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Hello, I am looking into possibly starting an AA program. I don't wake up and crack a beer, I don't drink every day or even eveyr week. When I do drink, I can never just have one. SO, I am looking for a group in the Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez area. I was at a meeting one other time and it was all old men, chain smoking, talking about the horrific things they did - it just wasn't a group for me. I am hoping to find a group more my speed/experience, possibly women only. Does anyone know of a gropu in these areas that fits? I know, I know, try them out. i will, but I thought I would see if anyone had any experience. Thanks. Anon
Find a meeting that seems likely to feel comfortable, and just go. Talk to a couple of people and get referrals for something that feels right. It will work out if you keep going back.
Best of luck and blessings to you! It gets better from here - and more fun. 18 yrs sober & grateful
I am helping my teenage daughter to deal with not drinking and we are trying to explore all the ideas and methods out there. Right now the most developed ones seem to be AA and Rational (see rational.org). I am not that familiar with the latter, but am certainly open to anything that will speak to her and us as a family. Yes, she's in therapy, yes, she's going to school and is a good student, getting excercise, yes, we are involved parents. No, we don't have Kaiser: I hear they have a VERY good substance abuse program. I would like to hear back from people who have had experience either themselves or through a relative with these methods, or others that were enlightening. Abstainence is the way to go for us. Please reserve judgement and only give helpful advice. Thanks! anon
Hi, My mom forwarded me your message. I am in recovery and just celebrated 5 years of sobriety. I started going to AA when I hit a bottom at 31. At first I couldn't relate to anyone at the meetings, but I met some great women who helped me through that first 90 days of not using. If it wasn't for the personal connections I made in the meetings, I probably would have gone back to drinking. It was such a relief to hear people talking about the things I thought I only did- the crazy behavior and thinking that surrounds alcohol and drug abuse. It was also a relief to hear that alcoholism is a disease and not a defect of character.
I too have heard Kaiser has a great program (a lot of people I know in AA went through it). I heard many negative things about Rational. I would recommend AA to your daughter. There are some great young people's meetings (I went to one in Oakland and everyone was 17-25), and there is a community of sober people there. My experience is that AA is the path that works. It saved my life, gave me back a relationship with my mom, gave me a life again. Hope this helps, Recovering Alcoholic joan
My husband is two months sober and very much interested in
finding an established AA meeting with members who have young
families. He has been to some meetings that no one shows up to
open the door and others who have either all retired people or
some who have very few experienced people. He knows the best
way of doing this is to go to all the listed meetings in the
area (hundreds of them) but in the interst of time and hoping
there are some other dads out there who have traveled this
road .. we are hoping to get some recommendations. Many thanks,
seeking AA dads
Try the rather unfortunately named ''Drunks-R-Us'' (DRU for those in the know). It's at: 941 The Alameda, Berkeley (just north of Solano) in the Northbrae Community Center (upstairs). It's an old established meeting with a good group of people. A lot of sobriety at that one. Time is 6:00 pm weekdays. Good starting point.
For sheer numbers go to the First Congregation Church at 27th and Harrison, Oakland on the first Friday of each month. It's one of the biggest east bay meetings and you can see everybody and meet people.
Also, ''Up To Our Neck'', 6:30 PM , Sat. 397 Euclid (at Van Buren, near Lake Merritt) is a 20's to 40's crowd and kind of hipster-ish.
It can take awhile to plug in. But you will. Try asking people what other meetings they like.
eastbayaa.org has all the schedules by the way.
Happy Hunting Anonymous, of course
My sister is a drug addict and I would like to find a strong al anon group to start attending for myself and my mom. We have been to a few before where only a couple of people were in attendance and they just weren't that helpful. Thanks so much! anonymous
Al-Anon is a wonderful group of friends and families of alcoholics and addicts which has helped countless people, including me. It is a lifelong program of recovery, and I can assure you that if you stick with it, you will feel comfort, peace, hope and strength. Be kind to yourself and give it some time, it is not always intuitive at first! Saved by This Program
Looking for an Al Anon meeting in the Oakland or Berkeley area... I happen to be gay, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a gay-only meeting. I'm expecting a child soon. Hoping to find a productive meeting that can offer some positive guidance. Women-only meeting is fine. anon
I'm looking for suggestions for an Al-Anon meeting in the Oakland area. It's been years since I've been to one and I'm looking for something that is not too overbearing.
Regarding Shared custody with Hostile and abusive dad
I am going through a difficult divorce myself right now and I have
found Alanon to be invaluable in helping me deal with all aspects of
this process. I don't know if your husband drinks but at the very
least he sounds like a rageaholic and Alanon is for anyone who has a
problem with a relationship in which there is a addictive behavior. I
have been helped on so many levels, practical, emotional and spiritual
and I am amazed at the love and acceptance I've found there. People
are available to be called almost 24/7 at no charge and the meetings
themselves are incredibly healing. And you will have a chance to look
without self-blame at your own patterns and behaviors that contribute
to your present dilemma. I can't recommend it highly enough as a way
to keep your sanity and your relationship with your son in this
obviously traumatic situation. There are many meetings both day and
night and I don't know if you work from 9-5 but some I like are the
Monday and Friday noon (you can bring your lunch) meetings at Calvary
Presbyterian Church, 1940 Virginia at Milvia. (women only) or the
Thursday afternoon Family meeting 1:30-2:30 at Northbrae Community
Church, 941 the Alameda (enter via stairs from the parking lot in
back). There is a short newcomer's meeting from 1-1:30 before this
one. Alanon has no religious affiliation although there is somewhat
of an emphasis on finding a relationship with your Higher Power
however you define that. But really there is NO pressure to show up
anyway than exactly how you are. And there are many meetings. The #
to call if you want more info is 839-8900.
Kids growing around alcoholism and addiction need a safe place to talk to other kids in the same situation. That's Alateen. Whether it's a sibling, friend, or parent who is affected, kids (under 21) are welcome.
Alateen meets every Monday from 3:45 to 4:45 in the 2nd floor conference room at the PG&E/YMCA teen center, 2111 MLK Jr Way, right across the park from Berkeley High School.
Participation in Alateen is completely confidential and there is no charge.
Please help spread the word to teachers, counselors, and others who want to help kids.
As the holidays approach, the tension in homes with problem drinkers sometimes escalates. If you have teens or know of teens who could benefit from the 12-step approach to living with alcoholism in a family member or close friend, there is an Alateen meeting on Tuesday nights at 8 in Albany at St. Albans Episcopal on Washington (near Santa Fe). Alateen is an anonymous, non-denominational program. In Alateen, teens can express their feelings about the family situation in a safe, non-judgmental environment, learn ways to cope with difficulties associated with alcohol abuse, and receive support and encouragement from peers and adults with similar family circumstances. Kids 12-18 are welcome (sometimes younger kids can also benefit). For more info, please e-mail district26alateen at yahoo.com
I've been asked to let the Teen Parents know that a new Alateen meeting is starting at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Albany starting May 1. The meeting runs from 8 to 9. Alateen is part of the Al-Anon Family Groups and is designed for teens whose lives have been affected by drinking in a close friend or family member. If you have questions, please contact district26alateen at yahoo dot com.
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