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Gracc

Updated 2y ago

Struggling with Social Anxiety and Alcohol in AA Meetings

Hi. Im new here. Im wondering if anyone else has issues with social anxiety and alcohol and find it difficult to go to AA meetings. I try to go as often as I can without triggering a panic attack, but, I find that even when I do go, I almost always go to an online meeting with my camera off and don’t talk. Any tips or suggestions? Maybe forums to start on with just messaging others? Or maybe just anyone who also has this struggle who can relate? Im just starting to feel so ashamed of repeating the same thing because my anxiety gets in the way of my recovery…

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Samford

2y

I hate AA. I go sometimes. I've had to go to secular zoom meetings. And even one of them wanted me to turn my camera on so I logged out. Keep trying. It's hard out there.
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pandasss

2y

Even if you go to zoom meetings with your camera and mic off, pay attention and take notes, others advice usually helps me get through the hard times. If you ever need to talk, please dm me
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RobF

1y

I go to AA meetings but it impossible for me to talk about myself or my problem it's ironic because the alcohol has made me this way but I will break thru this mental barrier hell or high water I've got to get sober and stay sober
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OurLadyOfChaos

1y

it's hard but it is good to share.
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OurLadyOfChaos

1y

Try lots of diff meetings. Try online meetings. I had a sponsor who made me talk to 3 ppl after every meeting (if I couldn't figure it out, then 1.the speaker 2. A newcomer and 3. Someone whose share I related too. Also- if there are people who's energy or personality or sobriety you like, then ask what meetings they go to, and go to them. Ask to tag along for coffee if they don't ask you. Do fellowship. It's awkward af but can save your life. (best if it's same gender honestly- and I say this even being bi- there are predatory ppl in sobriety and you don't want to be targeted by one, or appear as one)
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OurLadyOfChaos

1y

Also, try an in person meetings if there are some in your area. There are also men's/ women's/ LGBT+ meetings, young people's meetings.... All sorts. There's also Cocaine anonymous (actually for anyone with any type of problem with any type of mind altering substance, and they say so)- AA can also be problematicly religous, and it shouldn't be. If that's a barrier, try other meetings or CA- CA specifies in its literature that it is not a religious program.
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OurLadyOfChaos

1y

Also- the thing about 12 step programs is they work if you work them. Period. What you put in is what you will get out.
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Mhairi

1y

I love AA, I've been going for 7 years and it took me a lot of time to settle into it and feel comfortable sharing. I just listened for the longest time. AA isn't for everyone but from my personal experience it has changed my life. It took a long time to get past the God thing but once I read the Big Book I understood that it's a God of my understanding. I'm a very spiritual, not religious person. Maybe having a friend that goes with you would be helpful. It would need to be an open meeting if they're not alcoholic or addicts but maybe it would help to make you feel more comfortable. All I know is even when I didn't speak, listening planted a lot of seeds for me. Feel free to reach out and message me anytime. I can be a sober safe friend!
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bigponzee

1y

Yes actually, I got horrible rebound anxiety when I quit because I was abusing benzodiazepines along with meth and heroin basically daily. Every time I left the house it was a panic attack. What helped me is to have someone to talk about it with. Once you figure out how to push through the anxiety and start speaking to AA people and getting to know them, they will have your back no matter what. Many of us addicts and alcoholics have or had crippling anxiety at some point in our lives, and you're not alone. I raised my hand scared shitless and when they called on me I just asked for a sponsor and that was it. Still my sponsor to this day.
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MisterB1948

1mo

Why do you care what anyone thinks everybody is thinking about their own problems you are on the path of recovery don't let your negative thoughts get in the way

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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