I like what Janice said about being a program of "rigorous honesty". On the other hand, the only requirement for membership she alluded to is "the desire to stop using"

It's funny because I can remember some people sharing that they thought the requirement should be changed to "the honest desire to stop using" I wondered at the time who would decide who's desire was honest and who's wasn't.

So I'd guess it would be best to follow the guideline, share before and after the meeting. You can get a sponsor, start reading and writing. But on the other hand, who really is that rigorously honest when we first approach recovery? I can remember plenty of times people would get honest down the road - admit they hadn't told the truth about a relapse for instance. The thing is if you get clean and get involved you want that freedom that people in recovery have, dishonesty won't get you there.

Dave