THINKING AND YOUR EGO! Humility and honesty are a must have.
@@kwAnthony Exactly!
Dont be dissuaded by negativity from people who still dont really want to quit. AA is not scary. Alcoholics will tell you lies about how AA cant help you. If you want to quit drinking AA is always ready to help you. No one will shame you or blame you. AA is not a cult demanding your money. You will be welcomed with kindness and understanding.
Love bombing then pressure to get a sponsor. After that comes negative affirmations and giving your will and thinking over to the group "consciousness". Then its a lot of repeating the same slogans and fear that if you ever leave you'll die. But keep coming back because it keeps getting better..a life beyond your wildest dreams. Thats all I have to say and now I need to get back to washing my sponsors car..even though he's not paying me, he promised me a pink fuzzy cloud!!
True! And the folks in the meetings are definitely not happy. In fact, not healthy either. They smoke, and drink copious amounts of coffee. All they talk about is what a piece of shit they were when drinking. Not a word about how much better life is sober.
They are selling a lie
@@timburton9514 Unhappy & angry.
Thank you for telling the truth.
1983. 1ST MEETING. NEW FRIENDS AND BRAND NEW SOBER GIRLFRIEND. SHE'S SOBER UNTIL THE MEETING WAS OVER THEN WE WENT OUT AND GOT LOADED AND STAYED IN A MOTEL ROOM FOR OUR HONEYMOON PARTY. LASTING APPROXIMATELY 4 DAYS.
Was excited then he mentioned praying. I'm out. I am also glad it is working for so many people.
What do you mean you are out? Out of what?
I ran into a tree on the way to my first AA meeting 🌳
You can absolutely rely on anything this guy says I consider him like blood family he has helped me considerably in AA😮 very humble man😮 we need more people like this in Alcoholics Anonymous😮 Please Subscribe and like all his videos😮 from your nephew Thaddeus I love you bro😮 thank you😢
Please work on your codependency. That may be a reason for some of your issues. Blessings
Tonight is my first meeting
Chair and two spare seats.
AA is a religous organization for those who have never been to a meeting. It's basically more about finding God and going to meetings (basically mass) daily than being sober
How do you define "religious organization?" What makes it that?
'Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organisation.' Foreword to second edition of the book, 'Alcoholics Anonymous.' 'Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.' A program for living which demands rigorous honesty.
@Atitlan1222 A sacred text that cannot be changed. A sacred leader. Dogma, fear mongering, etc. AA is closer to a cult/religion than it isn't basically. If it works for anyone that's cool with me but AA is what it is.
@@kevjer 'Both an honest man and a liar know what they are.' Anon.
@Jack-il3qv Nice quote. I forgot that according to the courts AA is a religous organization too. People have fought being forced to go to AA for its religous element and won. Instead being able to go to Smart or other secular programs. Plus almost every meeting I went to ended with the lords prayer. Kinda fishy.
Expect to pray as it's religious and expect to make up a superstition higher power and expect it's a industry
There are folks that have an issue with God. How about a Power greater than yourself e.g. The Meeting, AA as a whole. As Boston Jon said, 'We are not church'. Anyway........
Dont be dissuade