How do I begin? - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

Special-k · 08-28-2006, 09:35 PM

I was thinking about finding a NA meeting in my hometown. Kinda nervous though, never been to one. But for a year now I’ve been talking about how I want to quit, how I don’t even enjoy being high anymore. I thought I could do it on my own. Just a couple nights ago I broke down and I’ve now been up for three nights. I crashed early this morning, woke up 2.5 hours late for work, and I am now sitting at work thinking of why I went for those 2-3 months with out dope and feeling like **** because I’m no longer sober. I had a talk with a friend of mine and he’s beginning an out patient program. I can’t afford any program let alone the traveling cost, he’ll have to fly out of town twice a month(I think). He suggested NA, he wont go with me because he doesn’t trust that people would really keep the names and people anonymous. But the idea is growing on me, I think I do better going by myself anyway, but I worried about all sorts of things. Sadly part of my worry is going to an NA meeting full of people who are forced to go by getting arrested and then there's me....who's just had enough. Don’t know where to begin.

I guess what I am looking for is anyone’s suggestions or input on NA.

Dee-nah · 08-29-2006, 06:06 AM

My boyfriend is an addict and I swear by NA meetings... I went with him a couple of times and it's all in what YOU get out of them not what anyone else is doing... I do have to admit there were a lot of people there that didn't take it seriously but there were a lot that did... They also celebrate a persons sobierty with keychains and coins and I have to say when I see people going up there to collect there 30days, 60days which ever you can see how proud they are of themselves.... It's an exciting moment! I say go for it and keep an open mind,take care of YOURSELF!

sad,mum · 08-30-2006, 05:33 PM

please force yourself to go at least 6 times before you make decision,no need to say anything its not expected of you,but if my daughter is anything to go by she hated it,only went for me,well its the best thing i ever forced her to do,she has progressed leaps and bounds,confidentiality is a must,dont knock it until you have given it a chance,good luck,sadmum

kim4074 · 08-30-2006, 07:41 PM

I agree with happymum..... Its easier to talk when you dont know anyone and know one can judge you cause they are in the same shoes. Kinda like this board I have shared secrets here with total strangers that I wouldnt tell my best friend of 17yrs. I would definatly give it a shot what do you have to loose? I wish you luck I have walked in your shoes unfortunatly more than once trying to recover. Not with K but hydros and it sucks but just having non judgemental people to talk to helps plus you might pick up some tips for your own recovery. Good luck. Kim

serenity26 · 08-30-2006, 09:05 PM

Don't judge those forced to go...it could be you some day....that's called a Y.E.T. (you're eligible too!) They might want it just as bad as you. In fact, maybe some of them were where you are now, but didn't have the courage or desperation (whatever it is!) to go to a meeting and then had worse and worse consequences...

Go relate, not compare. You'll hear yourself in most of the people there, from the heroin addict to the pothead, none of us are unique--we all have the same fears, drives, insecurities, etc.

"and then there's me..." get off the pity pot, stop thinking that you're different, and quit making excuses. (I don't mean to sound harsh, but its the truth. And I know b/c I was there too. And for me, it wasn't any of the excuses I made up, it was the fact that if I actually went to the meeting I'd be admitting my problem and (this is the more important part) become accountable to people for actually doing something about it. That's the part that scared me) Good luck...it does get a lot better...