Question about NA

[DogLover723]

Hi everyone. I am 6 days clean today. I have gone to a couple of meetings and I was very uncomfortable.  Here is my problem: It seems like every meeting is God/religion based..With the serenity prayer etc. Well, I have been an atheist for most of my life and am just not comfortable with this. Are all NA meetings like this??  Thanks.

[DogLover723]

Thank you. I'm sorry that I asked the question again before I saw your response. I also want to thank you for not "hating" me for my beliefs. Most people I have encountered who has a strong faith want nothing to do with me. I feel respect should go both ways.

[DogLover723]

Thank you so much. The discomfort I was feeling at the meetings was more because I felt like I was deceiving the women there.  I felt like I shouldn't be there because I don't believe in God.  I was afraid to say here that I am an atheist because a lot of times that makes people turn against me. I have nothing but respect for what other people believe in, but most times that respect is not returned.
  May I please ask again..Does my higher power have to be God?  Sorry to be asking so many questions. I am just really worried about offending anybody.

[refusingbondage]

I believe your higher power can be whatever you need it to be.  For me, it is God, but I have friends who speak of their higher power in many ways-perhaps their love for their children, perhaps love in general..You should not feel uncomfortable at all.. if you do not pray you can still use that time to think encouraging things to yourself, like "ok I know I can do this, I know I have the strength, etc"  It sounds kind of corny but I really think that if you need the meetings you should go.  It is about recovery and using whatever "power" you need to get through it.  I dont think anyone would hold that against you.. I would hope not.  I have a very strong faith - and I certainly dont. From what I know NA and AA are about recovery first and most important.. many of us need help from a higher power-that's all.  Best of luck.

[ochooked]

You are doing nothing wrong and I appreciate your honesty --- You are respectful and that is what counts.   I do wish you all the best in your recovery and in your life.

[DogLover723]

Sorry, another question. Does my  higher power have to be God?  Sorry for asking so many questions. I just really, really don't want to do the wrong thing at these meetings and upset anybody.

[DogLover723]

I am definitely going to keep going...I found one called "girls kick a#$" that I really liked. I am just unsure what to do during prayers etc because I don't want to appear disrespectful of their beliefs.  I'm not sure if I need to tell them. I'm just really confused.

[ochooked]

Yes, I think so ----- God ( a higher power) has always been a part of AA and Na because most people know they cannot make it without His help.   It does have the highest success rate and perhaps (opinion here) these programs do point people to look for help outside of themselves.   I know there are many who found the strength to quit by using the 12 step program.  I would recommend you try and leave your atheism at the door and give it a chance.  No one will force you and you may find answers to your own needs. At the very worst, what harm will it do?  All the best.

[DogLover723]

PS. I hope nobody holds my beliefs against me. I have been afraid to ask this question because I think people may not want to answer me because of my beliefs. Thanks.
  (Is beliefs the right word???)