LottyLiz

NA is narcotics anonymous, but you will find that NA, AA and CA are pretty interchangeable. I am a recovering addict, but mostly go to AA meetings. Where I am there aren't many NA meetings and so AA works just as well for me.

There are different type of meetings. I will give you a brief list and a brief explanation of each.

Discussion meeting - A topic is selected and you go around the room and each person speaks a little. Of course no one HAS to speak. A lot of people especially at first just like to listen.

Speaker meeting - Someone with a lot of time in the program speaks to the group. He/she tells what it was like for them when they were using, how they came to the program and what it is like for them now.

Step meetings - Each step is discussed over a period of 12 to 24 meetings. I found these meetings wonderful as I worked the steps.

Beginner meetings - These meetings focus on newcomers to help them understand the program.

Some meetings are OPEN which means anyone can attend. Some are CLOSED and are "restricted" to addicts/alcoholics.

Try not to be nervous. Everyone there has been where you are now. No one will judge you no matter how many times you have relapsed. It takes longer for some people than it does for others.

I honestly believe that I would be dead right now if not for the program and the people there. I couldn't have done it by myself and to this day I find strength and serenity in those meetings. I have people who care about me just for me and they don't want anything from me. I couldn't say that when I was actively using.

I hope you decide to go. For a lot of addicts it is the most important step you will take in getting and staying clean.

Sorry this is so long. I hope I've answered your questions and helped a little. Good luck!

Lizzie