I go to NA. There are people in my fellowship that are over 20 years clean. I have heard that there are people with longer clean times in AA, but i've never been to one so I can't tell you. I can tell you that there are quite a few people with 10+ years clean time in my group. But yes....from what I hear, they are pretty much the same. The goal is to stay clean from mind altering drugs (and alcohol is a drug). I think either one would be very helpful. It sure couldn't hurt!! Good luck to you and keep us posted. Get yourself to a meeting and keep going. I have only been going a short time, but I can see already that NA and AA are a life saver for many!
Thank you all so much for your advice. Its going to be AA bound for me!! Also, this site is a huge support and will be checking in often.
Great topic. Thanks for posting it. When I first started I was turned down for admittance to rehab so I did an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). There I learned a lot about addiction, family dynamics and got some insight as to what I can do to get better. I also go to AA. Early on I went almost everyday sometime 2 or 3 times a day. Over the past few years I have built a network of friends that I call regularly. We all help keep each other in check when life gets crazy and the heads get screwy. I still go to meetings although not as often. I do find that when I go too long without doing something for my recovery I start to get screwy in the head. The bottom line for me is that I know I'm an alcoholic and an addict and that I need a program of recovery in my life today. I put sobriety first. Without that it won't be long till I lose everything else. Best of luck to you and your recovery.
I was never a drinker either but also living in a small community found it necessary to go to AA as well. I was always accepted and never felt out of place.
My first sponsor was in AA and there was never an issue there either. She was a great lady who taught me a lot about myself and about life.
Don't be afraid. If you go in with an open mind you will find they are just people like you and I who are looking for a new way of life. Get as many phone numbers as you can and also get as many hugs as you can. they go a long way.
Congratulations! You are making a huge step.
Definitly, the NA and AA programs. I do not drink but have heard that there is longer sobriety in AA. I live in a very small town and NA meetings are few and far between. So, i plan to do AA but will treat that meeting in a respectful way since i do not drink. They all have the same mindset right? Recovery from mood altering substances?
Hi! So glad you started your own post.
Aftercare, for me, is a must. I have gotten clean many a time but could not stay clean alone.
The first time I got clean I found a great therapist and stayed with her for 3 years. She helped me to get to the root of my problems -- identify them and understand them for what they were. While doing that I joined the fellowships of NA & AA. I got real involved in a recovery and learned to live life on life's terms.
I had 5-1/2 years clean that first go round and I relapsed. The good news is that I knew that the fellowship was still there and I knew how to reach out. When I finally did I was able to get clean again.
I've done it both ways, with and without help and from my experience there is only one way.
So what were you thinking in terms or recovery care?