Hi Split! A long time ago I was involved in AA and, yes, I found the people to be very supportive and yeah, sometimes they accepted me into the group even when it was obvious that I had been drinking.

Also, give yourself credit for going out on a limb and choosing to build relationships with the other AA members. That takes a lot of energy and sometimes it comes easy, but sometimes you have to work at it.

It was easier and "safer" for me to sit in the meeting and not get engaged with any of the the other members rather than reaching out and becoming involved with the membership. Of course, with the AA community, I found that I did not have to reach out too far because they met me half way and sometimes coaxed me out of my shell.

AA is not a part of my recovery program now, but I did appreciate it because when I was involved, it helped me through some difficult times. My current recovery program is based on a lot of the AA principles--such as volunteer work and service to others being a key components to my recovery program.

You know, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. You would really like what you see and would not be able to dislike yourself. You are a special, unique member here at PsychCentral!

You have come a long way!

I hope we continue to share our journeys in recovery for a long, long time...