Went to my first NA meeting

[hope6hope]

My favorite part was hearing the stories. They were really amazing and uplifting to hear. what some of the people have been thru and the amazing fight to win there life back. The only thing I didn't like were a few of the people acted like they were in preschool. They were just rude to the people trying to talk and tell their stories. Always interrupting to be the center of attention. That part was horribly annoying!! I'm not one against having fun by any means but there is a time and place for it. I mean someone would be reading from  the book or telling their struggle and this one person would just start yelling out something about themselves. They wanted the whole meeting about them and all eyes on them the whole time. I'm  sure everyone has dealt with someone like this at one time or another. It just really annoyed me I felt like it was a time to be serious and focus on helping each other.
I plan on going again but finding a different meeting. One that I can learn at and help others.
Also yesterday I went from 6mg of subs from 8mg I have had some symptoms today but I really hope I won't have many more. I want to thank everyone on here for the support. Especially the ones who have went out of their way to be there for me, you know who you are. THANK YOU!!

[VICourageous]

Yes the above postings are right. I have been going to AA/NA for 162 days now. I find that AA seems a little more structured and you can really feel the higher power working. Do not get me wrong you can feel it in the NA too, but there are alot of people who are still trying to get clean. It kind of triggers me when they are up & down. We do not have that much because the one who is leading the meetings should say OK lets focus back..And also there should not be any cross talk.This is said when we first open the meeting with other issues. Even tough I have not had a drink in 8 yrs I go because I do like it there too. Some oltimers do not like to hear about the drugs BUT now it is open in the meetings because most drinkers used too.
You will find that you see some of the same people at the meetings but some roll in and out during the week...Just keep coming back it works if you work it...RIGHT??? Like open mind said it is for the future so when life gets bad we can learn to deal with it instead of using. You just might be that ANGLE GOD sent to put a newbie under your wing......
Keep it up
vickie

[JordonNYC]

Like others said... there's all kinds of meetings, find one you like and people you can relate to.

I assume the meeting you attended had people there who like the group as it is currently "formatted," with a couple "loudmouths" who dominate the conversation.

The maxim "different strokes for different folks" applies to NA and AA meetings. There's no "one size fits all," just as much as no two addictions are the same, nor are one's WD "experience."

Find a meeting with people you can relate to and that is in a format you like.

[Clarityrocks]

Glad you went to the meeting, and sorry it s**cked:( Honestly, it is rare that that stuff goes on in meetings, so I would definitely try some others. I have been to maybe one where there was a lot of cross-talk, but for the most part, everyone is respectful and quiet when someone is sharing. Find a meeting you feel comfortable in, make it your home group, and you will find more sober support in new friends there. Good for you:)
Allison

[OpenMind24hours]

Sorry you had a rough 1st time at a meeting.
I just came home from an NA meeting. I'm 66 and was probably the oldest there. My daughter and I drive to this particular Sunday night NA together and I look forward to it just to be with her. I've been going to meetings for over 30 years (with a break or two in the action). You're going to run into all kinds of ppl at meetings. I see myself having been born an addict. The addict was always in place, with all the addict parts lined up perfectly in a row. The major addiction symptom happened when I was 13. Thats the first time I used. Instant addict, just add drugs and the addict in me became complete. So... when I got clean in 1982 all those parts were still lined up. Only the drugs and alcohol were missing. All those parts needed to be worked on - meaning I needed to completely change or I relapse. In my first year I was 13 going on 36. Us recovering addicts and alcoholics at meetings are always in various stages of change - we're works in progress. So, when I go to meetings and I see people in very early recovery acting up like they're still going to the dope house or whatever, to me it means they've just begun working on changing the basic addict in themselves (if they've really decided to take part in their recovery). I expect it and accept it as part of them getting well. They came to change, just like I have. I'm fresh off a relapse myself - still dealing with the addict parts. I didn't do enough changing in all those years.  

Now, tomorrow's 11AM meeting is an AA meeting. Totally organized. In a church basement just like tonight's was. We all sit around 1 big round table. No swearing, no interruptions. We go around the table in order of seating and share when it's our turn. I LOVE it! So hope6hope, you're going to find your meeting! I know it's out there. And when you do, please tell us about it.

[HadEnough0920]

So glad you went to a meeting and are doing well.  I was very worried about you for awhile, but you're doing a great job now.  Made me feel good to hear your news.

[cork712]

I went to an NA meeting too and met a couple nice people, but the overall scene was not for me. I'm not a prude but the swearing, etc. was a little much for me. I found a really nice women' s AA group that is better for me (even tho' I'm not really AA). And the NA group was just women too. Go figure. Maybe try another group or maybe an AA women's group. I'm going to get something out of it, feel more uplifted/motivated, so see what's out there. Definitely is nice to be with women sharing stories, and can just take it in , talk or just relax in like company! But knowing that I have that group to go to is a big help.

[hope6hope]

Thanks :) I hope you feel better soon w/d suck!! But I know you can do it your strong :) hang in there

[Nursey7]

I was told to just keep trying a meeting until I found one I liked!! I never kept looking enough and I am sure that is one of the reasons I relapsed. This day 2 pretty much stinks!!  Just go to as many as you can until you find the right fit. Kinda like the Goldilocks and the 3 bears ;-)
We are all here rooting you on ;-)