Im scare of NA

[alf82]

My ex was an alcoholic. Still is really. But when he tried AA, all we heard was it was cult like or something. Never heard good things about it, except from those that were in it. Did we just hear wrong? Is it that way? What is NA like? I think I need some kind of help, support or something.

[j34]

Here is how I look at it ,when you need your oil changed you go to a mechanic,when you need to pants hemmed you go to a seamstress,when you are physically sick you go to a doctor,when you are sick with alcoholism and drug addiction you go to AA or NA...it is just like the others it is the solution that has worked for over two million or more  ppl who are recovering for a seemly hopeless state,May you go with an open mind,and seize it like a man overboard ..my thoughts are with you dont let the disease take anymore of your pecious life YOU deserve it you are not bad just sick ...blessings j34

[Punkinhead75]

I had heard things similar to the cult stuff however I was pretty beat up and became willing to go.  When I finally went I found supportive people who showed me a way to be clean and sober.  You say you heard good things about it from the people that were in it and cult stuff from others.  My disease tells me to listen to the ones claiming it's a cult because that will keep me from getting better.  The rooms are filled with people who used to drink and drug just like me.  If someone truly wants to be clean and sober I suggest they try it.  It doesn't cost anything, you don't have to say a word and you can come and go as you please.  Everybody has their own opinion on things.  The only way to be sure is to check it out for yourself.  Good luck!!!!

[Addict63]

When our NA meeting opens one of the readings says it all:

"We are not interested in what or how much you used or who your connections were, what you have done in the past, how much or how little you have, but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help."

I'm in both NA and AA. By the time you're doing the meeting circuit you're actively taking part in your recovery, not the disease. There are no dues or fees, nobody is trying to get something from somebody else, they're a fellowship: A group of people meeting to share a goal or aim.

[wantitdone]

I too have a fear of n/a but not because of being a cult...live in small town...they call it the 'serenity shack" right on Main st for everybody to see me walking in out...trying to convince myself to suck it up, go to a mtg & continue this sober momma journey Iam on.who really cares...let's just face it,,,the alternative of not stopping this madness could much worse of an embarsment to myself & children....arrested??/ or worse death....thinking i would rather go on my own (not court ordered) hold my head up high....maybe , just maybe stand up to a room of strangers and say Hi iam a 9yr pill popping addict , determined to get my life back....give a shot...alf82 i will do ANYTHING to get thru this...

[IBKleen]

Okay, so this is why I get confused. You are not the addict? You need an Al-Anon, or looking for one?

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html

Now I will go read the other one and probably be just as confused.

[IBKleen]

Alf, can you stay in one post? I just came on and trying to follow you is near impossible. I mean I will read both (briefly) and would say something if I can but it confuses me. Thanks.

I am old and slow..work with me..

[janet19]

I would think that the people that you know who went through NA or AA, were not getting the idea of what it is or what it is about. They are definitely not cult or cult like. They are just normal people like you and I. They are there to get help for themselves and to help others who want to be sober.

I attend NA meeting on a regular basis and it really helps me to know that there are so many other people out there like me and I am not alone. It is just a fellowship of people trying to get their lives back in order and get clean and sober. The meetings are usually about topics that come from the NA literature. They will read the information on the topics that someone would like to hear about and then open the floor to hear what others have to say about the topic and how it applies or has applied to there recovery. Some home meetings will form a study group and study the 12 step programs and how to apply them to your life. It is really hard to explain the exact way one addict can get through to another addict.

If you have anything you would like to ask about specifically let me know and I will try to answer your questions. If I don't know the answer I will try to find it for you.

It is a fellowship of wonderful people who really care about you. Wanting for you to be clean as well as them. They are usually very welcoming and if you don't understand the format of a meeting you might ask the person who chaired the meeting that night that you attend and I am sure he would explain the way their paticular group worked.

I wish you luck and remember they are there to help you give it a chance.

[gizzy32]

N/A and A/A are not for everyone, but for those that want it to work, it does. I was so scared too when I went to my first meeting, but the second I walked in they all made me feel comfortble and when I left that evening I felt great.

There are good and bad experiences there, but it's worth a shot to go to your first meeting. You will even pick up a welcome chip or keychain. You don't have to talk at all if you don't want, you can just listen. It's a great support group. Congrats on your clean time:)

[Toooldforthisstuff]

No, AA nor NA are cults of any sort.  They both follow a 12 step recovery program and are extremely helpful.  AA also has meetings for spouses and children, to help them cope with a family member, recovering or not.  No need to be afraid, any of them will make you feel very welcome! ; )