Your Sober Pal Tells us What AA is Like (E36)
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Gill talks to Laura from Your Sober Pal about AA. Laura will explain why she went to her first AA meeting, what to expect when you first start going or when you return after a relapse, her experience having a sponsor and sponsoring others, and how to handle shame. They discuss the common barriers people have about attending AA- calling yourself an alcoholic and the higher power aspect. This episode is important because many of us refuse to even try AA, but it could be the thing that helps you finally get sober.
Laura's Bio:
Laura is an award-winning writer and marketer with a passion for animals and helping people get sober. She is the face behind Your Sober Pal, a sobriety humor Tik Tok account and Instagram account aimed at helping people find comfort and laughter in their struggle with alcohol. When she isn't making Tik Toks, Laura can be found at her local animal shelter where she works as a communications manager. She is also passionate about backpacking, bodybuilding, and plants.
Key Takeaways
You don't have to say "hi I'm :) and I'm an alcoholic" if you don't want to. You also don't have to be religious or agree with everything AA has to say to benefit from meetings. There are even atheist meetings.
Now is a great time to try out AA because meetings are on zoom. You can join with a nickname and your camera off. Just be present and listen to what others have to say. If you're on the fence about AA, this is definitely the time to try it.
The more you wallow in shame, the more you will feel pulled to numb out and drink again. Laura learned to work through shame with her sponsor and how to treat herself in a kind way. When you feel safe opening up about your shame, you'll find that you aren't alone. Opening up to people who understand through their own experience can be so freeing.
Cite this episode
Tietz, G., Van Antwerp, L. Episode 36: Your Sober Pal Tells us What AA is Like. Sober Powered. 2021
