Online NA Meetings

[molly1923]

Have any of you tried online NA meetings? If so and you would be willing to share your thoughts, I would appreciate it. I really think that the support of NA and a sponsor would help me so much through this recovery process. The problem is that for many reasons, I cannot attend any NA meetings in my area. This is not an excuse as I had someone tell me years ago when I was going through this. Well, it may be an excuse but it is a valid one. I am not a substance abuse professional but because of my profession, I would encounter many of those with whom I work at an NA meeting and it would create some serious professional boundary issues.
Going to a meeting in another town is not an option because I live in a rural area and my town is the only one in a 60 or so mile radius that has NA. There are not any NA meetings for "professionals" in my area either.
Any thoughts?

[OpenMind24hours]

I thought the same way you're thinking. A friend of mine and I started a meeting at work the year after I sobered up. It was on the 13th floor of our building. I was surprised when I saw lots of people I knew walk in. But they were also surprised. Always remember that people you meet at those meetings are in the same boat that you are. Everyone is equal. We have a very important tradition that is read at every meeting open: "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."  We also say in unison "who you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here."

This is just my thinking based on my experience. Take what you need and leave the rest. On the other hand, In downtown Detroit there is a lawyers only meeting for the exact reasons you were explaining. There are other private meetings around I've heard about also.  I completely understand.

There are meetings online, you just have to look for them. I have found a few online meetings over the years and participated for a minute.  The most important thing here is that you get all the help you need, anyway you can get it.

[ROSYouralright]

Idk the answer to your question! I didn't realize their were online meetings! Guess ya learn something new everyday... Thing is, a sponsor is an important thing to have! They have traveled the road before you and will hold you accountable! When your an addict, RECOVERY comes first! Everything else is secondary! Addicts are from ALL walks of life! We are in this together! I am a SBO so I see people that I do business with all the time at meetings but u know what? IT HAS NOT HINDERED ME in any way! I drive an hour each way to my meetings! I only make 1-2 a week but FOR ME they replinish me and give me tools to fight! Where there's a will..theres a way! I would've drove an hour to get pills so I will drive an hour to save myself from them! I can't wait to read what everybody has to say! I'm always learning!

[spider6]

Hey Molly,
I can't answer your question but I would really like someone else to as well.  I didn't know there was such a thing as online NA meetings.

I too find it impossible to get to meetings as I live on a farm miles away from "everyone and everything" and I don't drive.  All of my friends live 50 minutes or more away, so them helping me is not possible either.  

Thank you for posting this.......
blessing to you.
hugs.