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Do you remember a conversation or comment you regret?  Write here how you would revise what you said.  Please do not include names in your story.

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Do you remember a conversation or comment you regret?  Write here how you would revise what you said.  Please do not include names in your story.

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food, phone, Facebook, tiktok,
liquor, drugs? What distracts you from worry? What do you crave?

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The curve shows the downward progression from the 1st drink to obsession and from addiction up to recovery.

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Many people attend recovery meetings as a way to support their recovery journeys. Often, people have some nervous feelings about their first few recovery meetings. Just being willing to show up is a win! Virtual meetings may ease those initial stressful feelings, since you have the option to leave your camera off, which means other people can't see your face. You can also choose your user name: most people use their first name and location. The way you introduce yourself is based on your comfort level. If you would rather not share anything about yourself, you can put "just listening" in your user name.

When you enter the group, the moderator or another group member will probably greet you by name. This is to make you feel at home. Often, people show up a few minutes early to socialize, check in, and say hello. Although it may seem like the other people in the group already know each other, that's not necessarily true. The recovery community is supportive and friendly, even with strangers. You may choose to say hello in the chat box or just keep quiet. If you're invited to take part, feel free to say no: including new people is how many groups try to make them feel like they're wanted and welcome.

Each group has a different format, but usually there is a greeting, some reading or a short talk by a person in recovery, and time for sharing. Some groups use prayer; others might try a meditation from a particular spiritual book. There are hundreds of recovery communities and thousands of groups to choose from. If you don't feel welcome in one, keep looking. Many organizations offer directories of their meetings with specific types of groups, such as:

LGBTQ and trans-specific meetings

Latinx groups, Indigenous groups, and groups in languages other than English

Black meetings

Gender-specific meetings for people who identify as men or women

Military/veteran specific meetings

Meetings that use a particular faith tradition or tool, such as "recovering Catholics"

Speaker meetings, which do not include time for open sharing

Recovery meetings tend to focus on health, wellness, and self care. Group participants usually don't speak directly to each other, make suggestions, talk politics, or tell each other what to do. The point is to be together, listen, and support one another. After the meeting, the moderator may leave the chat room open for additional socializing. Some members trade contact information. Use your best judgment and be smart about giving out your phone number or email. The same guidelines of "meeting at a party" apply here, too. If you don't like one meeting, or another group member sounds abrasive or unpleasant, you don't have to go back! Just move on to the next one until you find a group that resonates with you.

Your recovery is as unique as you are. Try every tool until you discover what works best for you. Whether you find peace of mind on the yoga mat, in a virtual meeting, or helping others, you are sure to discover a recovery community that honors and supports you on this path.

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Many people attend recovery meetings as a way to support their recovery journeys. Often, people have some nervous feelings about their first few recovery meetings. Just being willing to show up is a win! Virtual meetings may ease those initial stressful feelings, since you have the option to leave your camera off, which means other people can't see your face.

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Click on a link below to see someone tell his or her story.

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Click on a link below to see someone tell his or her story.

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Be grateful for the small things. Clean & sober life brings so many gifts.

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The disease premise

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Read about the 3 Cs. How do they change you perception about someone else's addiction? Post your reaction or opinion on this board.

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When we are focused on another person's addiction and behavior, many of us develop the habit of putting that person's needs first.
We  may suffer from low self esteem and not believe that we deserve to take time for ourselves.
In AlAnon, we will find help.
Paths to Recovery. AlAnon Family Groups