Tis a weird one for me, im naturally, when not full of chemicals, fairly quiet, most definitely someone who swerves public speaking at all costs etc etc theres a whole list of reasons I could write as to why I wouldnt get on with it.. However for reasons I dont understand I feel relatively comfortable in there and it does seem to work for me.
I think it has alot to do with the people in the room, if you think about going and you dont get on with it id suggest trying a different group before writing it off.
The sharing most definitely helps me, I bottle everything up, talk to nobod about my problems, im happy to just blurt it all out in those rooms though, even just sitting there listening is helpful.
It gets you out, meet some interesting and not so interesting folk and have a chat. Get some phone numbers, meet up for coffees or curries or whatever. The social side of it is what I see as the most valuable part, finding some people who you dont have to put on your disguise for, they know your warts and you know theirs, it makes for a pleasant change just being YOU...!