Dreading meetings these days. Am trying the Zoom ones and those aren’t much better.

Not sure what to do. The program has given me a lot but I’m drifting significantly.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ll say that I’ve had similar feelings in the past; I think it’s natural. Day after day, week after week, year after year, (and if we’re lucky) decade after decade we do our best to follow the program, but we’re human. Meetings can get dull, there can be annoying people at meetings, maybe we’re “just not feelin’ it”, or maybe I’ve just lived in my head with some resentments for too long.

What’s gotten me back “into the middle of the herd”, has been hitting a new meeting, actively getting involved in more fellowship (maybe go have coffee with your sponsor), pausing and thinking about if I’m actually “working” any step right now (6&7 are usually a good place to look), and remembering that I’m an alcoholic and that AA is not only saving my life, it’s giving me an opportunity to HAVE a life that I might actually enjoy and be proud of.

helpful

My understanding is we go to meetings to help others not for ourselves, which in turn tends to help us. How is the rest of your program besides your attempts at 12th step work? Tried just asking some people out for coffee and chatting outside a meeting session? Organize an AA activity? Perhaps you can bypass meetings to get some fellowship.

helpful

Yes, that sounds like maybe a little more effort would benefit you

Have you found any meetings where you connect? Keep looking if not. If you have, ask for a service commitment. Just suggestions/ideas.

like

Well truth is, a lot of meetings are pretty bad. It’s the program of action, the Twelve Steps, that leads to recovery, not meetings. I found the best sponsor through a Zoom group btw. May I ask why they haven't been effective for you? Get a commitment, it helps so much more than it seems like it will. One day at a time.

like

In my experience, you get out of AA what you put into it. This applies to the sreps themselves as well as the fellowship aspect of it. To feel "a part of" I need to show up a little early, make an effort to meet newcomers and regulars that I haven't connected with. I listen/participate with intention and then thank the speaker at the end where appropriate. I help put away tables and chairs and otherwise have a commitment at every meeting (the commitment is also good for getting me there regularly).

When I've moved and needed to find a new home group, that new meeting is "not my old home group" for as long as I sit on my hands. As soon as I plug in as descibed above it seems as though the room comes alive, full of love and fellowship.

helpful

I found Recovery Dharma to be a refreshing addition to my AA meetings. It’s like a whole group dedicated to the 11th step without all the Christian dogma (which I am averse to)

https://recoverydharma.org/meetings/

Also, maybe find a new sponsor? Mine is the coolest, wisest, most interesting MFer I’ve ever met. I WANT to call him every day because he is full of wisdom. I found him by leaving during the Lord’s Prayer and outside I found this amazing group of agnostic atheist leaning cats who I get along much better with than the Christians. That’s my pov. Stay on it my friend!

helpful

Try only big book meeting and stay away from open talk meetings

Op, why do you feel you are “dreading” meetings and “drifting significantly”? Social anxiety? Feels like too much work? Difficult to make time? Something else?

Please stay strong you can do it.Just keep dreaming.You don’t need that drink.You’re a special person

Related Posts

Any tips for someone who is a first time dog owner? Just got a puppy and would love any tips and tricks like how to potty train, etc.

Rower or Airbike??

Trying to decide which one to purchase for a home gym. Which one would you guys say is the better investment?

like

I have Product Manager interviews starting next week at Google. Does anyone have tips they’d be willing to share? I interview well, I’ve done some prep, and I know the field, but I still have a bit of imposter syndrome and overall nervousness nipping at my edges.

like

Do you think Ellen Degeneres will have a comeback?

like

I give the clients gold, but they decide instead, they want me to paint it with sh*t.

likefunny

"She's like 30, but doesn't look super old"

likefunny

I was recently promoted, and now part of my team report to me. I'm now able to see their pay rates and I am honestly so disappointed in the company. Especially since we just gave annual raises in Feb, plus we can all see where the money is going and it's not to the employees. Makes me sick

likehelpfulsmart

“Leaders choose everyday who they will be in the face of opportunities and challenges.”

Post Photo
like

Looking for Indian store recommendations in NJ where I can find some desi style footwear (women) to go along with my lehenga for a wedding. I’m in Hoboken, but able to drive into the interiors. TIA!

like

Likes for a DM please🙏

like

So I’m charging jobs due to unforeseen situations to another company as a assistant manager and I wanted to know is it unprofessional to turn down a job after you already accepted the offer to take another companies offer if the pay is better by $5000-?

likesmarthelpful

Has anyone here ever been fired for being rude to a customer?

like

What's your advice for someone wanting to go abroad? Should i approach CCO's and ECD via LinkedIn or should i use a recruiter?

like

What makes a bro?

likefunny

Trying to find a video example of where a person stays in the same place in the frame but a new scene is revealed by a wipe or mask. So it’s the same person but their wardrobe and set will change around them. TIA

like

Anyone near the DC area by chance?

like

Client had a privately held REIT in IRA. Trying to transfer to IRA I manage to diversify. I need some help. Continued...

like

I have offer of 20 LPA from Oracle IDC Pune. Project is related to Oracle Primavera Cloud. I had a discussion with the hiring manager and everything sounded good to me.

I just wanted to know if there are any red flags I should be aware of. So please help me fishes.

YOE 4

Need 11 likes for DM

like
like

Additional Posts in Addiction & Sobriety

How do you know when dependence turns into addiction? Where’s the line?

like

Downloaded the “Days” app. No frills, no extras. Just a number staring you in the face. I’ve made it almost habitual to open and check... even multiple times a day when I know the day counter hasn’t changed, but it’s helping and encouraging. Each day is a sense of accomplishment and a win over the pull of my own thoughts. Forcing my willpower into further restraint. 10 days strong so far.

like

I started working for a bank and am going through the background check. They found an arrest which was dismissed and the file was sealed a few days after the check. They’re requesting the police report on top of the court order to seal. The police report is BAD. During the arrest (DUI) they wrote the report to make me seem like a complete lunatic. Embellished on several elements of the case. I am worried that giving them this report will cause me to be let go.

like

Have any of you found it worthwhile to think about why you are an addict? Care to share?

like

Daily Reflection 1/21

Post Photo
like

1 week sober! Over the last 12 years (I’m early 30s) I’ve reached this point just a handful of times. Alcohol is deeply intertwined into my social life much like everyone’s is I imagine. Feeling clear minded and energized. Want to stay clean for my own mental and physical health and for the benefit of my wife and children. Just starting this journey so thank you in advance to this community as I’m ready to learn from you all and be a part. Let’s go!

likeuplifting

Hello to all,
If you need someone to save from addiction we can try.
Just contact me

like

I know everyone will have different answers for this but how did you know it was time to get sober? I think it might be time for me to find a new job and pursue sobriety, but I don't feel like I'm a rock bottom which is the only time I've ever seen people really commit to it (my father). Apathy isn't the right word but I just kind of feel numb about everything and I think being sober would maybe help.

like

my sister died this morning. I posted about her in a past post. Alcohol addiction, liver failure and then it taxed the kidneys too much, she went into cardiac arrest at 9 am and they could not save her. She was 51. Sad day for sure. Feels odd that she is no longer here. I just wish she could have had a better future.

like

I told myself I wasn’t going to do it. Re-assured myself I wasn’t going to do it. Told myself you’d know what would happen and still ended up gambling away a bunch of money I know I couldn’t blow. I don’t understand.

like

Covid has been hard. March 2029- December 2020 I drank a lot to cope without realizing it. January- March I didn't realize I was depressed. March I came to terms with increase and ongoing suicidal ideation and needed help.

I went into a intensive outpatient program (IOP) which has been super helpful.

During the beginning of covid I drank every day and in a great deal. January it was a "dry" month which was hard the first week but overall great.

March 2021 realized I'm clinically depressed.

like

Anyone have a friend or family member suffer from liver damage / failure? Not sure how or what to do to help someone with the problem.

likehelpful

Any meditation stories on recovery anyone willing to share? Did you have break through moments during meditation?

like

I buy things I don’t need and don’t know how to fix it. I always blamed it on “drunk buying” but I’ve been sober for 355 days and it persists. I know I buy things in an effort to fill a void and try to feel something so I buy “things” but it doesn’t help and I know it. Any thoughts or suggestions?

like

I'm new to this group so please forgive me if this is not appropriate. I've been trying to cut back on my drinks so have tried this no-groni kit from Seedlip. Pretty good.

Post Photo
like

Curious to hear the story of anyone that has overcome or going through cocaine addiction. Given that people in this bowl make enough money to support such an expensive habit. Take me through your story - how bad did it get in terms of daily consumption and total money spent? Please share if comfortable.

like

I’m sober curious. I’m also about to help a new non-alcoholic spirit company with their launch.
I have a question for people in recovery. If a brand were to contend that sobriety is a spectrum, or allow for that to a least be part of the conversation, how does that make you feel? Are other brands doing a good job of being inclusive of people who are truly sober?
(I get that NA drinks / spirits can be triggering for people in recovery)
Thank you.

like

Any interest in doing a daily reflections thread? In the spirit of rotation one of us would be responsible for posting the link and kicking off the share for a month at a time??

like

Pause. Breathe. Proceed.
⏸ 🌬 ▶️

like

Wrapping up 2021...

Do you have any reflections on this year? Biggest takeaways? How will you close it out?

Drop below to share 👇

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal