First NA meeting

[jack721]

I attended my first-ever NA meeting today and the people were so warm and friendly. The only thing is that I got the impression that most of the people at the meeting have already detoxed and were in recovery. I am still weaning myself off opiates. Am I doing the right thing by going to NA meetings, or do I need to wait until I am able to get off the pills?

[IBKleen]

No Jack, that was not wrong at all. It is good that you are honest. What I was referring to was you talking during the meeting. They may, and they may not ask that you refrain. It depends on the meeting and the only reason they request that is over the years many have come to meetings high and ramble on about nothing that has to do with recovery. You can well imagine. So the request was put in place early on by both NA and AA in an effort to control the meeting and protect the members.

I am happy for you that you met people. Stick with it. There is great support there!!

[jack721]

I may have made a bad mistake. After the regular meeting, some of the people were standing around talking and I forget if they asked me or if I volunteered the info, but I mentioned that I was still tapering and we talked about that, detoxing, local detox centers, the use of suboxone and whatever for a while. The fellows didn't seem to not want to talk about it in the least, they actually seemed to want to discuss whatever was on my mind. Was that the wrong thing to talk about?

[weaver71]

Like OpenMind said, the only requirement is the DESIRE to stop. Stop thinking about what other people think, and figure out what you think and why. Detox is only the start, being a better you is the goal of the 12 steps, no matter what anyone else thinks. That's freedom, that's sobriety.
Someday, someone will come into a meeting high, and you will say, "I remember being where you are." All this confusion will make more sense with time. Always remember, addiction is an I thing, and recovery is a WE thing. You never have to feel isolated or alone again. Congrats on taking your life back. You won't regret a thing, no matter how odd it feels at the time.

[IBKleen]

Keep going. They may ask that you not share while you are tapering but keep your ears open, listen and learn. Ask for phone numbers and talk with the members after the meeting. If they suggest coffee, by all means go. Keep up the good work!!

[OpenMind24hours]

Congrats on your 1st meeting Jack! You're getting a good jump on your recovery. Keep on going and enjoy the benefits of being surrounded by recovering people. The only requirement for NA membership is the desire to quit using and you're a member when you say you are. I've met ppl at meetings who are on medical pain management. If you get yourself a text book read pgs.102-03. Enjoy your meetings!

[On2better]

You are doing the right thing. The bottom line is that you are surrounding yourself with people who have been in your shoes and share a common interest: recovery! Stay with it and good luck