been clean a while but wanna ask about AA/NA

[overopiates]

I have quit a bit of clean time(almost500days).I tried1 NA meeting over a yr ago it was strange(only3-4people ALL meth addicts,all court ordered except me).Im n a tiny town I mean tiny.Drove almost an hour2that meeting never went back.I REALLY wanna give it another try.Please let me lnow if its true that I could attend an AA meeting even though Im not an alcoholic?I just need2find all meetings possible check them out2find the best1for me.I had been going2a therapist thats an addiction specialist but now Im lucky2get15min. ever6-8wks,group meetings(not na/aa its just a group therapy thing,those people r mostly court ordered,I rarely see the same people etc.Im spending$$I cnt afford4these sessions and they r not helping because Im seeing a therapist MAYBE15min. every2months but they r still having me pay by the month which used to b2sessions a week,1hr per visit(Im on a sliding scale cause of our income but still tough Im looking4a job right now too btw).So Im paying$15per group+$25per therapy session so its$120for group that doesnt help cause people dnt stay/disappear once they r done w/court order&not really looking4help&they expect me to pay$200a month4the therapist meetings(2X a week4a hour each time they raised it this month from$15A hour visit)so$200a month4basically15min.1-2Xa month.NOT DOING IT.CANT AFFORD&its not helping anymore.Also I c how much I really want/need NA/AA.If I cant find the right na meeting(hope I can&cnt believe how bad the pill epidemic is here so hopefully I can find a group like that but if not&I find an AA meeting i feel comfortable w/will they accept me.Thanx so much.I need to get there&do those steps(i was scared of th12step approach intimidating)therapy wasnt focused on making ammends etc.I NEED THAT ALL OF IT!!!

[overopiates]

U did the meetings. u needed to.Who cares what others think.U still sober?!YES so obviously its worked to this point

[overopiates]

Thanx everyone.U ALL r right.Ive found more AA meetings here and Thats where Ill go.I guess the 90n90is for people starting out I have a lot of time under my belt.I just need sort of a home base.I think my crazy story could help others.u ALL r the best.

[Brightfutureahead]

I'm going to second what IBKleen said. I go to an AA meeting every week and they are great...many addicts and alcoholics there to share stories. And like Weaver said, addiction is addiction and recovery is recovery.

Not too sure about the 90 in 90...my first impulse was to say that many who come out of inpatient programs are encouraged to do that right after their program ends but im not sure...if you're feeling like you want to then maybe it couldn't hurt? Again, not sure good luck though 500 days is awesome!

[overopiates]

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ANY/EVERYONE.
Do u think I should do the90meetings n90days?I know thats the general rule but I have a lot of clean time.Does that even matter?I just dunno...suggestions

[overopiates]

sara thank u.I will DEFINITELY the books.Ive been so busy lately but NO MORE EXCUSES.Im gonna look online for meetings w/n like20minutes.I didnt know they do online meetings.I think thats a great option if I for some reason I cnt drive/get to a "live meeting"so2speak but need/want2I can do that.

[sara752]

na meetings have been a great help to me..they have online meetings as well ..in the rooms.com . i got the na books and they are such an eye opener, you can buy them at any meeting,,some are free..best of luck..sara

[overopiates]

thanx everyone u all have eased my mind.
@freetoagood home.Thats funny.I read the2's thing then looked@my post.ur right.Thanks for the smile&great info

[weaver71]

I live in a small mountain town and don't go to NA for similar reasons. I attend AA and, in my town, it's much better. I just say, "High my name is Tony and I'm an alcoholic." After attending for a while, I realized that many people had used drugs, especially opiates. I have come to know when I can mention drugs and when it is no appropriate. Usually older folks, I mean about 80 yrs old, are the only ones who feel uncomfortable. I found a sponsor who was more of an addict. It's working for me. AA also keeps me focused on recovery and avoiding the topic of drugs. Addiction is addiction and recovery is recovery. I encourage you to check it out and listen at first. After meetings is a good time to talk more personally with people and find out how old members and the group in general feel about drugs. Good luck.

[Free2agoodhome]

You have a way with " 2's " .........ha

AA is older and rooted in traditions. NA has the same principles...still great.....I go to AA meetings until I find a NA one I like..then may do both,,,,, I like the fellowship in AA....Its where I began,,,

If you really want to go for the gusto...get a female sponsor...one that will take you through the steps,,,,12 step stuff isn't for everyone but It cleaned up a ton of stuff for me....I made ammends the whole thing....huge huge help to me,,,,(but I was a lost boy then)  needed it,,,,,


Both groups carry a the message....

Simply : There is another way of life besides drinkin/druggin.,,,

Among  counselors, pyschologists,  and addiction specailists.....you have a very unique gift now that you're clean,,........, because only an alcoholic or addict can truly speak to the heart of another ...

You will find your way...someone is waiting to hear your story.

Free~

[IBKleen]

I attend both NA & AA meetings. You will find many addicts in the fellowship of AA as it is often a stronger program depending on the area. It is the same program so I don't make any changes with it. Give it a shot. It's a great place for recovery and to make new clean & sober friends. Good luck!