Finding Belonging in AA: Gerry's Journey and Meeting Diversity
Episode Overview
Exploration of diverse meeting types in Alcoholics Anonymous Insights into feeling different upon entering AA and finding a sense of belonging Contributions to the AA for the Native North American pamphlet and the 'Do You Think You're Different' pamphlet Pragmatic advice for navigating the challenge of substituting alcohol with sugary cravings Humorous and profound reflections on the transformative journey to recovery
We all know that when we get here, we're 100% convinced that people don't feel like us. If they knew what I felt like, what was going on in my life, you know, those are the thoughts that I had when I walked through the door.
What does it feel like to walk into an AA meeting and feel like you don’t quite fit in? In this episode of the AA Grapevine podcast, hosts Don and Sam sit down with Gerry, a member of the Trustees Literature Committee, to chat about that very feeling. They dive into Gerry’s personal experiences of initially feeling different when joining AA and how he eventually found his place within the community.
The conversation also highlights the various types of AA meetings available, from open and closed meetings to literature-focused and speaker meetings. Each type offers a unique approach to recovery, catering to different needs and preferences. Gerry shares his involvement in creating inclusive AA literature, like the Native North American pamphlet and the 'Do You Think You're Different' pamphlet, underscoring AA's commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds.
The trio also tackles a listener's question from the Ask-it-Basket segment, adding a layer of interactivity and real-life problem-solving to the episode. Another interesting topic covered is the challenge of dealing with sugar cravings that often replace alcohol cravings during recovery. The hosts provide practical tips and share their own experiences, making the advice both relatable and actionable. With a mix of humor and heartfelt reflections, this episode paints a vivid picture of the journey to finding belonging in AA.
Whether you're new to AA or a long-time member, Gerry's story and the discussions around meeting diversity offer valuable insights and a sense of camaraderie.