What are NA meetings like ? How do I get a sponsor?

Ive heard that NA meetings is just another place to find hookups. Do they really help. Is a sponsor a good thing to have? Should I try and go even though I dont have the energy.

[Beargizmo]

I have never been to one, but I've never heard that...while I'm sure it happens they advise against addicts "hooking up" with other addicts.  It won't work..neither will grow away from their addiction...my niece is a perfect example of that, but thank God that's over.


I've spoken to a number of NA people after my son died nearly 2 years ago and I had nothing but respect for them...the only hook up he made was with some members of NA and a local church that owned a restaurant in Georgia and hired him..the best thing that ever happened to him..they loved him, he had been clean over 100 days and I'd love to see iwhat would have happened after a year or so...Alas, it only lasted 2 weeks, and he died from asphixiation of alcohol.

check out several meetings in the area you are in and find one you're comfortable with...you can find a aponsor that way and people who aren't there to "hook up"...


Jim

[IBKleen]

You are going to find "hook-ups" everywhere you go. Are there people out there that abuse it? Yes. So you walk past it and go to the meeting. It is what goes on during the meeting that is important. I was guess whoever told you that was looking for an excuse not to attend meetings.

While you are there get phone numbers. they will help when you need someone to talk to. Keep listening to the members and when you meet someone who you think has good recovery and you want what they have, ask them if they would sponsor you.

The best time to go to a meeting is when you don't want to go. I know it is hard with no energy but go anyway and just sit and listen.

Let us know how you make out.

[ang_811]

My counselor told me the same thing about the NA meetings n my area neway. He said that it's a bunch of young people talking about how much they use rather then talking about how to live clean and help others. AA meetings r alot different I hear u can find alot of support there.

[nicoblue]

Thanks, I think I will at least check it out. I have support at home but no one who knows exactly what Im going through. This website is helping though. Thanks for all the encouragement. I hope I can help others when I beat this.

[IBKleen]

Go to a meeting with an open mind. If you don't feel comfortable at that one, try another one. think of it like this---if you went to a fish restaurant and you didn't like the fish there, would you give up eating fish? I don't think so, I think you would find another restaurant who served fish that you liked. It's the same thing.

It is very important to have support at home and I am glad you do. But it is also important to be around people who understand you. A support group is where you will find that. Best of luck.

[Htownnofrown]

Getting a sponsor is essential to doing NA, he will show you how to work the program. Just find someone there that you respect and want what they have, ask them to be your sponsor and if they are available for it, they will do the rest. Thanks to NA I have been sober nearly 15 months. Good luck!

[Beccabeccalynn]

I have been to hundreds of AA and NA meetings and never found a hook up but that's not why I go to them so maybe I missed it. If someone did offer me something I would tell the people in the meeting right away and call the person out to to group. As everyones sobriety is at risk in that situation. Go to lots of differant meetings and find the right fit. Listen to people share and after you've heard what helps you many times from the same person same sex ask them if the will sponsor you. You can also ask at a meeting for a temporary sponsor while you are what I call "sponsor hunting" I took my time finding a sponsor and when I finally asked my sponsor she said I thought you'd never ask! It felt great. God bless and good luck, sober by any means nessecary! Becca