? About NA

[AloneAndAddicted]

Want a little info on NA.  I looked it up and found one I'm wanting to go to tomorrow.  I'm on day 3 and feeling crappy but the depression just hit hard and think I need to go.  I was wondering if I show up in WD is that ok?  Do you need to be done with that to go?  I know they will be addicts so will recognize the WD immediately.  How do they feel about this?

[CATUF]

oops.  i hate it when i do that

[CATUF]

According to Tradition 3 of NA's 12 Traditions, "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using."  It's absolutely OK to be in WD.  What's not OK is to be using at or around meetings or to use meetings for drug seeking or selling

In both NA and AA, the newcomer is the most important person in the room.  THE primary purpose of NA is to help its members "stay clean and to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. "  Thus, people who are still suffering are not only welcome, they are needed.  Let people know that you're early in recovery and having a time of it . . . it will be good for you and good for them.

Here are some portions of How it Works, which is Chapter 4 of NA's Basic Text:

"There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat
us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or
intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are
indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.
With these we are well on our way."

Keep an open mind about NA, and try a bunch of different meeting and try most meetings more than once . . . different groups (even those that meet at the same place) tend to have their own personalities and some will be a better fit for you that others.

Whatever else, don't change you clean date, no matter what.

CATUF
2210

"The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is
not to take that first drug. If you are like us you know that
one is too many and a thousand never enough. We put great
emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any
form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction
all over again."

It's a good idea to get a Basic Text, or a Big Book if you go to AA too or instead.  Just Google

[overeasy]

no worries.  I have a  high profile in my city and I did not, repeat, did not see anyone that looked even remotely familiar.  Take the step, its not so scary once you do it.  

[AloneAndAddicted]

Cool.  Thx for the info.  Gonna try to go tomorrow.  It's needed I think.  A little worried about seeing anyone I know so debating going to one farther away but don't want to make it to easy for me to find an excuse not to go as we addicts are sssooooo good @ excuses aren't we!  Thx for listening and the friend invite.  Take care & keep fighting I'm proud of you!

[overeasy]

I went on my 5th day.  I owned up to being in withdrawals and all of them were very supportive.  All you have to be is a addict.  It was scary but it will be fine.  You do not have to talk if you don't want to- just listen.  It will be fine.

Overeasy