Well when I first went, my wife came with me, don't know if that's an option for you but it made it easier. Everyone would be different on that but maybe another family member who is affected as it will help them understand too.
I didn't say anything until the 2nd time I went, it was very friendly. Expect that there will be people with many different reasons behind and different extent to their alcoholism but at the end of the day if you listen to the stories carefully there are many common themes.
Another helpful thing was that you don't need to be some sort of born again christian or anything, it is explained that the "strength" you ask for is however you want to think of it like a "higher power" not necessarily GOD. So if your just spiritually minded it could be like the power of the group and "whoever or whatever" watches over you all.
It is an ultimate aim of abstention from alcohol but don't let that put you off. If you lapse it's not a great feeling but it's not the end of the world... you've took a step in the right direction and as long as thats still your aim then, as they say, get back on your bike and try again.
Most of all... you might be doing it because your ashamed of the affect on others but ultimately it has to be what YOU want in your own heart. Thinking of others helps a lot but at the end of the day you are the constant in all this.