question about na meetings

[suzipen]

I have been reading about na meetings and have yet to find one in my area .I am still searching however.
What I seem to be finding from talking with people (not on this forum), is that those who take narcotics dont really think tramadol warrants any kind of intervention. I know I got this treatment from my dr., but I honestly expected other addicts to understand. I mean, someone actually asked me, "Isnt tramadol just like taking tylenol, it cant be as bad as vicodin" . Since its not a "REAL" narc, and I dont snort or use needles, then I cant possibly have a problem...................well, I do have a problem, and its really scary. Yes, the physical w/d is better, but the mental w/d is absolutely unbearable. I know its not going to happen overnight, but I didnt think it would be this bad either. Like I told my husband today, I was basically taking 10 antidepressants a day. Hes just starting to realize the extent of my problem. (9 days into it)
I apologize for rambling, I guess I would like to know if going to meetings would be good for a tram addict? It feels awful to have people think I must be making all of this up.  Also, can anyone tell me how long it took them to start not having as many mood swings , and not feeling quite so crazy? I know everyone  is different with w/d, but any stories would be great.
Thanks so much, Suzipen

[cattalina]

I'm sorry that you had to experience that so early into recovery. Unfortunately it won't be the last time. Different people have different opinions whether due to lack of knowledge or just being mean-spirited. Whatever you were taking - whether it's tramadol, heroin, tylenol or cough syrup - addiction is addiction period. You know if you are an addict and if you have/had a problem. Please don't let people like that get to you! Have you checked the NA website for a meeting list? I'm not sure if they list each city but there might be a way to contact them to find out. Is there a detox facility locally? They normally have info like that. Mood swings are pretty common for everyone in early recovery regardless of their doc. Everyone is definitely different but the first 90 days are normally a rollercoaster of different emotions. Not saying you'll feel 'crazy' for 90 days tho!  :)  The emotional stuff last infintely longer than the physical stuff. Make sure you have people you can talk to - it always helps to get it out!!

[worried878]

meetings are everywhere..i found my home in an AA meeting as the beliefs and concepts are virtually the same
Telephone [phone] NA
I have not felt ur pain but see ur pain as my friend is addicted to trams..the depression she goes thru every 2 weeks is a awful    she takes her scrip each month too quickly and usually runs out in 2 weeks..sometimes 3 if she tries hard..they have such a hold on her and i do hope she becomes free...she was an alcoholic and sober  5 years then hurt her back..we quit the hydros together but she used tram to ease wds..i did not as i read here the trouble they can cause and warned her repeatedly.....now 9 months later she is so stuck.....they have ahold on her...she will take up to 18 50 mg pills a day....12 when she is low...6 when she is real low...i feel for her and see her depression as she is a happy go lucky type of person...not when she runs out of trams....she is a total wreck.....please stay on track and kick thse puppies

[suzipen]

Thanks for the info.........I actually have found some meetings in my area. I think thats my next step.

[j34]

An addict is an addict great for you to recognize!. I attend NA and I just love the feeling of the togetherness, unity of us addicts gaining a new life and freedom from self, that is what I am getting from the program. Drugs are only a symptom!. Once we get of those we face the real problem OURSELVES!, working the 12 steps, going to meetings, having a home group(so people get to know you) , reading the literature, doing service work are all the suggestions of the program and I personally went in with a huge fear and an attitude to cover that fear. I kept relapsing and not know why until it came to me that I have to do the WHOLE program not just a bit here and a bit there,I surrendered!!!.  What happened when I started to take the suggestions and live by them I started getting days clean then weeks clean and now months clean!!!!!. I have never known this quality of life EVER. Give yourself a break , keep and open mind and give the program a chance.You will not be cured or "saved" but you will learn how to handle situations and not run , you will learn to forgive yourself! There is so many benefits to the program I cannot list them all I would love to see you have the same great gift I have been given freely from other members who have walked before me in the program and gave it back to me, A NEW WAY TO LIVE!. I wish you all the best and hope to hear how it goes.

[suzipen]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I really want to start going. I am actually excited now. I will keep you updated. Bless you

[j34]

Your welcome. It makes me so happy when I hear people want recovery and joy and happiness!!. Cause that what comes with it. All the best and    please tell me all about when you go okay . take care j

[worried878]

It is a very empowering and healthy experience everytime i go to a meeting..there is nothing like the feeling of strength u leave with and unless u have been it is hard to explain...so glad u r on ur way..again..here in the deep south it was hard to find an NA meeting where i felt comfortable,.,,i went but my friend talked me into the AA and that is where i felt most at ease..a ladies group......narcotic users can range from the junkie on the street to the pill popper housewife with 5 kids...the pill popper has no easier of a road nor is she/he better than the junkie on the street/both need help desperately..i liked those meetings and learned alot but could relate better with the ladies NA groups and even better with the AA ladies group..we are all different and the first meeting u go to may not be ur home meeting...so remeber there are lots of different meetings and do not judge until u have attended a few...as we fit in some social circles better than others