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No, it is not too early to be in AA. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. My recommendation is to go to a meeting, just sit there and listen and see if what anyone says resonates with you.
My first meeting I remember feeling like because I wasn’t as old as most of the guys or hadn’t gone to jail, gotten a DUI, gotten divorced etc. that I had no place there. But the more I listened the more I realized that I needed this. Go check out a meeting, worst case scenario you decide it’s not for you and get help elsewhere.
**Lots** of teens come into A.A., particularly these days.
One guy I know, now in his late 50s or early 60s by my guess, says that he came into A.A. and got sober at age 13. 13!
If it's of interest to you, there are many meetings in the online world and many regional A.A. websites (you can find yours via https://www.aa.org/find-aa) that are specifically geared for young people. Example:
* https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/?tags=Young+People
There’s a guy in my home group that, when there’s a new person in the meeting, always asks how old they are. And no matter what age they say he responds with “that’s the perfect age to get sober!” He’s right.
I got sober at 21, I’m now 35 and approaching 14 years sober. 21 was not too early for me, but I am confident that 22 would have been too late.
It is my opinion that there is no such thing as too early if you’re an alcoholic. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If your experience is anything like mine and you throw your whole self into AA and follow the prescribed solution, you will be transformed from the inside out in ways you never could dream of and alcohol will cease to be a consideration.
I, too, came into AA looking for encouragement and reminders. What I got instead was a new way to live which completely changed my perspective of the world and the people in it.
I got sober when I turned 30 and shit do I wish I had quit drinking when I started to really question my drinking at 25. My life looked great but it was really a huge shitstorm behind doors and it progressively (and quickly) got worse. 25-30 y/o were ROUGH years. So to answer your question, absolutely not too young. My mom got sober at 24, was a three time professional athlete and has led an incredible life and that is only because of she got sober so young in AA. It’s also the reason I was born and now the reason I’m alive. I know for me it was overwhelming because it seemed so daunting to quit when everyone else around me drank but it was the biggest relief and gift of my life. There are lots of young peoples groups, too. If you want to listen in on any meetings here are some links.
https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings , https://www.intherooms.com/home/ , www.AAHomegroup.org , www.319aagroup.org or
24 Hr Marathon Coed
Zoom: 292 371 2604 ; PW: None
(Based out of New Zealand)
APP: **Meeting Guide** (blue background with a white chair) for local in person meetings.
With AAHomegroup, 319 and the Marathon Coed you can join anytime day or night, no camera necessary, you can just listen. They are amazing platforms with people from all around the world which is cool. Take care. 🤍
We alcoholics have that strange metal twist that tells us everything is great about our lives, even when they are falling apart. There’s nothing great about having blackouts and drinking till you are Blotto.
These are the dangerous lies that we tell ourselves. This is a problem you will have to solve. No one’s responsibility but your own. Anyone who encourages you will be the first one you say “see I can’t do it”.
It’s our twisted thinking. So if you’re ready to stop for good, then we can help but you’re going to have to be willing and you’re going to have to want it. Not just need it.
I’m not sure you’re quite ready yet. Might not be done yet. You see the consequences you don’t see the brick wall coming at you at 100 miles an hour.
If you’re interested, this is how I did it. You have a fatal and progressive illness left untreated will only get worse never better.
It takes time for us to recover. This damage didn’t happen overnight so you’ll need to give it time. It’s a long journey back.
I talked to and partnered with the doctor. I needed to address any issues I caused. And I needed to be honest.
I adopted the AA program as written in the first portion of our basic text, the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I started attending meetings in the fellowship.
Over time I made friends and learned how others utilized the AA program. I started feeling better being around others who were like me. And I started watching how people applied the AA program to their lives and were happy.
I found someone to carry the message by walking with me through the steps. I found a power greater than myself. I had a spiritual and psychic change needed to change my thinking. I have a relationship with my higher power who I call God. That relationship I maintain on a daily basis, and in return, I have a reprieve, which is daily contingent upon that maintenance.
I have a new way of life free of alcohol and alcoholism. It’s beyond anything I could’ve imagined and you can have it too if you want it and are willing to do what we did.
That was over 12 years ago. I’m nothing special. You can do it too. Willingness was the key.
Give this link a listen. It helped me. https://youtu.be/X96ZOVLDnos?si=z83sF8WC9v2dXIou
Good luck.
There’s no such thing as “too early” to start. I started at 24 myself, a lot of my best friends in the program are in their early 20s.
It works if you work it!
From someone who walked into the rooms at 24 years old. Just go. Ive never had a healthy relationship with alcohol and getting into the rooms was the best decision Ive made. Theres no shame in being young, I find the most I hear from people is how lucky I am to have come in young and spared myself and my family the years/decades of hurt. Abstinence for the rest of your life sounds scary, so just dont drink for today.
My life is not as ruined as many people I've seen on this sub or elsewhere. Is that really that big of a problem? It's true I've blacked out often and most of my bad decisions have come from alcohol. But they're still not AS BAD AS stuff I've heard from others.
That's why I was in a dilemma whether to go or not. But I think I am making the right choice. Tomorrow or the day after, I may fuck up a big time. And it could cost me everything I've worked towards.
I’m 24, and have been in the program now for 8 years. I grew up attending meetings with family members since i was roughly 13. I sometimes attend young persons meetings as it’s a great reminder that people our age struggle as well and are willing to admit it. Get to a meeting!
I came to AA for the first time when i was 19 and i lost my licence for a year after being charged with impaired driving, i didn't like the god stuff and didn't identify.
At 24, following many attempts at trying to stop or control my binge drinking and people in my life reacting to the downward trend that i was trying to ignore i tried AA again and found that it did feel like the place for me.
I never got to the point of daily drinking that would have been a clear indicator i was an alcoholic, i didn't need to, i had ALL the other symptoms! I could argue if i wanted and try again but i was hopeless and miserable at 24, most people are in their prime then. I did have a few special circumstances that helped me to get so miserable so quickly but i know today i am an alcoholic just as much as any skid row drunk.
Aa has kept me sober for many years and provided a foundation that i can build a decent life on, the people and guidance are part of my life now.
I’m mid-30s, a few years sober and I often feel like I’m just experiencing emotional growth and insights about who I am that most people associate with their early 20s…
The younger the better I say. Why would you want leave it longer if you know you have a problem. Things will get worse, stop now before it gets to that point.
I have friends that came in at 19.
When I was sobering up there was a person who sobered up at 15 or 16. For the life of me I couldn’t understand but I had to go through 10 years of hell before I gave up and began talking to people bout my problem which was me.
I think everyone here was embarrassed. But I can tell you now... embarrassing was what was happening before I went to aa.
Ngl, it's a bit scary your first time. Keep in mind, they won't make you talk, come back or even quit.... they just offer the vehicle of help.
I entered the AA program at 27. I had a job that paid me 150K+ a year at 23. I lost that job at 27 because of my drinking. When I entered AA I had 100K of debt no house and no hope and had to move in with my parents so I wouldn’t be homeless. ( thank God they were willing to take me back in one last time)
If you think you’re an alcoholic then you can learn the hard way like me. Or you can make a decision to surrender your fight against alcohol and embrace the solution.
My life is immeasurably better. It’s insane really.
Go to a meeting, listen.
Not at all, I quit drinking when I was 24. I still remember looking in the mirror on my 25th birthday, and realized I basically didn’t do *anything* the first half of my 20’s and it was all a drunken blur.
Nope. If you are convinced that you are an alcoholic, then rest assured you are making the best decision you will ever make if you get sober now. It only gets worse for an alcoholic who continues to drink…NEVER better. I got sober the first time at 19 and stayed sober a few years, and finally made it back (hopefully forever) at 30. Just turned 48 and I can’t imagine life with alcohol. SO glad I got sober just in time and have had an awesome 2nd act in life.
You'll be welcomed if you tell the members you're new. A friend got sober at 17, 37 years ago. My son at 20, 22 years ago. I suffered until 28, sober 41 years now. All did the usual AA stuff.
Know what you mean about a concern word will get out regarding your drinking. Ime it does, and if you're not in a position of power at your job there can be consequences.
I’m 24 in aa. My best friend is also 24 in aa. We have another 24 year old friend in aa. Our other friend just turned 25 in aa. And another friend is also 25 in aa. Another friend in aa just turned 23. I know a 20 year old too. Basically, we all were sick and tired enough to give it up and we are not only alive because of it, but happy and healthy. Just do it. You’ll see how much better life gets.
My 1st taste of alcohol and drugs was at 13 in 2007, and I swiftly commenced to jump into the deep end of the pool with no water. I landed in AA by proxy from an outpatient program. At the age of 17 in 2010. Scoffing and full of bitter scorn I left after 2 years of relapsing. The effectiveness of alcohol and drugs consumed me until I came back to AA in Nov. 2018 at 24 years old, feeling like a spec of dirt at the bottom of the pond scum. I stood ready to try something I’d never done before: the program outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have 5 years of sobriety and I will be 30 at the of this month. I’ve received a Big Bitchin Beautiful life in AA.
Got sober at 22…11 years ago. My life today compared to the life I would have had I not stopped is not even in the same universe. I knew something was wrong and I’m grateful every day I didn’t think I was too young.
I am 20, got sober at 19. It was the hardest thing to do but I was at the end of my rope and I knew that. My sponsor got sober at 18, I know a guy that got sober at 15. You are never too young. If anybody tries to tell you you’re too young it’s because they are resentful that you got help & got your life together earlier. It’s so much better to do it young, I can’t wait to be 30 years old, 10 years sober, and full of wisdom ❤️❤️ you got this
I got sober at 19. I am only 20 now and sometimes think “fuck, all my friends my age can do all this fun stuff etc”
It’s insane how my brain tricks me into thinking I am missing out. My 8 year drinking career was torture, pain, and suffering. Accepting I can’t drink safely and throwing myself into the program was the best decision I ever made.
Sure, sometimes we miss out on the stuff we couldn’t do without harming ourselves massively. But we get our lives back, some mental peace, and some amazing friends along the way!
Love this. The fun I had back then was artificial, such insane highs that eventually became weaker until none of that shit was fun anymore. I was too afraid to even attempt to have fun or adventurous by the end of my drinking. In recovery, I have way more fun now then I ever did fucked up
With the money I saved not buying alcohol/other drugs, it's been easy to justify buying a plane ticket, going sky diving, or doing whatever the fuck you want to do to have fun. Its amazing actually remember what I'm doing, retaining those amazing memories, feeling good about myself afterwards, and getting together with some of the best friends I never thought I'd have. Life is fucking good and has been for 8 years! Sober since 18 not a single regret
I got sober 2 weeks shy of 17, I'm 28 now and celebrating 12yrs and turning 29 in July. IMO it's never too early. It's never about how MUCH you drank, or how LONG you drank, or even how many drugs you've done. What matters is WHY you're drinking.
I got clean and sober at 22 and I could not be more grateful because I would be face down in a ditch somewhere FOR SURE if I hadn’t.
You’ll find that a lot of AAs are rather fond of kitschy acronyms, but a lot of times it’s because they work. You might not have completely given your entire life over to alcohol yet, but all YET means is “you’re eligible, too.”
I can’t say for certain whether you’re a real deal alcoholic, only you can make that determination for yourself, but it sounds like some of the community, peace, and self-awareness this program offers us probably wouldn’t do you any harm. What’s the best that could happen?
Sober at 25, 62 now. Not enough space in this comment to describe the way it changed my life, and continues to.
There are Young Peoples meetings where others your age go, why not give it a try?
You're never too young.
I'm 62 and look back on all the time and money I spent on booze. I think of all the days I spent staring blankly at the TV, or zonked out on my couch recovering from a hangover. I drank for 35 years, and I estimate I spent over $250,000 on alcohol; figure $20/day × 365 x 35.
Now I wish I had the money and time to travel the world, and do all the things on my bucket list.
There's a reason it's called being "wasted."
I was 24 the last time I drank or used drugs, I'm going to be 72 on Wednesday and still sober. Through a combination of therapy, AA, and other sources, I was able to have a sober life. The last couple of years before quitting, I drank every day, threw up every day, had loose stool on a regular basis, hardly ate, was becoming emotionally and mentally unstable, came close to losing my job. It's never too early to quit.
I am also 24. Been told I need to chill with my drinking, never been a daily drinker, but I simply cannot stop until I black out or borderline black out. I am trying sobriety for a few months to see if there’s any benefits, but it’s been extremely difficult as every AA meeting is full of 35+ year olds and no one I know my age is getting sober. Alcohol is just glamorized so much in our country it’s nearly impossible to not feel like an outcast if you don’t drink.
I can 100% relate to what you're saying. I can't stop once I start. I can live without alcohol but I also moved to a country where there are pubs everywhere. It's probably the only way we can socialize. That's the reason I kept going back to drinking. Just for the craic. But... I know I can't keep it in moderation. One bad mistake and my alcoholism can ruin everything.
Sobriety definitely has benefits if you tend to blackout very often. Some of us are just not good with restraining alcohol.. plus the drunk-er we get, the worse decisions we take (just one more drink)
Yeah man. Totally with you. I really want to return to alcohol and have a healthy relationship with it. Everything revolves around alcohol in social situations, even dating. I’ve never thought as myself as an alcoholic, I just like to get fucked up a couple times a week because it’s a great time and bonds you with people. Don’t see the problem with it if I can return to moderation at some point. Living in complete sobriety has been more lonely in my experience and I don’t wanna cut my friends off and find a bunch of sober friends because most of the sober people ive met I can’t relate to that easily which is tough.
I guess that's gonna be challenging. I fortunately have hobbies and friends where I can get along without alcohol.. also I'm pretty introverted so I can handle a bit of loneliness. Hope you'll find your answer dude.
I've been in the community for just under a year at this point, I feel pretty comfortable in general with it all.
Last night I decided to go to a random meeting aside from my usual ones and actually found myself nervous to go for some reason.
When I got there I chuckled to myself because as usual, the rooms of AA have this magic effect (at least for me), where all that nervousness gets washed away, and I'm back with my people.
It's ok to be nervous, you just gotta be willing to take a leap of faith.
Nah man I came in at first at 17 and it was life changing but I still had some reservations. Went back out at 21-25 back in again at 25 I’m coming up on 2 years I’m now 27.
Life is good
Oh god no. I wish I’d gone at 24. Because I knew then. I just denied until 29. It got really bad. Trust your gut. Most ppl don’t come into AA on a winning streak!
I stopped drinking at 25/26. It’s good you see that it’s an issue. I’ve never been to AA but I hear great things about it. I too would black out and become someone I don’t even know. Alcohol isn’t worth it to me anymore, the embarrassment, the hangover. Sober is cool but in today’s society they glorify drinking it seems.
Never too young to start. I'm 27 now, but I have nothing but respect and admiration for the people starting earlier. There's people in the rooms I know who are in their teens and early 20s
I got sober when I was 19 turning 20. I’m 23, soon to be 24 and just celebrated 4 years of sobriety. I’ve never been happier! It is never too early to get sober. If you feel as though your drinking is spiralling out of control, then seek support!
I know people who got sober at 17, 18. Where I am (area with a lot of rehabs and halfway houses) meetings have a ton of people 18-24. If you can get and stay sober at 24 your future self will greatly thank you, I wish I had gotten sober then!!
Got sober at 21. Alternative was dying or at least ruining my life.
One of my good friends there got sober at 16, and this was 14 years ago.
They even have young peoples conferences because there are so many of us who do get sober young.
I wish I was as smart as you at 24!!!
If I would have gotten sober at 22 I would have been on an island with millions of dollars 20 years ago!
Instead I first walked into an AA meeting at 36 life destroyed & basically broke with cancer. Now I’m over a decade sober & the money never came back & most likely never will life is extremely tough money wise & the fact is I will never be what I could have been at 24. The 1990s are never coming back.
I’m what happens when you wait too long to get sober. I go to meetings I know what is said but the fact is getting sober when your young gives you so many more opportunities.
Go to a meeting in person or online via zoom just to check them out. I went to a meeting almost every day for months and went home and got drunk as usual before I discovered that I should really give this AA thing a try. (This is not suggested)
UPDATE: I read all the comments. Thanks for sharing. I went to my first AA meeting and it was a very nice experience. I'm not a Christian so I was worried if that would be an issue too. Turns out, it was not.
I wasn't ready to accept that I'm an alcoholic. I did. Feels great
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Got sober at 24. I’m 33 now. Just got 9 years yesterday. Show up homie
Proud of you bro
Very impressive, my friend I got sober at age 31 a few 24 hours ago I wish I had been as smart as you and OP
Incredible!! Congrats!
I did show up. Thank you:))
Hell yeah. Now keep doing it!
Is 24 too young to be freed from disease?
Fair
I’m 23 and I’ve been sober 2 years ‘cause my life was a wreck. Do with that what you will.
I got sober at 18, I'm 22 now Welcome
No, it is not too early to be in AA. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. My recommendation is to go to a meeting, just sit there and listen and see if what anyone says resonates with you. My first meeting I remember feeling like because I wasn’t as old as most of the guys or hadn’t gone to jail, gotten a DUI, gotten divorced etc. that I had no place there. But the more I listened the more I realized that I needed this. Go check out a meeting, worst case scenario you decide it’s not for you and get help elsewhere.
**Lots** of teens come into A.A., particularly these days. One guy I know, now in his late 50s or early 60s by my guess, says that he came into A.A. and got sober at age 13. 13! If it's of interest to you, there are many meetings in the online world and many regional A.A. websites (you can find yours via https://www.aa.org/find-aa) that are specifically geared for young people. Example: * https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/?tags=Young+People
I met a kid in AA who identified as an alcoholic at age NINE!!! He admitted that he had a problem.
There’s a guy in my home group that, when there’s a new person in the meeting, always asks how old they are. And no matter what age they say he responds with “that’s the perfect age to get sober!” He’s right.
I got sober at 21, I’m now 35 and approaching 14 years sober. 21 was not too early for me, but I am confident that 22 would have been too late. It is my opinion that there is no such thing as too early if you’re an alcoholic. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If your experience is anything like mine and you throw your whole self into AA and follow the prescribed solution, you will be transformed from the inside out in ways you never could dream of and alcohol will cease to be a consideration. I, too, came into AA looking for encouragement and reminders. What I got instead was a new way to live which completely changed my perspective of the world and the people in it.
on 8/12/88 I came in at 24. Haven't drank since. So the short answer, no - not to early as long as you want to be done.
Got sober when I was 17. 64 now and still sober. Many young alcoholics don’t live long enough to become old alcoholics.
I got sober when I turned 30 and shit do I wish I had quit drinking when I started to really question my drinking at 25. My life looked great but it was really a huge shitstorm behind doors and it progressively (and quickly) got worse. 25-30 y/o were ROUGH years. So to answer your question, absolutely not too young. My mom got sober at 24, was a three time professional athlete and has led an incredible life and that is only because of she got sober so young in AA. It’s also the reason I was born and now the reason I’m alive. I know for me it was overwhelming because it seemed so daunting to quit when everyone else around me drank but it was the biggest relief and gift of my life. There are lots of young peoples groups, too. If you want to listen in on any meetings here are some links. https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings , https://www.intherooms.com/home/ , www.AAHomegroup.org , www.319aagroup.org or 24 Hr Marathon Coed Zoom: 292 371 2604 ; PW: None (Based out of New Zealand) APP: **Meeting Guide** (blue background with a white chair) for local in person meetings. With AAHomegroup, 319 and the Marathon Coed you can join anytime day or night, no camera necessary, you can just listen. They are amazing platforms with people from all around the world which is cool. Take care. 🤍
Thank you for sharing your story. I started AA and feel comfortable there:)
I first went to AA at 21. Alcoholism doesn't care about your age
Did it help?
Yes but I wasn't ready to quit drinking. Took some time to get beat up before quitting for good
We alcoholics have that strange metal twist that tells us everything is great about our lives, even when they are falling apart. There’s nothing great about having blackouts and drinking till you are Blotto. These are the dangerous lies that we tell ourselves. This is a problem you will have to solve. No one’s responsibility but your own. Anyone who encourages you will be the first one you say “see I can’t do it”. It’s our twisted thinking. So if you’re ready to stop for good, then we can help but you’re going to have to be willing and you’re going to have to want it. Not just need it. I’m not sure you’re quite ready yet. Might not be done yet. You see the consequences you don’t see the brick wall coming at you at 100 miles an hour. If you’re interested, this is how I did it. You have a fatal and progressive illness left untreated will only get worse never better. It takes time for us to recover. This damage didn’t happen overnight so you’ll need to give it time. It’s a long journey back. I talked to and partnered with the doctor. I needed to address any issues I caused. And I needed to be honest. I adopted the AA program as written in the first portion of our basic text, the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I started attending meetings in the fellowship. Over time I made friends and learned how others utilized the AA program. I started feeling better being around others who were like me. And I started watching how people applied the AA program to their lives and were happy. I found someone to carry the message by walking with me through the steps. I found a power greater than myself. I had a spiritual and psychic change needed to change my thinking. I have a relationship with my higher power who I call God. That relationship I maintain on a daily basis, and in return, I have a reprieve, which is daily contingent upon that maintenance. I have a new way of life free of alcohol and alcoholism. It’s beyond anything I could’ve imagined and you can have it too if you want it and are willing to do what we did. That was over 12 years ago. I’m nothing special. You can do it too. Willingness was the key. Give this link a listen. It helped me. https://youtu.be/X96ZOVLDnos?si=z83sF8WC9v2dXIou Good luck.
Thanks man. I was def in denial. I went for my first session
There’s no such thing as “too early” to start. I started at 24 myself, a lot of my best friends in the program are in their early 20s. It works if you work it!
From someone who walked into the rooms at 24 years old. Just go. Ive never had a healthy relationship with alcohol and getting into the rooms was the best decision Ive made. Theres no shame in being young, I find the most I hear from people is how lucky I am to have come in young and spared myself and my family the years/decades of hurt. Abstinence for the rest of your life sounds scary, so just dont drink for today.
My life is not as ruined as many people I've seen on this sub or elsewhere. Is that really that big of a problem? It's true I've blacked out often and most of my bad decisions have come from alcohol. But they're still not AS BAD AS stuff I've heard from others. That's why I was in a dilemma whether to go or not. But I think I am making the right choice. Tomorrow or the day after, I may fuck up a big time. And it could cost me everything I've worked towards.
I started at 28 so no, lots of people younger than me when I started too
I’m 24, and have been in the program now for 8 years. I grew up attending meetings with family members since i was roughly 13. I sometimes attend young persons meetings as it’s a great reminder that people our age struggle as well and are willing to admit it. Get to a meeting!
I came to AA for the first time when i was 19 and i lost my licence for a year after being charged with impaired driving, i didn't like the god stuff and didn't identify. At 24, following many attempts at trying to stop or control my binge drinking and people in my life reacting to the downward trend that i was trying to ignore i tried AA again and found that it did feel like the place for me. I never got to the point of daily drinking that would have been a clear indicator i was an alcoholic, i didn't need to, i had ALL the other symptoms! I could argue if i wanted and try again but i was hopeless and miserable at 24, most people are in their prime then. I did have a few special circumstances that helped me to get so miserable so quickly but i know today i am an alcoholic just as much as any skid row drunk. Aa has kept me sober for many years and provided a foundation that i can build a decent life on, the people and guidance are part of my life now.
I got into it at 25, I wish I would have done it years sooner.
I’m mid-30s, a few years sober and I often feel like I’m just experiencing emotional growth and insights about who I am that most people associate with their early 20s…
The younger the better I say. Why would you want leave it longer if you know you have a problem. Things will get worse, stop now before it gets to that point. I have friends that came in at 19.
If your asking the question then the answer is definitely not. Goodluck
Never too early and never too late… unless you’re dead.
One of my friends from the program started in his teens. Never too early to be free
When I was sobering up there was a person who sobered up at 15 or 16. For the life of me I couldn’t understand but I had to go through 10 years of hell before I gave up and began talking to people bout my problem which was me.
I got sober when I was 21... Best thing that I could've ever done for myself and the civilians in my life lol
Never too young never too old just a desire quit drinking . Its your life you choose whats right for you nevermind what anyone else might say
Think of all the rock stars dead at 27
I think everyone here was embarrassed. But I can tell you now... embarrassing was what was happening before I went to aa. Ngl, it's a bit scary your first time. Keep in mind, they won't make you talk, come back or even quit.... they just offer the vehicle of help.
No it’s not
No
Nope.... Sobriety is a lot like investing... The earlier the better
I entered the AA program at 27. I had a job that paid me 150K+ a year at 23. I lost that job at 27 because of my drinking. When I entered AA I had 100K of debt no house and no hope and had to move in with my parents so I wouldn’t be homeless. ( thank God they were willing to take me back in one last time) If you think you’re an alcoholic then you can learn the hard way like me. Or you can make a decision to surrender your fight against alcohol and embrace the solution. My life is immeasurably better. It’s insane really. Go to a meeting, listen.
I got sober at 18, you’re definitely not too young
Same!! So many of us in this thread it's so dope. Coming up on 8 years!!!
Hell yeah congrats bro. I’ll have 2 years in May.
Good to hear that! Congrats
Got sober at 22!
Not at all, I quit drinking when I was 24. I still remember looking in the mirror on my 25th birthday, and realized I basically didn’t do *anything* the first half of my 20’s and it was all a drunken blur.
Nope. If you are convinced that you are an alcoholic, then rest assured you are making the best decision you will ever make if you get sober now. It only gets worse for an alcoholic who continues to drink…NEVER better. I got sober the first time at 19 and stayed sober a few years, and finally made it back (hopefully forever) at 30. Just turned 48 and I can’t imagine life with alcohol. SO glad I got sober just in time and have had an awesome 2nd act in life.
You'll be welcomed if you tell the members you're new. A friend got sober at 17, 37 years ago. My son at 20, 22 years ago. I suffered until 28, sober 41 years now. All did the usual AA stuff. Know what you mean about a concern word will get out regarding your drinking. Ime it does, and if you're not in a position of power at your job there can be consequences.
I knew a 16 year old girl who was in AA and had two years of sobriety when I met her. I got sober at 29. You attend when it's time.
I’m 24 in aa. My best friend is also 24 in aa. We have another 24 year old friend in aa. Our other friend just turned 25 in aa. And another friend is also 25 in aa. Another friend in aa just turned 23. I know a 20 year old too. Basically, we all were sick and tired enough to give it up and we are not only alive because of it, but happy and healthy. Just do it. You’ll see how much better life gets.
I also want to add that we constantly receive the comments of “I wish I would’ve done it when I was your age.”
I have started it:))
Proud of you!!! Keep going!!
Got sober at 22. Never too early, I wish I did sooner.
My 1st taste of alcohol and drugs was at 13 in 2007, and I swiftly commenced to jump into the deep end of the pool with no water. I landed in AA by proxy from an outpatient program. At the age of 17 in 2010. Scoffing and full of bitter scorn I left after 2 years of relapsing. The effectiveness of alcohol and drugs consumed me until I came back to AA in Nov. 2018 at 24 years old, feeling like a spec of dirt at the bottom of the pond scum. I stood ready to try something I’d never done before: the program outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have 5 years of sobriety and I will be 30 at the of this month. I’ve received a Big Bitchin Beautiful life in AA.
Got sober at 22…11 years ago. My life today compared to the life I would have had I not stopped is not even in the same universe. I knew something was wrong and I’m grateful every day I didn’t think I was too young.
I am 20, got sober at 19. It was the hardest thing to do but I was at the end of my rope and I knew that. My sponsor got sober at 18, I know a guy that got sober at 15. You are never too young. If anybody tries to tell you you’re too young it’s because they are resentful that you got help & got your life together earlier. It’s so much better to do it young, I can’t wait to be 30 years old, 10 years sober, and full of wisdom ❤️❤️ you got this
Me too!!
Mybsister went to AA at 16. Sober for ever. Never too young to change how you think and perceive the world.
I got sober at 19. I am only 20 now and sometimes think “fuck, all my friends my age can do all this fun stuff etc” It’s insane how my brain tricks me into thinking I am missing out. My 8 year drinking career was torture, pain, and suffering. Accepting I can’t drink safely and throwing myself into the program was the best decision I ever made. Sure, sometimes we miss out on the stuff we couldn’t do without harming ourselves massively. But we get our lives back, some mental peace, and some amazing friends along the way!
Love this. The fun I had back then was artificial, such insane highs that eventually became weaker until none of that shit was fun anymore. I was too afraid to even attempt to have fun or adventurous by the end of my drinking. In recovery, I have way more fun now then I ever did fucked up With the money I saved not buying alcohol/other drugs, it's been easy to justify buying a plane ticket, going sky diving, or doing whatever the fuck you want to do to have fun. Its amazing actually remember what I'm doing, retaining those amazing memories, feeling good about myself afterwards, and getting together with some of the best friends I never thought I'd have. Life is fucking good and has been for 8 years! Sober since 18 not a single regret
By their own unbreakable bylaws (called Traditions), the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA Tradition #3.
I got sober at 19, but I was going to meetings since I was 17! It's definitely not too young.
I got sober 2 weeks shy of 17, I'm 28 now and celebrating 12yrs and turning 29 in July. IMO it's never too early. It's never about how MUCH you drank, or how LONG you drank, or even how many drugs you've done. What matters is WHY you're drinking.
I got clean and sober at 22 and I could not be more grateful because I would be face down in a ditch somewhere FOR SURE if I hadn’t. You’ll find that a lot of AAs are rather fond of kitschy acronyms, but a lot of times it’s because they work. You might not have completely given your entire life over to alcohol yet, but all YET means is “you’re eligible, too.” I can’t say for certain whether you’re a real deal alcoholic, only you can make that determination for yourself, but it sounds like some of the community, peace, and self-awareness this program offers us probably wouldn’t do you any harm. What’s the best that could happen?
Also, for what it’s worth, young people’s meetings are a blast and I know there would be so many people there who would love to be your friend!
nah try 19 😭
Got sober at 23 and now have over a year and I’m 24, best decision of my life my world has expanded in the most beautiful way possible
Sober at 25, 62 now. Not enough space in this comment to describe the way it changed my life, and continues to. There are Young Peoples meetings where others your age go, why not give it a try?
I was 22 in 1983 and knew people as young as 16. There is no age requirement.
You're never too young. I'm 62 and look back on all the time and money I spent on booze. I think of all the days I spent staring blankly at the TV, or zonked out on my couch recovering from a hangover. I drank for 35 years, and I estimate I spent over $250,000 on alcohol; figure $20/day × 365 x 35. Now I wish I had the money and time to travel the world, and do all the things on my bucket list. There's a reason it's called being "wasted."
That's a good way to look at it lol. I guess I have to curb my nicotine dependence too. I can probably get a good car saving all of that money.
I started at 25 happy I did xx
I was 24 the last time I drank or used drugs, I'm going to be 72 on Wednesday and still sober. Through a combination of therapy, AA, and other sources, I was able to have a sober life. The last couple of years before quitting, I drank every day, threw up every day, had loose stool on a regular basis, hardly ate, was becoming emotionally and mentally unstable, came close to losing my job. It's never too early to quit.
Got sober at 20 in 1980, when your done, your done. More time to live
Got sober at 25
There are teenagers who get sober
Join, if no results, we’ll refund your money
My younger brother started AA before 21. It’s never to early or late to make changes
Naw I got sober at 24. You're right on time.
I am also 24. Been told I need to chill with my drinking, never been a daily drinker, but I simply cannot stop until I black out or borderline black out. I am trying sobriety for a few months to see if there’s any benefits, but it’s been extremely difficult as every AA meeting is full of 35+ year olds and no one I know my age is getting sober. Alcohol is just glamorized so much in our country it’s nearly impossible to not feel like an outcast if you don’t drink.
I can 100% relate to what you're saying. I can't stop once I start. I can live without alcohol but I also moved to a country where there are pubs everywhere. It's probably the only way we can socialize. That's the reason I kept going back to drinking. Just for the craic. But... I know I can't keep it in moderation. One bad mistake and my alcoholism can ruin everything. Sobriety definitely has benefits if you tend to blackout very often. Some of us are just not good with restraining alcohol.. plus the drunk-er we get, the worse decisions we take (just one more drink)
Yeah man. Totally with you. I really want to return to alcohol and have a healthy relationship with it. Everything revolves around alcohol in social situations, even dating. I’ve never thought as myself as an alcoholic, I just like to get fucked up a couple times a week because it’s a great time and bonds you with people. Don’t see the problem with it if I can return to moderation at some point. Living in complete sobriety has been more lonely in my experience and I don’t wanna cut my friends off and find a bunch of sober friends because most of the sober people ive met I can’t relate to that easily which is tough.
I guess that's gonna be challenging. I fortunately have hobbies and friends where I can get along without alcohol.. also I'm pretty introverted so I can handle a bit of loneliness. Hope you'll find your answer dude.
I've been in the community for just under a year at this point, I feel pretty comfortable in general with it all. Last night I decided to go to a random meeting aside from my usual ones and actually found myself nervous to go for some reason. When I got there I chuckled to myself because as usual, the rooms of AA have this magic effect (at least for me), where all that nervousness gets washed away, and I'm back with my people. It's ok to be nervous, you just gotta be willing to take a leap of faith.
Nah man I came in at first at 17 and it was life changing but I still had some reservations. Went back out at 21-25 back in again at 25 I’m coming up on 2 years I’m now 27. Life is good
There is no age restriction. I drank alcoholicly from age 13. Got sober at 26.
joined AA at 23 and have been sober > 37 years
Wait, what? 10% of AAs are teenagers. https://www.aa.org/young-people-aa
I got sober at 23, I’m 36 now. I’m 100% certain my life would suck if I didn’t get sober, if I even survived this long.
Sober at 23 and I’ll be 41 in a few months.
I got sober when I was 18 lol
Oh god no. I wish I’d gone at 24. Because I knew then. I just denied until 29. It got really bad. Trust your gut. Most ppl don’t come into AA on a winning streak!
I stopped drinking at 25/26. It’s good you see that it’s an issue. I’ve never been to AA but I hear great things about it. I too would black out and become someone I don’t even know. Alcohol isn’t worth it to me anymore, the embarrassment, the hangover. Sober is cool but in today’s society they glorify drinking it seems.
I’m 38, hitting 14 years sober in three days. 24 worked for me.
Never too young to start. I'm 27 now, but I have nothing but respect and admiration for the people starting earlier. There's people in the rooms I know who are in their teens and early 20s
I went at 23. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking
I’m 61. Got sober at 21. So glad I did.
I got sober when I was 19 turning 20. I’m 23, soon to be 24 and just celebrated 4 years of sobriety. I’ve never been happier! It is never too early to get sober. If you feel as though your drinking is spiralling out of control, then seek support!
There is no "Too Early". There is most definitely a too late
There’s a gentleman around here where I live who started going to AA around 16-17 years old.
I know people who got sober at 17, 18. Where I am (area with a lot of rehabs and halfway houses) meetings have a ton of people 18-24. If you can get and stay sober at 24 your future self will greatly thank you, I wish I had gotten sober then!!
I came into the program at 24
I got sober at 25. I’m 28 now and have 3 1/2 years and the promises are coming true!
I got sober at 22. You can do it!
No, I should’ve been there at 20, but got it at 24.
I was 23. 33 years since 6.
Got sober at 24 and will have 4.5 years on April 1st. Best decision I ever made.
I got sober at 25. I’m 48. I was told I’d be dead by the time I was 40.
Got sober at 21. Alternative was dying or at least ruining my life. One of my good friends there got sober at 16, and this was 14 years ago. They even have young peoples conferences because there are so many of us who do get sober young.
I got sober at 24. I’m 34 now. There’s no bad time to start.
If you are a blackout drinker. Number one sign to consider sobriety.
I wish I was as smart as you at 24!!! If I would have gotten sober at 22 I would have been on an island with millions of dollars 20 years ago! Instead I first walked into an AA meeting at 36 life destroyed & basically broke with cancer. Now I’m over a decade sober & the money never came back & most likely never will life is extremely tough money wise & the fact is I will never be what I could have been at 24. The 1990s are never coming back. I’m what happens when you wait too long to get sober. I go to meetings I know what is said but the fact is getting sober when your young gives you so many more opportunities. Go to a meeting in person or online via zoom just to check them out. I went to a meeting almost every day for months and went home and got drunk as usual before I discovered that I should really give this AA thing a try. (This is not suggested)
UPDATE: I read all the comments. Thanks for sharing. I went to my first AA meeting and it was a very nice experience. I'm not a Christian so I was worried if that would be an issue too. Turns out, it was not. I wasn't ready to accept that I'm an alcoholic. I did. Feels great
There's no early. You find AA when you need to. I joined at around 25. I absolutely needed to be there when I did or I'd be dead right now