I have recently been engrossed in therapy. I have found a wonderful counselor that deals in addiction. Yesterday I had an Epiphany! She made me realize that although AA has been wonderful for me and I have found so many great people and a lot of support. I have been kidding myself. I never share..and working the steps for me has been tough...the sponsor I have is wonderful but I don't work the program the way I should. I have a disconnect on some level.
She told me that I need NA not AA...I thought that there was no difference but there is....I have brought this up here before "the am I an alcoholic" I know at the core of my being that I am not! That is not to say that drinking would surely bring me back to my DOC...because it would and I know it.
A light bulb went on...I got the list of NA meetings...there is women's group and that is where I will start. Its so funny how things just happen and suddenly make sense.
What I am wondering is that if anyone else has experienced this....what are your thoughts?
Kee Kee i have done both very much in the past 7 yrs, but i have come to like AA more. More friends, my sponsor is AA. It is more convienient around greater cincinnati. U will find out what helps you. Alcohol to me is an addiction like any drugs and thats where im comfortable. Later Kee Kee.
Your friend Brien
Your friend Brien
Trust your gut, KeeKee. If you feel you belong in NA more than AA then you do. Listen to your HP.
Hi KeeKee...
You know me, I believe in the 12steps and where ever you feel comfortable, whether it be NA or AA or CA, as long as you are honest, open & willing, it can change your life...I personally feel real comfortable in AA but I am an alcoholic and an addict so either one can work for me as long as I'm working it...Go with what Miss Kat said and trust your HP to lead you....
Raise your hand girlfriend and share...Let God speak through you and share yourself...for me, I share not necessarily what & how I drank or used but my feelings before and my feelings & how I maintain and grow in my recovery today...You have a gift to share and it's time to take that leap of faith and open up and share yourself...I bet it will feel so rewarding after you do it...
Another thing I do for myself is I attend different meetings where I see different people and hear different things...I go to a little tiny group on Monday nights where there is usually 6-8 of us and sometimes that meeting is very powerful...
Let us know how NA goes for you...It's been suggested my next step is to go to a couple Alanon meetings and I've been dragging my feet but it's time....
Thanks for always bringing the message on here...I so enjoy your posts and feel that "sisterly" bond when you share....
xoxoxo
Stacey
You know me, I believe in the 12steps and where ever you feel comfortable, whether it be NA or AA or CA, as long as you are honest, open & willing, it can change your life...I personally feel real comfortable in AA but I am an alcoholic and an addict so either one can work for me as long as I'm working it...Go with what Miss Kat said and trust your HP to lead you....
| QUOTE |
| I never share.. |
Raise your hand girlfriend and share...Let God speak through you and share yourself...for me, I share not necessarily what & how I drank or used but my feelings before and my feelings & how I maintain and grow in my recovery today...You have a gift to share and it's time to take that leap of faith and open up and share yourself...I bet it will feel so rewarding after you do it...
Another thing I do for myself is I attend different meetings where I see different people and hear different things...I go to a little tiny group on Monday nights where there is usually 6-8 of us and sometimes that meeting is very powerful...
Let us know how NA goes for you...It's been suggested my next step is to go to a couple Alanon meetings and I've been dragging my feet but it's time....
Thanks for always bringing the message on here...I so enjoy your posts and feel that "sisterly" bond when you share....
xoxoxo
Stacey
KeeKee-I agree with Stacey.
If you are being hesitant in sharing,something is keeping you back.I bet it's because you don't identify and are self concious because you are primarily an addict.
That's the way it was with me.
I've been members of both and finnally came to the conclusion that I fit better in NA.I talk more comfortably and bonded with people better.My sponsor is a recovering addict and that was even more important.
What is ironic is that just before I got home and on the PC I was on the phone with him.I'm really crazy and in a bad place today.I'm having a lot of anxiety over some work issues and getting depressed and irritable.I have been contemplating some way to act out to get relief.After talking to him for about an hour he immediately knew what was up with me.Spring was always the time of year I went on a drug binge and he helped me realize a lot of things going on.
That's the powerful gift of sponsorship. Someone that gets to know you so well they can call you out immediately.
The twelve steps are the twelve steps in both programs.I like NA because they address all mind altering substances instead of one.Don't get me wrong.AA was a big part of my life for years and I still know people who do just AA.I just fit better in NA.It doesn't mean one is better than the other.
Good Luck KeeKee
If you are being hesitant in sharing,something is keeping you back.I bet it's because you don't identify and are self concious because you are primarily an addict.
That's the way it was with me.
I've been members of both and finnally came to the conclusion that I fit better in NA.I talk more comfortably and bonded with people better.My sponsor is a recovering addict and that was even more important.
What is ironic is that just before I got home and on the PC I was on the phone with him.I'm really crazy and in a bad place today.I'm having a lot of anxiety over some work issues and getting depressed and irritable.I have been contemplating some way to act out to get relief.After talking to him for about an hour he immediately knew what was up with me.Spring was always the time of year I went on a drug binge and he helped me realize a lot of things going on.
That's the powerful gift of sponsorship. Someone that gets to know you so well they can call you out immediately.
The twelve steps are the twelve steps in both programs.I like NA because they address all mind altering substances instead of one.Don't get me wrong.AA was a big part of my life for years and I still know people who do just AA.I just fit better in NA.It doesn't mean one is better than the other.
Good Luck KeeKee
Kee Kee try them all--until you try something how do you know whether it can help you in your recovery.
Good luck--Jeff
Good luck--Jeff
Hi Kee Kee
I've been a heroin addict for nearly 30 years and on a detox that I finnally want to work. Two years ago I couldn't imagine my life now, in Nov 05 started the meth trail and in Nov 06 changed over to Sub, I've moved into a great little bungalow and I'm working with a loverly keyworker. Throughout 2006 I had to deal with real life living on very small income, getting debt free and ensuring bills are paid, hard work but getting easier.
What has this got to do with NA....Well in all of those 30 years I have only been to one meeting and that was by order of the courts. Of course being in denial I couldn't get much from it, the problem was though afterwards a few of us went for drink. I'm no angel but when they started laughing and joking about one guy who broke down and shared I've never been able to get that out of my head. I did listen to the opening words ' what is said here stays here'. I know I shouldn't judge on that one meeting, Sooooo Last week I found where a local meeting was on and went.
The first thing I noticed was the size, over 40 people a little more than the total of six at my first one, it was quite daunting but I did share if only to introduce myself. Everyone was friendly enough I wasn't sure about the hugging, so shook hands. I've never gone through the rehab system but I have a rough idea about the steps programme, I would never put down any way of getting and staying clean, if it works for you. They appear to be a big part of the NA routine
I do think I can get something from them now and then but I wouldn't want to end up becoming dependent on them. I will continue to go every couple of weeks.
One thing I have come to realise is how lucky I am living in UK, reading posts from you guys in other parts and how much it costs, that's if you can get treatment. I have Dr's, k/worker and medication at no cost.
I joined this forum in Sept 06 and reading the comments and advice has been so helpful to me a big THANKS to all
Peter
I've been a heroin addict for nearly 30 years and on a detox that I finnally want to work. Two years ago I couldn't imagine my life now, in Nov 05 started the meth trail and in Nov 06 changed over to Sub, I've moved into a great little bungalow and I'm working with a loverly keyworker. Throughout 2006 I had to deal with real life living on very small income, getting debt free and ensuring bills are paid, hard work but getting easier.
What has this got to do with NA....Well in all of those 30 years I have only been to one meeting and that was by order of the courts. Of course being in denial I couldn't get much from it, the problem was though afterwards a few of us went for drink. I'm no angel but when they started laughing and joking about one guy who broke down and shared I've never been able to get that out of my head. I did listen to the opening words ' what is said here stays here'. I know I shouldn't judge on that one meeting, Sooooo Last week I found where a local meeting was on and went.
The first thing I noticed was the size, over 40 people a little more than the total of six at my first one, it was quite daunting but I did share if only to introduce myself. Everyone was friendly enough I wasn't sure about the hugging, so shook hands. I've never gone through the rehab system but I have a rough idea about the steps programme, I would never put down any way of getting and staying clean, if it works for you. They appear to be a big part of the NA routine
I do think I can get something from them now and then but I wouldn't want to end up becoming dependent on them. I will continue to go every couple of weeks.
One thing I have come to realise is how lucky I am living in UK, reading posts from you guys in other parts and how much it costs, that's if you can get treatment. I have Dr's, k/worker and medication at no cost.
I joined this forum in Sept 06 and reading the comments and advice has been so helpful to me a big THANKS to all
Peter
Thank you guys...hi Brien, nice to see you posting. How are you doing today?
Kat thanks for that...I really am hoping that something clicks at NA meetings.
Jeff...your support and knowledge of the program is so wonderful. Thanks for that!
Tim, your words rang so true for me. I love the people that I have met in AA but you are right..something isn't clicking...by nature...I should be yacking my face off. I knew that this was a small problem. I adore my sponsor, but I knew that I was in some kind of weird place when I hurt my foot and didn't want to call and talk to her immediately about the pain meds. I am so glad that you have a terrific sponsor...this program is so powerful I know that. Anytime you want to talk hope199@gmail.com. I think we have alot in common!
Stacey...man you have come so far and are a perfect example of how the program should work! I have followed your story from day one and you are simply amazing. Thank you for the vote of confidence.
Peter...thanks for sharing that! The fact that you are simply accepted in these meetings is so very powerful and there is so much to learn and gain from going and absolutely nothing to loose!
The therapist I found is so easy to talk to...I usually hold back for lack of a better term to some degree because of fear..not with this women...I so believe people are put in your life for a reason!
The way I see it is I suppose I can really do both...but I must find a home group that I can unequivocally relate to. I am so lucky to have all of you!
You guys never cease to amaze me! Thank god for you all!
Kat thanks for that...I really am hoping that something clicks at NA meetings.
Jeff...your support and knowledge of the program is so wonderful. Thanks for that!
Tim, your words rang so true for me. I love the people that I have met in AA but you are right..something isn't clicking...by nature...I should be yacking my face off. I knew that this was a small problem. I adore my sponsor, but I knew that I was in some kind of weird place when I hurt my foot and didn't want to call and talk to her immediately about the pain meds. I am so glad that you have a terrific sponsor...this program is so powerful I know that. Anytime you want to talk hope199@gmail.com. I think we have alot in common!
Stacey...man you have come so far and are a perfect example of how the program should work! I have followed your story from day one and you are simply amazing. Thank you for the vote of confidence.
Peter...thanks for sharing that! The fact that you are simply accepted in these meetings is so very powerful and there is so much to learn and gain from going and absolutely nothing to loose!
The therapist I found is so easy to talk to...I usually hold back for lack of a better term to some degree because of fear..not with this women...I so believe people are put in your life for a reason!
The way I see it is I suppose I can really do both...but I must find a home group that I can unequivocally relate to. I am so lucky to have all of you!
You guys never cease to amaze me! Thank god for you all!
I go to both. I tend to share more at women's meetings, no matter if it's AA or NA. Like you Kerry, I'm not an alcoholic but could be in a heart beat. Doesn't mean you have to give up your AA meetings and the people you've met there, just broaden your horizons. I just love that you have embraced the program so whole heartedly...you are one of the miracles.
Thanks Lisa, my only regret is that I didn't embrace it sooner. Not everyone will get what the program has to offer right away, it took me a while. I am so happy that I didn't give up when I felt like it!
Good for you....look how far you have come you are also a miracle...don't forget that.
Good for you....look how far you have come you are also a miracle...don't forget that.
Never look back honey. It's ancient history and it takes what it takes. By the way, did you get my email?
