2007-04-13 12:06:11 · 8 answers · asked by mike k 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
No, it's not for everyone. You have to believe there is a higher power that can take your burden from you. If that's not the part that depressed you, I suggest you go to at least 5 more meetings before you decide it makes you more depressed.
2007-04-13 12:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel strange that it didn't help you and don't listen to those that say AA is for everyone. It's not. It's a great program for those who can follow the philosophy and it's a wonderful place to find support from people who've been where you are. But it's definitely not for everyone. Addiction is a complicated disease and there is no one-size-fits-all recovery program. There have been many new and different programs that have come out over the years that are not 12-step based. One of them is SMART recovery. Try to research it on the web. I felt the same way when I first went to AA...it made me more depressed. B/c instead of trying to have my recovery be a part of my life, AA made it the entire focus of my life and I had to go to meetings every single day and listen to horrible stories about alcoholism. Sometimes I would walk into a meeting not wanting a drink and I would walk out wanting one. Having said that, some meetings are better than others and I don't think you should give up after just one meeting. You might find one that you like and even if you don't like the 12 steps, you can rely on AA to find people you can talk to. But by no means should you think that just b/c you didn't like AA, it means that you're hopeless and there's no other help for you. Nor does it mean that you're in denial about your problem. The fact that you went to a meeting means that you know you have a problem. But it might take you a while to find the recovery program that's right for you. The most important thing is not to give up and to stay sober in the meantime through any kind of help or support that you can. I wish you all the best.
2007-04-13 20:34:18 · answer #2 · answered by girlie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see how going to meetings where everyone talks about their problems could be good for anyone. However, AA is very popular and most people say it helps them. If you are not a very social, out-going person, you will probably find it uncomfortable. I don't think your feelings are unusual.
Many people go to a therapist to talk about their problems, but in my opinion, constantly talking about one's problems does make one feel more depressed. At AA meetings you also have to listen to everyone else's stories of their struggles, which can be very depressing.
Unfortunately, I don't know of an alternative to AA if you are trying to stay sober. Apparently it is difficult to do on your own and the group is supposed to be there to support you. I suggest you try a different group, maybe the one you attended is not a good fit. Best of luck, I hope you get some helpful suggestions.
2007-04-13 19:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by gammy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your first meeting? Did you talk to anyone? Probably not. It made you more depressed because you probably haven't really accepted the fact that you are an alcoholic and that you cannot fix this yourself. No one can. Yes, AA is for everyone. Everyone who really wants to get better. Now, you can go to another meeting. Some people like certain meetings better than others. I would suggest getting there about 10-15 minutes early. Find a guy and stick out your hand and introduce yourself. You don't say "Hi, I'm an alcoholic" just say, "Hi, my name is _______."
Familiarize yourself with the program and the Big Book online:
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/?Media=PlayFlash
Honestly, saying that AA is not for you is just a cop-out so that you can continue to feel sorry for yourself. Don't do it.
2007-04-13 19:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
okay first of all depression is normal for anyone who has just let go of a vice...i am a recovering addict, and yes ..the first time i went to a meeting i found it to be depressing..but at thee advice of people with more time than myself,i went to a few more meetings,different ones each time, some made me feel more comfortable than others,yet i soon realized that i would only get as much as i gave. you would think that listening to a bunch of people talking about thier problems would be depressing..but your not only there to hear the problem.. what you should be paying more attention to is the solution..the trouble is that weve been stuck in the problem for so long that any solution is out of our comfort zone..fear of thee unknown sets in.. and we instantly begin to make excuses, and ultimately we wind up right back at square one!! please give it a shot..what have you got to lose? think about it!! those people are more like you than anyone else..give them a chance ..give yourself a chance!! i promise you there is a wonderful life waiting for you..its up to you to go after it!! there are no more excuses to be made!!
2007-04-16 01:55:02 · answer #5 · answered by ray m 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could feel more depressed because you are realizing the situation you are in.
2007-04-14 07:20:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello. My name is Mike and I'm an alcoholic.
What? You didn't like the sound of that?
2007-04-13 19:15:00 · answer #7 · answered by the_skipper_also 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
.
At the risk of blowing your meal at Fridays'
or Texas Steakhouse tonight, AA is a great
place to FIND OTHER DRUNKS TO GET
DRUNK WITH.
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2007-04-13 19:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋