My question: I have an account on the NA message boards, just for support, a supplement. And now I have an account here. I think that the NA meets in my area are a joke, all about slap and tickle BS. I thought I could go to AA, they are more focused, and I don't mind not including drugs in the actual meeting. I want an AA sponsor. But apparently there is a feud between the two.
If I go to aa and say that Im an alcoholic, can I practice the steps through AA since an addiction is an addiction? Can I keep my network to include both NA and AA? Since they both recommend the same lifestyle with minor differences?? As long as I only keep an AA sponsor?
-- Edited by Ruhig on Sunday 5th of February 2012 09:21:04 PM
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
Welcome to "MIP". I, personally, have no problem with it, but others may. If your there to sober up and work the program of recovery, than you should be able to attend "AA" meetings. The only problem I foresee happening is when you tell your story. If it dwells primarily on drugs and not so much on alcohol than you might receive some backlash. If you bring it back to alcohol, as recommended, than you should be okay. Some "AA" people find it offensive when drug addicts invade their space. It comes with the territory, so deal with it. If (N)on-(A)lcoholics' engage in foolish endeavors, however - like rearranging the furniture, it creates controversy and that's totally unacceptable. So keep it simple and keep it alcohol related. Welcome again to "MIP".
~God Bless~
P.S. I have a history of drug abuse also, but alcohol was always my drug of choice. I refrain from telling a "drugalog" out of respect for "AA". And that's how I work my program.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Sunday 5th of February 2012 11:27:05 PM
Hi toad. I can appreciate your feelings. I also kow that my reason to coming to AA is because AA (i.m.h.o) will BEAT the erroneous thought process out of you, will tell you when your head is so far up your butt that you need to sit down and take that cotton out of your ears and into your mouth. While my experience with NA has been that there is alot of wiggle room that prevents people from moving forward in their recovery. (feel free to differ in opinion). But I have also been concerned that some alcoholics claim to have X amount of time, but fail to mention that they smoke weed on a regular basis.** Your entitled to your opinion. And Im sorry that you were upset, but if he is honest with himself/god/sponsor/immediate support group, and he changed one word out of (what he thought would be) respect, then who did it hurt?
** I know this man who started in AA and got 20 years. He got "thrown out" (though I never knew why), and came to NA. I had 3 weeks clean at the time, and he was really well spoken, his advice was sound, he often pontificated at the end of a meeting. And then, I found out that he would drink NyQuil EVERY night. I also felt lied to, I have since chosen not to associate with him. But some of the things he said, were right. And I still reflect on them sometimes.
Sorry if this became an AA v. NA thread. I really was just looking for some guidelines. All apologies.
Addiction club-- Thanks for that input. I will try to keep them seperate. I do know that sometimes my sponsor will have a difficult time relating to or giving sound advice on all areas of my life. That is one reason why I wanted to broaden my options. I just want a focused no BS, call you on your shit, safe place to recover. AA felt better (to me).
-- Edited by Ruhig on Monday 6th of February 2012 11:21:33 AM
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
JMHO- I think somewhere in the book it says bottles were only a symptom of our disease. I fall in the category of thinking it doesn't matter all that much, what you used. The recognition that someone is telling me their experience and have been where I am, and I trust that is very important. If you feel you can identify with the AA's, go for it! I might caution you to be careful with getting several sponsors- as it is easy to pick the advice we want to follow and take the easier path. Glad you are here!
Thanks for the welcome. Ive seen people with more than one sponsor, and that never works, in my observation. I just felt like AA is much better at keeping on track. I don't see that there would be anything wrong if out of respect I replaced the word "drug" with "alcohol" and the word "clean" with "sober". After all, they both got us to the same devistation and we are all trying to keep that out of our lives right?
Just needed some confirmation (or some honest ass kicking) Thanks for your input.
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
I think that's fine Ruhig, just keep them seperate. My only concern is if an alcoholic can relate to you regarding substance abuse when you need them to the most, some alcoholics can't identify. On the sponsor thing, you may find over the years that you have sponsors for different areas of your life. For example, you don't want to ask relationship advice from someone who has had 4 divorces and still blames the spouses lol. My sponsor was no good with money but he was honest enough to tell me to go to someone who was. My sponsor found me, I was sitting in a meeting thinking about drinking at 2 yrs sober when he came over to me and said, I know how you feel sitting there with that look in your eyes, like you're all alone, he told me that I didn't have to live like that. He was right!
Welcome to the rooms Ruhig, glad to have you.
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"Never make someone a priority who makes you an option"
Hi, Welcome to a new way of life. Your quote "I don't see that there would be anything wrong if out of respect I replaced the word "drug" with "alcohol" and the word "clean" with "sober" I attended a A.A. meeting where a Heroin addict who had no problem with booze, called himself an Alcoholic so as to qualify and not ruffle any feathers. I always felt LIED to. Something about rigorous Honesty. I did not trust any thing the guy said because of his opening Lie. I am an Alcoholic. I can not use alcohol with out setting off a Fatal, Progressive spiral towards Jails, institutions or death. I also used many other drugs along the way to Enhance my Alcoholism and prolong my drinking. ( Drug Management.) I was never able to use non liquid drugs without ending up flat assed drunk. I qualify for Alcoholics Anonymous. Really no rocket science. Good Luck on your journey. Toad
Addiction club-- I just want a focused no BS, call you on your shit, safe place to recover. AA felt better (to me).
-- Edited by Ruhig on Monday 6th of February 2012 11:21:33 AM
That's the way A.A. feels to me as well. I've ventured through many different 12 step groups since getting sober, and I've always gone back to A.A. I don't have room for drama or whiney BS anymore, I've had my share when I drank lol. I'm personally glad you chose the fellowship of A.A. Respect the traditions, the people, and most importantly, Relate in.
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"Never make someone a priority who makes you an option"
Hi Ruhig, I do not feel you are about A.A. verses N.A., I feel you are looking for a place to feel safe and challenged. After all both programs stem from one. "WE" all are in the grips of a fatal, progressive, malady. I have been a member of both programs for a bit of time. I have experienced the uncomfortableness you have described. Your Quote " changed one word out of (what he thought would be) respect, then who did it hurt? " Being both programs state clearly " a program of rigorous honesty " might it be possible that the person that gets hurt may be the one who is trying to be respectful ?? I attend an Open A.A. meeting now where the greatest number are boozers and dopers. N.A. sees no difference, a drug is a drug is a drug. A. A. focuses on the liquid drug Alcohol. Bottom Line friend, You would feel at home at the A.A. open meeting I attend. Yet if you had no issue controlling alcohol, you would see early on, the primary focus of the meeting was dealing with the inability of controlling alcohol. As far a the junkie who Lied about being an alcoholic just to attend an A. A. meeting, May it not have been better if he said, Hi my name is ______ I am a junkie and I need some help???? ( Last I heard the guy was out there somewhere getting loaded ) I am not so much of a hardliner as a person who needs rigorous honesty. All types of addicts have the strange willingness and ability to twist things towards their favor. Myself included. The whine of " Yeah but I am different needs to get shit canned. I trust the track you are on. Keep digging the treasure awaits. Toad
Welcome to the MIP board! I don't have much experience with NA, although I would qualify for that program also.
I think you are on the right track with your thinking. To me it's not about the drink or drug, just about the solution.
My ESH, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Call youself alcoholic in AA, Addict in NA, not alcoholic/addict in either. Have one sponsor, don't try to be unique or cause controversy...."our common welfare comes first". We are all garden variety.
Do what is best for you to save your friggin life.
Put it all to bed, and no need to bring it up again.
Peace and Love,
Rob
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
Went to an AA meeting. It was suprising. A bit refreshing. Folding in on myself. Caught between "pay attention to me" and "get the hell away from me" One chick gave me a meeting list at the very end. She's nice. Id like to see her again. Hate when my personal space is invaded. Guy with 40yrs wouldnt stop touching my shoulder. Sat in Back, to avoid him. Chick encouraged me to move up a few seats. Tried to take all the cotton I could out of my ears and stuff it in my throat. Introduced myself as "alcoholic". I figure only myself, god and sponsor need to know all the details.
Thanks for all your input. Gonna hit another meet this week. Stickin with AA.
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
