1. Know where the meeting location is in advance.
You might want to check a directory to check if the meeting is still at that location, Preferably, drive by the building at least the day before so that you understand
where the building is, since many of the meetings are at night, and it may be difficult to locate an address in the dark.
2. If you are self conscious about going to our first AA meeting, or going to a new group, you might want to find someone to go with you who is a member of this group, or knows someone in the group.
3. Have a positive expectant attitude.
If its the first time that you are attending any AA meeting, you might want to talk with someone who is already a member of AA, who can explain how the meetings work, or even take you to a meeting.
4. Take a nice bath that day if you might
.
Not only will it help you relax and generate you feel better as soon as you do it, but you may also feel more relaxed
in the meeting.
5. Wear relaxed
clothes.
The dress code is very informal. Some meetings do not even require that you wear shoes. (Almost everybody in Alaska wears shoes during the winter.)
6. Have a bite to eat before you go if its a later meeting, and you would have to delay your lunch or dinner.
No reason to be distracted by hunger pangs
7. If you are a smoker and find it very difficult to go without a cigarette, you can contruct
it easier by choosing a smoking meeting where, not surprisingly, smoking is allowed during the meeting, ashtrays are provided, and you will not
go into a nicotine fit.
8. Try to arrive a few minutes before the meeting is scheduled to beginning.
Most AA members are very friendly and glad to greet new comers. Theyre there for the identical
reason alcohol was a problem, and they want to stop and stay stopped.
9. Realize that you are not required to say anything at all at a meeting.
Its all up to you to say as much or as little as you wish. You dont even have to give your title
if you dont want to.
10. Just take it a day at a time, or five minutes at a time.
And allow yourself to enjoy the Fellowship.