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Addiction Recovery

Never, Ever, Ever Give Up

Answered by Jim LaPierre, LCSW, CCS

Question

I have many demons to battle such as depression, Alcoholism, and Anxiety. I am 3 days sober after drinking hard cider on Sunday. I have gone to an AA meeting every day but I am so anxiety filled that I cannot concentrate at meetings on what is being said because I am so worried about everything. There is no way I can speak out too so I always feel like I didn’t really participate in it like I am supposed to and I am not getting anything out of it. should I give up on AA???

Hi There! Thanks for your question - it's one I get asked a LOT and I'm so glad you brought it up!

Social anxiety and feeling like you don't belong in the halls of AA is extremely common. Virtually everyone feels this way at first. Just showing up, just sitting and being it the company of people who are working hard not to drink is a huge success. The more you do it - I promise - the easier it gets. If you glean one thing from meetings - it can be this - the program works. That's why so many good people are there, sharing their experience, strength, and hope. 3 days is a fantastic start. Just keep showing up - Woody Allen was right, "80% of success in life is showing up."

About the Expert

Jim LaPierre

LCSW, CCS

Brewer, United States of America

Specialties

Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Spirituality, Divorce, Compulsive Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Life Coaching, Addiction or Substance Abuse, OCD, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Women, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #LC9830

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