NA really helped me at the start. i've noticed massive differences between fellowships in different areas. i intend to start going to meetings again to support me in my abstinence from alcohol.
i haven't overcome my problems but i have had therapy that massively helped, made it possible for me to stay clean. like the level of PTSD i had would have meant if i'd not have got specialised help with that, i couldn't have stayed clean. heroin was the only thing stopping me from feeling like i was being attacked 24/7. wish i was exaggerating, every time i closed my eyes, even blinking, i could see me being attacked. i don't think its possible to live like that sober.
yeah absolutely, as above, i think its important to deal with trauma, or whatever underlying problem is causing your addiction.
i have a lot of love for NA, but i've seen a lot of hypocrisy and people not living by the principles. many of the principles they apply are also found in buddhism, which has also really helped me. there are fewer obvious hypocrites in my sangha. i think different methods have all reached broadly similar conclusions about what we need to do to live a fulfilling life without crutches.
anyone who claims there's a 1 size fits all for recovery is oversimplifying to a ridiculous extent. peer support IS hugely important though, whether its 12 step, SMART, Refuge recovery, whatever.
and therapy, exercise, enjoyment, spiritual and personal development, self care, all play a huge role.
