have a few questions about NA meetings??

So today is day two for me. im having a real rough time, but i am working through it one minute at a time... i have read up a lot on the forums and people keep suggesting going to NA meetings. I looked up my local chapter of NA and found that they have meetings at a church near my house. i want to go check one out but was wondering what to expect? like if i just were to show up at one... what do they do during the time? whats it like? are they going to ask me what i used? im really embarrased.. but i know that this would be a good thing for me to do while i am recovering. what kinds of questions are they going to ask me? can anyone tell me their experiences with NA? i am just trying to learn as much as i can so i am prepared when i go. thanks in advance everyone!

[Htownnofrown]

All meetings are different but in my experience they will not grill you with a bunch of questions. To start hey read some literature and ask if there are any newcomers, at which time you can share your name with them. Then they start he meeting by having a leader introduce a topic for discussion. You can share about anyhin but this way it gives the meeting some direction. After the hour is up they will read a closing piece and then give out chips for clean time. The first one is the desire chip, a commitment to stay clean for 24 hours.

My suggestion is always this: take the good and leave the rest. Look for the similarities between yourself and others there instead of the differences. Swallow your nervousness and ask people for their number so you have some support. It has worked for me so I know it can work for you. I've been clean of all mind altering substances for over 16 months thanks to NA and AA. It works if you work it!

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  They are all different, and you may have to try a few before you find one that is your home group, or maybe not.  You can say as much or as little as you want.  If you are asked anything and you don't want to talk, just say, "I'd just like to listen tonight, thank you!"  Just be polite and move on.  You are there for you right now.

It really does work.  That is NO bull!  My sponsor would NOT let me speak, knowing that I am naturally a "mouth", for SEVERAL meetings.  She wanted me to listen and take in what was said.  I did.  It worked!!!!!  I actually spoke at a meeting myself a few weeks ago.  It was a speaker meeting, and I WAS IT!  Geeeeeeez, no pressure, right?  

You will do fine!  Just do what htowwn says....take what you need and leave the rest!  That is the best advice I can think of!

Good luck, sweetie!  

[Punkinhead75]

hi cheesystick,

Mtgs vary but are pretty easy to be at.  I have never been forced to say anything.  I even sat in the back and said nothing till i felt comfortable.  Remember,  the people there are there for the same reason you are.  Mtgs saved my life.  Please come back in here and let us know how you made out.  Even if you don't go please come back and say HI!!!!  Good Luck!!!!!

[CATUF]

What Htown said is pretty much it.  At some meetings they go around the room, with everyone having a chance to share "in order."  There's absolutely no requirement to share, just say "I'm an addict named cheesystick."  Everyone will say "hi, cheesystick" (or just "cheesystick") and you can say anything you want or "I pass," or "I'm just glad to be here and I'll pass."  If you feel like it, let everyone know it's your first meeting . . . "newcomers" really are important and people with some time want to help you.

keep in mind that every single person in the room was once at their first meeting.  every person in the room got there because their addiction, and their, had spun out of control and they couldn't handle it anymore.

because every meeting is different, it's important to go to a lot of different meetings at least until you find some that feel like a good fit.

you should also give AA a try too.  i don't know about your area, but around here there are many more AA meetings.  It's the same program and recovery is recovery.  

CATUF
1919

[cheesystick]

thank you. i guess my mind i thought they would be like, "who are you, what are you addicted to, why do you do it..." questions that i dont even know the answer to.. i am just nervous. thank you for the advice. i think that meetings sound like a good way to go about things. one more question, how do i go about finding a sponsor? will i have to go to quite a few meetings and then someone will be assinged to me? or will it be a personal choice, like i get to pick the person. or does the person pick me. this whole thing is so overwhelming, but i cant wait to go now. i cant wait to feel well again. -dee

[CATUF]

You have to pick, and you have to ask.  Generally, a sponsor should be someone the same sex as you, with some time under their belt in recovery, who has worked the Steps, and who seems to have what you want.  

It's common to ask someone to be a termporary Sponsor until you've been around a bit and can make a meaningful choice.

[FassFeat]

Thanks for asking that, it was intresting to read all the feedback. I have never been to a meeting either.. That helps alot.. Thanks everyone.