Recovery Drug Addicts Anonymous

[Ds]

I'm sure I'm not the only wastebasket addict here that qualifies for every Anonymous program exists, but here lately I've been attending these meetings called Drug Addicts Anonymous, and wow. Compared to Narcotics Anonymous 'DAA' is on an entire new plane of recovery.

Drug Addicts Anonymous USA - Find a 12 Step Meeting Near You

Welcome to Drug Addicts Anonymous USA. Drug Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who have recovered from addiction. Find a 12 Step Meeting.

daausa.org

DAA is a fellowship of men and women who have recovered, or are recovering, from drug addiction by following the Twelve Steps — a tried and tested programme of practical spiritual action. We use the traditional Twelve Step programme outlined in the Alcoholics Anonymous Basic Text, and no other method. Our fellowship attracts drug addicts from many walks of life, who between them have used many different drugs, both legal and illegal. Nonetheless, we share a common problem and, more importantly, a common solution that has transformed our lives. Our primary purpose is to remain drug-free and to help other drug addicts achieve the same freedom. DAA membership is open to anyone who has a desire to stop using narcotics, or any other mind- altering substance, yet finds him or herself unable to do so. There are no membership fees or dues.

We make certain everyone has a Big Book and begin by referring to the lower right hand corner of the “Dust Jacket” where it reads, “This is the Third Edition of the Big Book, the BASIC TEXT for Alcoholics Anonymous.” Or, of course, if they have a Fourth Edition, same message in the middle of the Dust Jacket. We want them to know what ALCOHOLISM is, what the SOLUTION is and HOW to take the ACTION that is necessary to avoid death or insanity by drinking, i.e. to get from the PROBLEM to the SOLUTION.

To find meetings all over the world: https://daausa.org/find-a-meeting/

I had no clue that they made a meeting for me. I was able to say 'hey I'm D's and I'm a Drug Addict ', not just addict but a fucking drug addict, because I got to hear that shit. If I say I'm an addict then I'll just think eh maybe im an addict of seafood or something, but identifying as a drug addict I got to remind myself that hey I'm a damn drug addict.

I highly suggest that if you have any DAA meetings in your area check it out. You will not be disappointed.

We are a drug forum, that practice harm reduction, but if you are like me, and reuse syringes 30+ times, and even contracting endocarditis along with hepatitis C along with shot the fuck out veins, then give DAA a try.

 

[PtahTek]

Hey, Ds.
Did you start a chapter by chance. I think I remember ya posting about it somewhere and thought I would ask.
Anyway after long and careful thought I figured I would see what is what with DAA.
Thanks for your time and efforts, bro.
Peace

Ed
They have meetings within 100 miles of my location way outta my reach.

 

[psych0Naut!Lus]

I qualify. I’m what an addiction doctor in rehab called a “garbagehead”. Hey a medical professional labeled me that after asking what my DOC was the answer was what must have come off as nuts. My nuts are a DOC too oh man do I qualify for those programs just as badly. Sorry for that.

 

[Ds]

I qualify. I’m what an addiction doctor in rehab called a “garbagehead”. Hey a medical professional labeled me that after asking what my DOC was the answer was what must have come off as nuts. My nuts are a DOC too oh man do I qualify for those programs just as badly. Sorry for that.

You would fit right into DAA. It's actually a lot different than AA, because I can relate to those that huffed gas or shot fentanyl like me, and it isn't NA.
It wasn't the drug honestly, it was more of the fucking drug. Whatever it was, it had to be more of it.

 

[TheUltimateFixx]

Whatever it was, it had to be more of it.

"Too much is never enough".

 

[PtahTek]

man it's hard sometimes to stay on track with benzos if I can keep this up I may have life by the balls.

Think it takes a lot of distraction and focusing on something else.
Still, though, ya don't think that bottle isn't in the back of my mind? HA!

 

[nznity]

Hey I'm nick and I'm waiting on some cocaine rn. Lord have mercy on me, I'm fucking human and being handicapped so young fucks with my mind.
I love you guys.

 

[Juicewrldfan]

You would fit right into DAA. It's actually a lot different than AA, because I can relate to those that huffed gas or shot fentanyl like me, and it isn't NA.
It wasn't the drug honestly, it was more of the fucking drug. Whatever it was, it had to be more of it.

It sounds cool, but I get out off by sponsorship and I imagine that’s still a thing.

Just too many experiences of them acting like I’m their bitch or something. One tried to put himself in my marriage. It’s like, dude, I didn’t ask.

I do not like people giving me “suggestions” yet used like “you have to” in regards to my marriage. I only came to get sober. I didn’t ask for marriage advice. There are specific situations that will trigger episodes in my wife because she is extremely mentally ill. And he was trying to force me to tell her stuff that would do that to her because “I have to”.

And I had one, yell in front of others at ne that he’s the teacher and I’m the student. And we weren’t even talking about anything pertaining to that and I am a polite and respectful person generally. What I’m saying is it’s as if he was trying to show off in front of his buddy. He’s lucky I was cool and didn’t break his face.

So yeah, you might say I have a little bias against it. I do think the 12 steps are great. And yeah there are some good sponsors out there. The problem is wading thru the shit.

The biggest thing that AA offers that works imo is the community and support. Aside from places like BL there just isn’t a lot out there for us and we are pigeon holed into AA or far worse NA.

I went to an NA meeting and you are not even allowed to speak unless you are l6 months clean or something I forget. And it’s just not well structured ime. It’s just hard finding a good NA meeting for some reason in Columbus Ohio. (Please don’t dox me) can’t really anyway, I have no social media with my true email or name or phone number attached.

But I have considered going back to AA just not interested in sponsorship so perhaps there is something to this DAA. Not really sure what the difference is.

 

[stupotmc]

I'm sure I'm not the only wastebasket addict here that qualifies for every Anonymous program exists, but here lately I've been attending these meetings called Drug Addicts Anonymous, and wow. Compared to Narcotics Anonymous 'DAA' is on an entire new plane of recovery.

Drug Addicts Anonymous USA - Find a 12 Step Meeting Near You

Welcome to Drug Addicts Anonymous USA. Drug Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who have recovered from addiction. Find a 12 Step Meeting.

daausa.org

To find meetings all over the world: https://daausa.org/find-a-meeting/

I had no clue that they made a meeting for me. I was able to say 'hey I'm D's and I'm a Drug Addict ', not just addict but a fucking drug addict, because I got to hear that shit. If I say I'm an addict then I'll just think eh maybe im an addict of seafood or something, but identifying as a drug addict I got to remind myself that hey I'm a damn drug addict.

I highly suggest that if you have any DAA meetings in your area check it out. You will not be disappointed.

We are a drug forum, that practice harm reduction, but if you are like me, and reuse syringes 30+ times, and even contracting endocarditis along with hepatitis C along with shot the fuck out veins, then give DAA a try.

They authorities want us on the liquid handcuffs' and on no opiate lists. You cant holiday, associating with friends that still use is near impossible, and the N/A is a church recruitment ploy. It's lonely when your whole life you have been getting high and you stop. I was an addict for 42 years. Even remember sniffing glue and solvent and 8 years old. I didnt know why. It's something I inherited from my family. I've had no kids because of it. I would never suicide. I'm going to die soon enough now I have cirrhosis. I just wish society could realise that when you have communicated with a certain type of personality your whole life that I have nothing in common with straight folk. I find them boring and judgmental. Especially the one who help you for a weekly wage. Just give me what I need to get better, all junkies who are long term know what works. Sorry for laying it on. No religious texts condemn drugs except for the modern Qur'an. I was raised Roman Catholic in war torn Belfast. Drugs were the answer to it. Not god or guns. An old saying says water ,fire and governments have no mercy. I was on drugs including maintenance for 42 years. Don't expect help from government or church. If you have family or non using friends be totally honest. Self medicate if safe. But please don't let government put you in liquid hand cuffs. It ruins the best.

It sounds cool, but I get out off by sponsorship and I imagine that’s still a thing.

Just too many experiences of them acting like I’m their bitch or something. One tried to put himself in my marriage. It’s like, dude, I didn’t ask.

I do not like people giving me “suggestions” yet used like “you have to” in regards to my marriage. I only came to get sober. I didn’t ask for marriage advice. There are specific situations that will trigger episodes in my wife because she is extremely mentally ill. And he was trying to force me to tell her stuff that would do that to her because “I have to”.

And I had one, yell in front of others at ne that he’s the teacher and I’m the student. And we weren’t even talking about anything pertaining to that and I am a polite and respectful person generally. What I’m saying is it’s as if he was trying to show off in front of his buddy. He’s lucky I was cool and didn’t break his face.

So yeah, you might say I have a little bias against it. I do think the 12 steps are great. And yeah there are some good sponsors out there. The problem is wading thru the shit.

The biggest thing that AA offers that works imo is the community and support. Aside from places like BL there just isn’t a lot out there for us and we are pigeon holed into AA or far worse NA.

I went to an NA meeting and you are not even allowed to speak unless you are l6 months clean or something I forget. And it’s just not well structured ime. It’s just hard finding a good NA meeting for some reason in Columbus Ohio. (Please don’t dox me) can’t really anyway, I have no social media with my true email or name or phone number attached.

But I have considered going back to AA just not interested in sponsorship so perhaps there is something to this DAA. Not really sure what the difference is.

They authorities want us on the liquid handcuffs' and on no opiate lists. You cant holiday, associating with friends that still use is near impossible, and the N/A is a church recruitment ploy. It's lonely when your whole life you have been getting high and you stop. I was an addict for 42 years. Even remember sniffing glue and solvent and 8 years old. I didnt know why. It's something I inherited from my family. I've had no kids because of it. I would never suicide. I'm going to die soon enough now I have cirrhosis. I just wish society could realise that when you have communicated with a certain type of personality your whole life that I have nothing in common with straight folk. I find them boring and judgmental. Especially the one who help you for a weekly wage. Just give me what I need to get better, all junkies who are long term know what works. Sorry for laying it on. No religious texts condemn drugs except for the modern Qur'an. I was raised Roman Catholic in war torn Belfast. Drugs were the answer to it. Not god or guns. An old saying says water ,fire and governments have no mercy. I was on drugs including maintenance for 42 years. Don't expect help from government or church. If you have family or non using friends be totally honest. Self medicate if safe. But please don't let government put you in liquid hand cuffs. It ruins the best.

 

[bablyonee]

It sounds cool, but I get out off by sponsorship and I imagine that’s still a thing.

Just too many experiences of them acting like I’m their bitch or something. One tried to put himself in my marriage. It’s like, dude, I didn’t ask.

I do not like people giving me “suggestions” yet used like “you have to” in regards to my marriage. I only came to get sober. I didn’t ask for marriage advice. There are specific situations that will trigger episodes in my wife because she is extremely mentally ill. And he was trying to force me to tell her stuff that would do that to her because “I have to”.

And I had one, yell in front of others at ne that he’s the teacher and I’m the student. And we weren’t even talking about anything pertaining to that and I am a polite and respectful person generally. What I’m saying is it’s as if he was trying to show off in front of his buddy. He’s lucky I was cool and didn’t break his face.

So yeah, you might say I have a little bias against it. I do think the 12 steps are great. And yeah there are some good sponsors out there. The problem is wading thru the shit.

The biggest thing that AA offers that works imo is the community and support. Aside from places like BL there just isn’t a lot out there for us and we are pigeon holed into AA or far worse NA.

I went to an NA meeting and you are not even allowed to speak unless you are l6 months clean or something I forget. And it’s just not well structured ime. It’s just hard finding a good NA meeting for some reason in Columbus Ohio. (Please don’t dox me) can’t really anyway, I have no social media with my true email or name or phone number attached.

But I have considered going back to AA just not interested in sponsorship so perhaps there is something to this DAA. Not really sure what the difference is.

My experience was similar. People desperate to be my life coach. AA big book makes little mention of sponsorship, other than describing it as a buddy-style thing for the first few weeks. That's it, according to the Bill & Bob. The rest of the shit.. Doing steps with, taking advice from, Fessing up to.. That's all shit that other people invented. Read the steps.. Says NOTHING about sponsorship. Share your 4th with whoever you like, only don't share it another member, FFS. They be batshit crazy. People 30 years clean and living a very small life. Long lengths of clean time does not equal wisdom in my experience. IMO it usually equals 'I don't know what to do next'.

 

[jasperkent]

I went to an NA meeting and you are not even allowed to speak unless you are l6 months clean or something I forget.

For the record, that is not a universal rule in NA. I've never even heard of such a thing. I have found that 12-Step meetings vary a lot from group to group, sometimes even depending on which day you attend. I always encourage newbies to shop around.

That said, I was never a big fan of NA -- especially as I got older. There seemed to be a lot of immaturity and grab-ass in those meetings compared to AA. Still, I've known many addicts who recovered using NA. To each his own. Use whatever works for you.

I'm not particularly into AA either, but I got a lot out of it early in recovery. Mostly I enjoyed the camaraderie of it. Sometimes I'd hear a single statement that really hit home for me at the time. Again, YMMV.

Just curious -- what's the difference between DAA and NA? Their mission statements are nearly identical.

 

[jasperkent]

I'm sure I'm not the only wastebasket addict here that qualifies for every Anonymous program exists, but here lately I've been attending these meetings called Drug Addicts Anonymous, and wow. Compared to Narcotics Anonymous 'DAA' is on an entire new plane of recovery.

Just curious -- what's the difference between DAA and NA? Their mission statements are nearly identical.

 

[Bmwm8]

anyone else been to one of these? I did AA for a cpl months. It was not me thouhg. I was forced to lie. I dont even drink. They preach about absolute honesty and truthfulness and im forced to lie the first 15 seconds of the meeting. It did not feel real. Im sure its great for some but I didnt find a fit.

 

[deficiT]

For the record, that is not a universal rule in NA. I've never even heard of such a thing. I have found that 12-Step meetings vary a lot from group to group, sometimes even depending on which day you attend. I always encourage newbies to shop around.

That said, I was never a big fan of NA -- especially as I got older. There seemed to be a lot of immaturity and grab-ass in those meetings compared to AA. Still, I've known many addicts who recovered using NA. To each his own. Use whatever works for you.

I'm not particularly into AA either, but I got a lot out of it early in recovery. Mostly I enjoyed the camaraderie of it. Sometimes I'd hear a single statement that really hit home for me at the time. Again, YMMV.

Just curious -- what's the difference between DAA and NA? Their mission statements are nearly identical.

DAA is basically a variation of AA... Uses the AA literature and steps, approaches it in a lot of the same manner.. Just a different culture and geared towards drug use, none of the "don't mention drugs!" type of attitude. It was started in I believe one of the Scandinavian countries and made its way more global over years... It's certainly not extremely well known or all over the place, but I enjoyed the meetings for it I've been to.

 

[jasperkent]

DAA is basically a variation of AA....Just a different culture and geared towards drug use, none of the "don't mention drugs!" type of attitude.

That is a perfect description of NA, which started in the US back in the 1950s.

I was wondering what the difference is between  NA (which has been worldwide for decades) and DAA.

PS-- Narcotics Anonymous has its own literature, but the 12 steps and 12 traditions are identical except for substituting the word drugs for the word alcohol.

 

[deficiT]

That is a perfect description of NA, which started in the US back in the 1950s.

I was wondering what the difference is between  NA (which has been worldwide for decades) and DAA.

PS-- Narcotics Anonymous has its own literature, but the 12 steps and 12 traditions are identical except for substituting the word drugs for the word alcohol.

Yeah, while at face value it sounds exactly like NA, NA and AA vary majorly regarding how the steps are worked through, which is basically the core tenant of any 12 step fellowship.

Like said previously, meetings and philosophies will vary, but generally speaking AA thinks you need to work on the steps immediately and as fast as you can, while going through the NA step process is a hell of a lot longer and drawn out, including a shit load of writing, NA has its own step working guide, I had actually started working on my first step a month or two ago, but fell off recently. There are people in NA that have been sober 20 years and are only on their 9th step and shit. One of the fundamental disagreements being the step about amends, as NA thinks, well, you are really not in the place to be making amends with people you've seriously hurt when you've been sober a couple months or something. To be a sponsor in AA, you ought to have worked through the steps completely, which, usually isn't the case, but could be done in a week or something in theory. Whereas in NA, a sponsor can be anyone who's just at least working the steps and is farther along than you are. This isn't completely strict, but it's generally that.

I've tried my hand at both, but only passingly attended some DAA meetings for a few months a couple years ago. So while I know it's the same literature as AA, while retaining moreso the language and culture of NA, I'm not sure exactly if the stepworking process is the same as AA or not. I don't think they have their own literature at all, but I could be wrong, they might just take inspiration from both a little bit? Making them a bit less rigid than either. It's basically a mish mash.

 

[jasperkent]

Thanks for the interesting and detailed response. I am very familiar with AA, having attended hundreds of meetings (in different cities) and "worked the Steps" (to varying degrees) with 5 or 6 different sponsors at different times over the last 40 years. I'm less familiar with NA, but I have attended 30 or 40 meetings in different cities over the same period of time. I hadn't heard of DAA before seeing this thread.

In AA there are rigid guidelines for sponsorship, but there are no hard & fast rules about doing the 12 Steps. Alcoholics Anonymous (the "Big Book") is not real specific about either of these things, and I've found that every sponsor has their own take on how to do the Steps and "work a program." I've heard of sponsors who say to take your time on the Steps and that it could take years. I know of one who had his sponsee work all 12 in one week.

I've also found that AA groups vary a lot and individual AA meetings can vary even more, although a well-established group that meets at the same time & place every week is usually fairly consistent. AA Clubhouses are another animal entirely and one could have a lengthy thread on that subject alone.

 

[jasperkent]

....I've tried my hand at both, but only passingly attended some DAA meetings for a few months a couple years ago. So while I know it's the same literature as AA, while retaining moreso the language and culture of NA, I'm not sure exactly if the stepworking process is the same as AA or not. I don't think they have their own literature at all, but I could be wrong, they might just take inspiration from both a little bit? Making them a bit less rigid than either. It's basically a mish mash.

PS-- I wanted to add that I think a good metaphor for AA is Protestant Christianity, in that they all use the same literature but there are different denominations and individual churches vary within those denominations.

I'm not currently involved in AA, but I pop in a random meeting now & then. One thing I always liked a lot about AA is this universal rule: "The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking."
(in NA, it's "a desire to stop using")
That's pretty wide open. They don't even say you have to be sober. They say you must have the desire.

 

[bablyonee]

This book changed my view of 12 step stuff fundamentally:

The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry - Harvard Book Store

www.harvard.com

Overview:

An exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry—and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5–10 percent success rate—hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program’s overall success.

 

[TheUltimateFixx]

This book changed my view of 12 step stuff fundamentally:

The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry - Harvard Book Store

www.harvard.com

Overview:

An exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry—and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5–10 percent success rate—hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program’s overall success.

The thing is that the model doesn't have an ounce of scientific credibility. It's not based on principles of science, either behavioural or neurological, it's based on the ideas of the Oxford Group, a teetotal Christian sect. Bill Wilson wasn't a physician, he was a failed salesman at the time he founded AA. It's a pseudo-religious cult and it functions like a pyramid scheme. Wilson himself admitted that he intended to become a millionaire on the back of it and that's exactly what happened.