Why I Keep Coming Back to Attend AA Meetings Phoenix
Disclaimer: This is a guest post submitted anonymously to protect the sender’s identity. The experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect everyone’s journey in AA.
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My First Step into AA Meetings
I never thought I would end up at an AA meeting. For the longest time, I convinced myself that I had control over my drinking. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. It took a series of bad decisions, broken relationships, and one particularly rough night to finally admit that I needed help.
That’s when I decided to attend AA meetings Phoenix. I remember sitting in my car outside the building, debating whether to walk in or just drive away. The fear of being judged or not fitting in almost kept me from taking that step. But something inside me whispered, “Just go in.” So I did.
Read more: What I Gained from Attending AA/NA Meetings Nearby
My First AA Meeting Experience
I expected a group of strangers staring at me, waiting for me to spill my darkest secrets. Instead, I found a room full of people who actually understood. No one pressured me to speak, but they welcomed me like I had been part of the group for years.
I listened as others shared their struggles, their setbacks, and their victories. It was the first time I felt like I wasn’t alone in this. The stories I heard that night weren’t just about drinking—they were about healing, forgiveness, and finding purpose again. That was the moment I realized I had found something real.
The Turning Point: Why I Came Back
I didn’t think I would return. I told myself I would try one meeting and see how it went. But as the days passed, I felt drawn back. I needed to hear more, to understand how people stayed sober, and to figure out if I could do it too.
The first time I spoke, my voice shook. I barely got the words out. But no one laughed. No one looked at me with pity. Instead, I saw nods of understanding and encouragement. One member told me, “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.” That simple phrase stuck with me.
I started using a sobriety calculator to track my progress, something I never thought I would do. One day sober turned into a week, then a month. Seeing those numbers climb gave me a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t felt in years.
The Ongoing Support of AA Meetings in Phoenix
AA became more than just a place to talk about addiction. It became a space where I could be honest without fear. The 12 steps of AA helped me not just stop drinking but actually face the things that led me there in the first place.
Through meetings, I met people who had been sober for years, and others who were just starting, like me. I found support in unexpected places—conversations before and after meetings, late-night calls when the cravings hit, and even recommendations for resources like “therapists near me” when I realized I needed professional help alongside AA.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Recovery isn’t something you do once and check off a list. It’s an ongoing process. Some days are easy, and others hit harder than I expect. But no matter what, I know I have a place to go where people understand.
There have been times when I thought about quitting, especially in the beginning. But I kept coming back because AA is more than just staying sober—it’s about learning how to live again. It’s about making amends, rebuilding relationships, and figuring out who you are without alcohol.
I’ve also learned that helping others helps me. When I see a new person walk in, hesitant and unsure, I remember how I felt on my first day. I want them to know what I know now—that this works, that they aren’t alone, and that AA meetings near me saved my life in ways I never expected.
A Message to Anyone Thinking About Attending AA
If you’re reading this and wondering if AA is right for you, I encourage you to try just one meeting. Walk in, listen, and see if it resonates with you. There’s no commitment, no pressure—just people who understand and want to help.
And if you need more than just meetings, there are other resources out there. I personally found temporary housing in a halfway house, which gave me the stability I needed in my early recovery. There’s no shame in needing extra support.
I keep coming back to AA because it works. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. If you’re struggling, I hope you’ll give it a chance too. You don’t have to do this alone.