[ACrystalGem]

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place

I used to attend AA and had a rotten time there - all the groups were dominated by straight white men. As a black bisexual nonbinary person, I had a hard time being heard, plus the overt racism I encountered was off the scale. I went to an LGBT AA group once, and it was dominated by white gay men. It was just as bad as the regular groups.

I was so put off by my experiences with AA that it took me years to attend Overeaters Anonymous. However, that has been a great place for me, and I've had some amazing results there. I've only had 1 racist experience there, so that's miles better than what AA was like.

The problem I'm having now is that I really want to drink again. I've been sober for 4 years, and I know drinking would screw me up badly, both emotionally and physically (I'm diabetic). I am afraid of going back to AA. I honestly feel like it would do me more harm than good, but I don't know what else to do or where to go. In the UK there are acute alcohol services, but very little for those who have been sober for a while.

PS - I know that only 1 racist incident is nothing to celebrate, but that's the society I live in. I wish it could be better, but it's not.

[rewrite05]

You may look into the availability of SMART groups in your area, I'm not sure but there are a few other alternatives out there as well.

[*Laurie*]

In the USA there are specific AA groups for diverse populations. I'm surprised there aren't diverse groups in the UK? Or maybe there are in metropolitan areas?

[ACrystalGem]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

In the USA there are specific AA groups for diverse populations. I'm surprised there aren't diverse groups in the UK? Or maybe there are in metropolitan areas?

I've only seen lgbt groups & 1 women's group that I couldn't get to. It's not that diverse in AA...

[Bill3]

Perhaps this group could be helpful to you:

Women for Sobriety, Inc.

[greentires4me]

perhaps I know AA is for alcoholics but NA is something that I found helpful its Narcotics Anonymous but they were more supportive for me and I found the rhetoric was less then at AA groups...

[notz]

I know what you mean about some people! Powermongers always go after something, be it race, gender, sexuality, etc. to make themselves feel superior. Not what some people need when trying to stay away from a drink!! After about 4 years in AA I started going to Al-Anon as well. It did me a lot of good.

I'd try lots of meetings whether they're 12 Step or not. You might luck up on some good meeting somewhere. Have you tried online meetings?

[johncarguy]

I agree with Notz, your going to have to search and search for a meeting that will be a benefit to your needs. Personally i like the not so regimented meetings. It took me forever to find one of those.

John

[Misssy2]

ACRYSTAL...don't drink after 4 years of sobriety...

Do something but don't drink....over eaters anoynomous...great...so get in an exercise program and make that your addiction?

This may offend you..but before I say it..for the sobriety part...I am on your side...I don't want anyone to be in the thro's of addiction and be in pain...its so devestating and I drank after 8 YEARS sober and the last 3 years..I couldn't put together any time.

You will be so sorry...if you drink..you have this right now...don't lose it..

YES go to AA...and the thing I was going to say to you is..that might offend you is look at yourself..look at your words..you are very versed in description of race..I had to stop for a minute and figure out the LBGT (?) even if that was what it was...I assume the L is for Lesbian.

But, who cares? It seems like you care very much and is it possible that you are overanalyzing things because we tend to do that when we are "sick".

I dunno...I don't want you to drink...go to AA for YOU...not for those around in there...black, white, gay, ugly, pretty, fat...all alcoholics...looking to distract themselves for a while.

If you can't do it...than try going to some type of meeting available Alanon? or Adult Children of Alcoholics? Or more overeating meetings? Just distract yourself..do anything NOT TO DRINK.