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  • TDS Moderators: AlphaMethylPhenyl | paranoid android

How many you guys in NA / AA ?

I think it's all life - just more raw than what we are used to. Talking head on about problem that rips at your very being - and then having steps and concepts that can be viewed one way or another. It simply is life , it will be more or less what you make of it once you find a group (if it is your deal at all) where you can feel somewhat comfortable. Make the most of it - and I believe it can help. I am continuing to go, while I do not appreciate the constant judging of the fact I'm not considered sober because of fucking non recreational drugs. The fact is I'm a better man since I've given it a fair chance , and a chance sober.
 
i dont like 12 step groups. there are way too many insane and stupid people in them. i think they are great for the first 90 days, and having people you can talk to about something you normally cant tell anyone can feel REALLY nice. however, i dont agree with the dogma. and yes, i have found people are generally not too bright and prone to major personality disorders. its just too much for me to endure anymore. sorry if i offended anyone.
 
^ speaking the truth of how you feel was my entire point to this thread. I have serious issues with NA groups - but I have still found that my group has helped me.

No need to apologize for thinking for yourself and drawing conclusions for your own good bro !!
 
Heres where i sit on this one...
I like what they stand for, assisting people who wanna stay clean and i know its worked for a few people i know... However i dont like their programe, thier ideals nor this we are helpless to our addicions bullshit.

its a group based around bending to a higher power which is just the same as religion and all religion is basicly mind control, and easily the best bullshit story on the planet.

Hey but if it works 4 ya then ya gotta go wit it:\
Just not 4 me personaly
 
My main caution in giving NA/AA a try is that not every group is for every person. If you are in a metro area you've got a lot of options usually. Don't wed yourself to a certain club right away or decide the whole thing is BS based on a couple meetings.

The other thing is that some people are really going to go after you to get your story. A lot of times its for good reason, sometimes it is for gossip and telling of tales though just like other places. Even though most members are good people it can be helpful to keep up some gentle boundaries until you get a feel for the people & situations. Also some people bombard new members with do's & don'ts. You are not accountable to everyone at a clubhouse or a meeting and it might be helpful to just say "I'll keep that in mind." instead of engaging everybody on your life & sobriety.
 
^ Wise advice
And also, if your new to a group, and Female, keep in mind that some members are just trying to score(the 13th Step), Like Enki said maintain your bounderies, no matter how vulnerable you feel.
 
i attend NA regularly, but i relapsed and still use.

but NA would work if you want it to. Thats all is to it if you want it, it will work if not then it wont.
 
Asclepius said:
^ Wise advice
And also, if your new to a group, and Female, keep in mind that some members are just trying to score(the 13th Step), Like Enki said maintain your bounderies, no matter how vulnerable you feel.
Click to expand...

Boundaries are a huge issue in support groups of all kinds. When deciding what to share in a group setting, be aware that some people have their own agendas and may use that information in a destructive manner. Don't let yourself be bullied into sharing stuff you wouldn't be OK being repeated outside the room.
 
I used to go to NA about 3 years ago.

I didn't mind it. People were nice, and welcoming.

I'm thinking about going again to my old group... But I always found it highly intimidating. Everyone knew each other, and a lot of the members (it was a massive group) were over 40 years old.

But... I'm finding I need to get extra support elsewhere when I'm not seeing my counsellor. :\
 
^ Well, after 4 months or so of going, I found it just really wasn't my cup of tea. I wont go into the reasons why.

But things have changed the past few years, and I'm willing to try it again, maybe I can get something different out of it. I know right now, writing things off completely is hindering my ability to stay clean.
 
omg i was so intimidated when i first went. i couldnt talk to anyone, i basically just left afterwards cuz i was too scared to have a convo with any one haha. this one girl always asked me "why dont you ever say anything?" lol.

i have some social anxiety but now im alot better at the groups. but im not sure if thats because i know these ppl and they know me or if im actually overcoming my anxiety. i guess its a lil of both. but any progress in this area is great cuz i used drugs and drinking as a crutch to be social since high school and i realize now how fucked up that has made me haha
 
lol , i think honestly the more groups i went to the problem was my attitude is aggressive and I am impulsive. As I've gotten more mature about it - things have gotten better I suppose. That and finding a group i got along with well enough.

Still excited / hesitating on a sponsor idea.
 
I got a lot out of AA even though I'm an opiate addict (NA was a complete mess in my old city). I stayed clean for like 20 months. I've since relapsed and gotten clean a few times without 12 step groups. My higher power was probation.

And now again started going to meetings again. Still haven't been to a great meeting in years but I figure it can't really hurt. I like it for the social aspect and making friends who aren't junkies.

But a lot of the stuff does rub me the wrong way. Like 13 stepping newly sober people...mad fucked up. And all the self righteous nut jobs.

To anyone on the fence each group is different. Don't let a few weirdos put you off, there are definitely good/caring people in the rooms.
 
If the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using, then I don't qualify for membership. Not for me.
 
<pyridinyl_30> said:
If the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using, then I don't qualify for membership. Not for me.
Click to expand...

This is why I have an issue with both court ordered attendance at 12 step programmes and the fact that AA does not speak out against that practice (yes, I know it's one of the traditions that the organisation doesn't adopt a public stance on such things but it's in direct conflict with one of AA's core principles).
 
I'm quite sure that a silent minority of attendees at these 12 step meetings are being forced to go there for one reason or another.
 
Personally i think A.A. is a disgraceful treatment program with little to offer anyone but this being said, it also contains many great and helpful people who sadly ,give the 12 steps credit for their recovery.
Also there are a few things i agree with in the big book, like the "1s too many and a 1000's not enough" , I agree because ive never been able to drink with any control or without getting totally legless. The rest , such as spiritual disease etc.. is nonsense, but like i said i do agree with some of their definitions of alcoholism , just not the so called "cure program" they have on offer
 
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