No Longer Alone

When I walked into my first AA meeting, I noticed a banner hanging behind the top table which said, “You are no longer alone.” That banner and the welcome I received nearly moved me to tears. For the last few years of my drinking, I was no longer welcome at friends’ houses nor social gatherings. My family despaired of me, and I was barred from all the local pubs – not that I would have gone anyway. My self-esteem was so low that I no longer had the confidence to communicate with other human beings. I had isolated myself in my flat, only going out to walk the dog to the nearest off-license. At that first meeting I had a feeling of hope that perhaps there was a solution and “I need never drink again.”

I aim to warmly welcome others at my home group and share the suggestions I’ve learned on avoiding the first drink. So long as I keep attending AA meetings regularly and practise the 12 Step Programme to the best of my ability, I know that I am no longer alone.

Jean G