by Got a NEW life » Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:02 am
Dear "need to change",
You're already on the the right path, facing in the right direction, that's what got you here to this site. Try both NA and AA meetings. While some AA meetings are really hardcore and REALLY expect you to keep comments to your relationship w/ alcohol, I've heard many a drug user say, that the consistency and support of AA seems 'for them' the most solid, and consistent sobriety. Many in the rooms of AA can also relate, meetings near re-habs or at re-habs where NA'ers or AA'ers come in an provide an meeting are often a bit more flexible about NA comments. It doesn't matter what meeting you go to, but go!
Raise your hand, say your first name, say you're a new comer and you don't know where to turn.
Some of the most profound and amazing help can come to you, simply by telling folks your exact truth, that you know you need to change. They can point you in the right direction.
There are people who can stop using, and drinking w/o support of assistance, but often they are not able to keep with it for long on their own. There are even people who come to meetings daily and try to 'do it alone', this is not an ALONE program. No one can do it for you. Like a swimmer in the ocean drowning, you have to put your hand out in order for anyone to assist you, and like that swimmer, you will have to continue to do your part, do what needs to be done in order to survive.
There is life after drugs and alcohol. There are people who are living wonderful, joyful, happy, balanced lives. You CAN get there too, if you want it enough, if you are willing to take direction, not do it YOUR way, listen and follow direction of someone who is in the program, who has done it, and find meetings you like and keep going, going, going, going!
I wish you all the best.
I don't even know you, but I'm proud of you, and as another person in recovery, I love you for having the courage to take this step to save your own life! Don't give up.
Last word, you will hear a lot of "God" talk in the rooms. It doesn't have to make sense, you don't have to like it, its not a religion, the rooms of NA and AA are filled with people from all walks of life and all belief systems. Don't be fooled into thinking that you have to buy into anyone else's idea of what a higher power is. Mine looked like an old fashioned victorian St. Nick with a large wicker basket on his back for a long time, and God for me isn't even a guy necessarily. I'm just saying, if you having any reaction to the "God" talk, let that go, as soon as possible. People are generally kind, well meaning, and want to help you. They may tell you about what has worked for them, their God (of their understanding) and how that has helped them.
Do not be discouraged. You don't have to believe anything right now, except that you need help, you need to change (by your own words) and you sound ready to do what it takes to find peace.
Good luck to you.
I believe in you, and I don't even know you, but I know that I was once where you are, lost, scared, desperate for a way out of a life that seemed like it was going to kill me.
Call if you like, I'm not NA, but I can and do relate to the human experience of wanting out of stinking thinking and an addictive way of life.
all the best,
Got a New Life aka Dee L. 646-498-6783, Sellersville, PA
Dear "need to change",
You're already on the the right path, facing in the right direction, that's what got you here to this site. Try both NA and AA meetings. While some AA meetings are really hardcore and REALLY expect you to keep comments to your relationship w/ alcohol, I've heard many a drug user say, that the consistency and support of AA seems 'for them' the most solid, and consistent sobriety. Many in the rooms of AA can also relate, meetings near re-habs or at re-habs where NA'ers or AA'ers come in an provide an meeting are often a bit more flexible about NA comments. It doesn't matter what meeting you go to, but go!
Raise your hand, say your first name, say you're a new comer and you don't know where to turn.
Some of the most profound and amazing help can come to you, simply by telling folks your exact truth, that you know you need to change. They can point you in the right direction.
There are people who can stop using, and drinking w/o support of assistance, but often they are not able to keep with it for long on their own. There are even people who come to meetings daily and try to 'do it alone', this is not an ALONE program. No one can do it for you. Like a swimmer in the ocean drowning, you have to put your hand out in order for anyone to assist you, and like that swimmer, you will have to continue to do your part, do what needs to be done in order to survive.
There is life after drugs and alcohol. There are people who are living wonderful, joyful, happy, balanced lives. You CAN get there too, if you want it enough, if you are willing to take direction, not do it YOUR way, listen and follow direction of someone who is in the program, who has done it, and find meetings you like and keep going, going, going, going!
I wish you all the best.
I don't even know you, but I'm proud of you, and as another person in recovery, I love you for having the courage to take this step to save your own life! Don't give up.
Last word, you will hear a lot of "God" talk in the rooms. It doesn't have to make sense, you don't have to like it, its not a religion, the rooms of NA and AA are filled with people from all walks of life and all belief systems. Don't be fooled into thinking that you have to buy into anyone else's idea of what a higher power is. Mine looked like an old fashioned victorian St. Nick with a large wicker basket on his back for a long time, and God for me isn't even a guy necessarily. I'm just saying, if you having any reaction to the "God" talk, let that go, as soon as possible. People are generally kind, well meaning, and want to help you. They may tell you about what has worked for them, their God (of their understanding) and how that has helped them.
Do not be discouraged. You don't have to believe anything right now, except that you need help, you need to change (by your own words) and you sound ready to do what it takes to find peace.
Good luck to you.
I believe in you, and I don't even know you, but I know that I was once where you are, lost, scared, desperate for a way out of a life that seemed like it was going to kill me.
Call if you like, I'm not NA, but I can and do relate to the human experience of wanting out of stinking thinking and an addictive way of life.
all the best,
Got a New Life aka Dee L. 646-498-6783, Sellersville, PA