How do you start NA?

[Windstorm75]

Well I'm realizing I can't do this on my own. I relapsed again. For three months now I quit and start, clean for a week or two and the. Use for a week or two. I'm so tired of this. I have a therapist and she's great, but I think I need an addition counselor. Does anyone go to one? But I think I need to start NA. That makes me nervous. I don't know how. Do I just show up at one? Are they going to look at me like some new guy who doesn't belong?

[meegWpaw]

hey Windstorm glad to see you back.  yeah NA is going to be very welcoming to you, long as you hit a good meeting, and if they're not welcoming as all get out, find another one.  as others said you're the most important person there, the newcomer.  you may feel awkward but the only thing you should have to do is walk in the door ... they should do the rest.  keep trying, you will succeed!  let us know how it goes and keep us posted.

[ncgirl01]

The meetings are very helpful so give them a try. I feel ya with the stop start method but ya know the thing that matters is that you don't give up. The thing in NA I found comforting was that there were many others just like me...said they couldn't count the many times they'd started over. I felt hopeless at one point in my life because I just couldn't get it right, then one day somebody set me down and explained that I was no different than a cancer patient. Sometimes I go into to remission and remain there a bit and then find the "cancer" has returned. The good thing is I can manage my disease today by taking suggestions like the ones on this site. I take each day and try and live it to the fullest. If I bump my head I get up and get back on track. I'm not saying you should continue stumbling but once you've had enough you'll know. Congratulations are in order whether it's your first time stopping or your 101 time.  

[OpenMind24hours]

As a newcomer you'll be the most important person at that meeting. You'll be surprised. Just remember, at first just bring your body and your mind will soon follow. Don't try to get everything at once. Recovery isn't a race, it's a completely new way of living your new life to the fullest.  Write about your experience after you go(?)

[toothfairie]

Hi Windstorm....i think NA would help you....won't hurt to try..i was reluctant at first but then i found a meeting that suits me more....i also have an addiction counselor....she strongly suggested NA as do alot of others...try it and see....anything to help you now....obviously what you were doing wasn't working for you...so change things this time....congrats on stopping....way to go...you'll get it.  

[atthebeach]

You keep getting back up and trying again. That is a good thing my friend.
This is your time. Do things different and you will get different results.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

The recovery road is a marathon not a sprint. You need to work on your recovery everyday. One day at a time is how it is done.

Do you have an exercise regiment?
Do you have a pastor you can counsel with?
Do you have a family member or friend you can be accountable to?
Get as much support as possible.

[ricart70]

Yeah I was like that too but then I realized I had to get more time in than I was getting. Don't give up . it can take more than a few weeks to start to see the reward

[Windstorm75]

Thanks. This has been a struggle. Everytime I stop I get depressed and have anxiety and swear I will not put myself in this position again. Here I am again.

[ricart70]

No they won't look at you like you don't belong. It's more like the exact opposite of that. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to either.
If it's friends you are looking for,you will find many there.
   It is good that you are realizing what is happening to you. Lots of people just think it's an accident that they keep relapsing. Hang in there. Stay clean today.  ;)  

[atthebeach]

Hey welcome back.  It is good that you realize you need more support to help maintain your sobriety.

That's  it, you just show up. There are newcomers each and every day. It does take courage to walk through the door the first time, but it will also be a huge step towards your recovery.

Look up a list of meetings it is probable that you will find multiple meetings every day of the week within a close proximity to where you live. You can also check into aa meetings. You might have to attend quite a few before you feel comfortable.

You need to cut off all your sources, dealers and doctors included.
I am happy for you that you are sick of the cycle of relapse. That is a great thing.
You can be free of the chains and bondage of addiction.
Keep posting for support.