Narcotics Anonymous

I don't know a lot about NA in terms of its  origins and all, but  it seems Christian-based to me.  I have read the 12 steps, and the words "God" and
"Higher Power" repeat themselves through-out.  Those of us who are not religious, and who question the whole "higher power" thing, feel alienated by this.  To suggest that we are powerless over our addiction seems insulting to my sensibilities.  It is so disempowering to the human spirit and all its incredible strength.  When I am participating in drug use, my power is lessened because I am addicted, not because I haven't surrendered to God.God didn't stop any of us from using in the first place-- he ain't gonna stop us from using  again.. *I AM* going to stop me from using again.  With my own head, my own heart and my own will.  I believe in the power of people helping people-- I go to meetings because of the other women there who know exactly what I'm going through, and whose experiences and knowledge I can learn from.  I know several people who have overcome their addictions and never looked back.  Not because they admitted they were powerless over their addictions, but because they realized that the power to quit and stay quit lied WITHIN THEM.  So for those of you who keep pushing NA for everyone at every opportunity, please be aware that what worked for you may not be everyones cup of tea. Ok, feel free to kick my soap box out from under me :)

[allaboutmary]

I have to say I am with you in the way you feel. I am spiritual but not religious. I myself will not say that I am powerless over my addiction. I feel I am the only one that has power over it. The higher power gave me this life and if I want to screw it up that is my choice.  I do recommend people try N/A as it has helped alot of people.  It's not for me though.   Boy are we gonna be in trouble now !LOL

[NautyOne]

your right mary........High tide is comming soon and it may be a rough one.......lol.

[anotherfinemess]

yeah brace yourself for the onslaught,lol!

[avisg]

yes i never understood  powerless over our addiction statement either ... I think for me I feel I just take total responsibility for my addiction and for my recovery...... I do believe in god ,i just don't think he has a whole lot to do with my addiction and whether i recover or not. I do however believe in counseling
getting to the root of some of the reasons we use.....  

[IBKleen]

Not in trouble here. I am one of those "NA" people, but I don't push it. It is not for everyone. I do, however, know a lot of people who are atheists in the fellowship and they use other things as their high power. Again, whatever works.

I do have a problem with using my own will to stay clean though. My will got me here and if I had the power in the first place, I would not be an addict.

Each to his own.

[lurker]

For me, the powerlessness is there.  I cannot control myself when drugs are around.  And I don't believe your higher power has to be God.  For me, I am just realizing that if I try to control my use, I fail but if I let others, like you all, my doctor and my friends help me, then I am successfu.  What I take from AA./NA is this.  You are only as sick as your secrets.  If you can admit to others that you are an addict and that you need help, your secret is out in the open and you can get help.  But, I also believe that there is no right or wrong way to get clean and sober and stay that way.  Each person needs to do what works for them.  If it keeps you clean and sober and it isn't hurting another soul, then more power to you!!

[anotherfinemess]

amen.  I can still say that can't I ?!

[frankie165]

I do believe in God.  However, I respect everyone else right to believe what they want.  I do not and never will- push my beliefs on other people.  I believe that everyone has to come to their own terms in what they believe.

[anotherfinemess]

You say that if you had the power in the first place, you would not be an addict.  Fact is, you've always had the power; it was within you.  No one is strong all the time or weak all the time.  If God was responsible for your quitting, then he's got to take some responsibility for your starting also.  We tend not to give ourselves credit for our accomplishments, but we are quick to beat ourselves us for our shortcomings.  Yet, we never call God on all the **** that happens in the world, and we heap our praises on him for all the good stuff.  I would love to believe there is a God; I would love to believe that there is some all-knowing, all-seeing, benevolent being looking over us, guiding us, protecting us.  But until he starts accepting accountability for the bad stuff instead of just taking credit for all the good, then its gonna be a real leap for me.  Sorry, I digress......

[beachtowel]

I have read some very good responses some good ones.......

The one thing I like about N/A is a "higher power"

because I have a problem with the term "God"

There are no facts to substantiate his existence its all based on blind faith.......

[addictedme]

There are many ways to get and stay clean and na is just one of them, personally na turned my life around and keeps me clean but the best statement you made was "what works for you may not work for others" I believe that what works for you is right for you. I also believe in ask me how I did it and I"ll tell but if your sick of hearing it then somebodys pushing it. Na IS a program of attraction and when you hear it over and over with no other options offered it gets very un attractive

[alicenwonderlnd]

I believe that power within you to heal, change or render you powerless in some situations is God hoping you will rely on him.  Just me.  Not pushing.  

Please don't kick me out. I guess I am the token Christian logged in tonight.

[avisg]

alice......LOL token christian........ your not pushing ....we all have differing feelings on this and that is great it is what makes the world go around.....

[anotherfinemess]

its ok, I feel like the token heathen!

[beachtowel]

N/A is a place to go and share with others who are fighting the same disease as you......
Nobody is judging you there are looking down on your there.......

It is a place where nobody is openly getting high or using......

They provide clean fun in dances, bowling leagues, BBQ's, horseback riding etc.......a place to
learn how to have fun again straight....

Its a place to make new friends, clean friends........

Many men and women go to N/A and it is a nice place to socialize............

As your clean time gets longer they make you feel good about it and your achievement.......

It gives you a place to seek counsel from people who at one time had terrible drug problems and that are now clean and can be advantageous to your recovery..........

Its a place that saves lives.........

[anotherfinemess]

I am actually pro-NA; I have committed to going to the womens-only meeting (men are Trouble !) twice a week.  While I don't subscribe to some of the beliefs outlined in the 12-step program,  I still find many aspects of NA very helpful.  I am going Sober bowling next weekend!  I am always interested in different viewpoints and varying opinions. In the final analysis, we are all in this together.

[Savas]

I suppose my problem is with the confrontational attitude in terms of putting it in terms of "power" or "powerlessness". I don't like the idea of thinking I'm at war with myself. :)

I prefer to think of it in terms of "taking the parts of myself and seeking to achieve a peaceful whole."

I suppose we could take out ads in the local Na newsletter;

MAM (married addicted man) seeks ONR (open minded non-religious) NA Group for fun, new experiences and clean living. Skiing and bowling a plus. No poseurs or cat haters! Serious reply only.  

[jenny8575309]

If I do not admit I am powerless, that I am telling myself that I can use drugs successfully.  My disease is very cunning, and will use all the tools at it's disposal to get more drugs.  I munipulated other people, and I munipulate myself on a daily basis.  I'm used to the little voice inside my head that justifies, and forgives my drug use.  My "self" accepts that voice as a part of me.. If I give my will and my life to God, He does not accept that voice, all I have to do is think a little prayer, and ask God to silence that deceptive, munipulating, destroyer inside of me, and He does, HE DOES! Every day on a daily basis for 16 whole days from alchol, and over a month from pills.  I know I'm powerless.  I had a toothache for a few days and ended up staying fkd up for 5 month on pills.  I felt bad, guilty, but no way did I want to quit until I ran out, or ran out of money, then I only wanted to quit, cause i hated the withdrawls, and hated how I wanted/needed them so bad, but when i was deep into it, swallowing 100's of pills a week "I" didn't want to, "I" couldn't quit.... I just couldn't do it by myself.  My higher power has made a HUGE difference in my life, and It's nothing dramatic, just a little bit of peace inside me, that helps guide me, that I know loves me, and wants the best for me and my kids.  Something I can draw strength from when I need it..

[anotherfinemess]

  Everyday, I find myself in a situation where the access to my DOC is ridiculously easy.
If I tell myself I'm powerless, I'm screwed.  Is god going to swoop down here and slam that cupboard shut if I reach in?  I don't think so.   It is by reminding myself that I have power over myself, my actions, and my destiny-- that I resist using.  If people want to give up their faith in themselves, in their ability to run their lives in an intelligent and forthright manner-  and put that faith in a "higher power" then I say, hey, whatever works.   Getting/staying clean is the bottom line.  Just don't assume we are all little lambs when it comes to our addictions.

[allaboutmary]

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Someone understands me. You feel exactly the way I do.

[Gobig]

I'm with you.  And when I started going to meetings almost 8 months ago, I was put off by the christian overtones (I'm a Jew - and not a religious one).  I was also put off by the mention of God.  Now, I'm ok with it.  If I could have quit myself, I would have.  I'm still not religious, but I am spiritual.  And hey, if you can do it by yourself with willpower, more power to you.  You should also be able to use successfully - just use your willpower to stop you from using too ofter or using too much.