Newcomers to 12 Step Meetings

Because the newcomer to Twelve Step meetings is considered to be the most important person at the meeting, you as a new face may be called on to speak at the meeting. One of the great things about these meetings is that participation is voluntary. So, if you are called on, you can merely say, "I'll pass tonight", or "I'd just like to listen." If you wish you could say your first name, followed by one of the responses just mentioned; or, you could say your first name, and identify your self as an alcoholic or addict, depending upon whether you are at an AA or an NA meeting, and say you'd like to pass or listen. Finally, you could respond with your first name, and that you are an alcoholic or addict and say a little about yourself, such as, "My name is Jan and I'm an alcoholic and I'm new to AA...", followed by a short description about how you know you have a problem and how you decided to get help. The point is that it is up to you when and how much you will share. I will say that by letting people know you are new, you will then have people at the meeting coming up to you after it is over volunteering their telphone numbers and their help. Also, if you can share at the meeting, doing so helps you to feel a part of the group.