It's especially important to go to them early on. As years go by and you get more comfortable and used to being sober, you can probably stop. It's not recommended, it's something they'll tell you not to do, but I know many people with multiple years of sobriety that have finished with meetings and remain sober. However, on the other hand I know other people that say they'll always need meetings to stay sober.

It's a total lifestyle change, so it will require some effort. Think of it that way. Maybe look for a meeting of older people. I don't think you're really that old for AA, maybe you just went to a younger crowd kind of club. just keep in mind, addiction of any kind is a way worse lifestyle than an AA meeting! And I'm not even a fan of meetings, LOL. I personally got burned out on the focus on how "sick" we all "are" and just cant take them any more.