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Question about N/A meetings

I went to my first N/A meeting last week.  The people were nice and welcoming.  I just don't feel moved to join N/A & I don't know if that's ok.  Everywhere I turn, I am hearing that if I want to stay clean, I need to go to N/A.  I have even been told that if I don't go then I am not taking my recovery seriously and I will eventually relapse.  I just am not very social, I never was & I feel more comfortable and get more out of using online support & maybe one on one with a therapist.  I understand the need to make new, healthy friends, but I was one that never needed a whole lot of people and I just don't have the energy right now.  I think I used vicodin to make me more social & comfortable with people because ever since I was a kid I have been told that I am too shy & too depressed & I need to get 'out there' and be more social.  My recovery plan is this- continue seeing a doctor & taking medication for depression, continue posting & reading on this website, maybe find a therapist to talk.  Please be honest, does that sound like a decent plan?  Or is N/A really the only way?  Thanks!  
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Avatar universal
Hi

Part of the reason why I didn't post my own thread when I was going through this is because I just could not stand to see the others getting constantly lectured about na/aa and I would have lost it if I had that shoved down my throat.

I truly believe it is a great program and it has helped many, but it is not for everyone and it is not for me. It is very offensive when I see members pretty much flat out telling people they will fail if they don't go to na/aa.

I understand we need to do things differently. Some of us need to seek counseling, some of us need addiction specialists, some of us need aa/na, but to tell someone they WILL relapse if they don't go to na/aa is outrageous.
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707563 tn?1626361905
This thread is now closed.  There is no treatment and aftercare that is best suited for everyone, but it's really a good idea to explore all your options.

Please remember that MedHelp is a safe and supportive environment for everyone, irregardless of your treatment and aftercare choices and your spiritual or religious beliefs.

Emily

***************************** CLOSED THREAD **********************************
                               NO MORE POSTS, PLEASE
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh I'm 52 days clean tonight at 7:00... Woo hoo.....go me....that makes me so happy right now....just keep telling myself one more day....U KNOW....
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Avatar universal
Thank u usedtobefunny...that's what I meant to say...thank u very much...
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Avatar universal
Ooppsss so sorry....would never want offend anyone.....so so so very sorry....please forgive me....
Helpful - 0
1653969 tn?1390331661
The most important thing is getting clean and staying clean. You have to do what feels right for you. If your not comfortable going the AA/NA ,me either, then you just need to find something else and make it work. :-)
Helpful - 0
707563 tn?1626361905
Hey everyone -

Let's remember that if everyone agrees that there are different paths for different people, it isn't necessary to insult the path that someone else chooses.  If NA is for you, that's fine, but others find it very helpful, and presenting all the options neutrally is important for new members.

Thanks,
Emily
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh had to post here.   I agree they are all like born again Christians.  Drive u crazy....I'm like this we can just agree to disagree.. but no its their way or the highway... No thanks....I don't like close minded people...to each his own if it works for u go for it...not everyone believes the " Christian" way....sorry but that's just life.. my "higher power" may not b urs..  just sayin....good luck...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree with the above posters. I go to NA because I need to look other addicts in the eyes and get hugs but there are so many people who stay clean and never go to a meeting. Just make sure you are doing aftercare in whichever way works for you!
Your doing great!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hello,Theres many paths that lead to the same place.We are all individuals with the common demoninator of drug addiction,but we also have unique personalities,likes and dislikes.I go to 12-steps,but I dont buy into that it is the Only Game In Town,I have got tremendous relief from my Dr. and my addiction councilors both recovering and just people who are straight with no addictions.I dont like the Scare Tactics,of 12-stepping or your Done.When it gets to that level,its Like the Born again Christian-Nonsense   Keep moving ahead All the best john
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

     Thats all right, Na is not for everyone if you feel better posting online then thats the way to go this program works but not for everyone.  Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there---
NA is not for everyone. People and their needs are different. It's great that you did give it a try. Your plan of antidepressants/this forum/therapist is just great for now. Do go to a therapist, honey. You need human interaction, and the doctor appts. don't count! Perhaps you can go every now and then to NA without "joining", just to see what's shakin'. Everyone learns from these meetings, and who knows, you may say something that saves someone's life sometime!
Once you feel better from the antidepressants and other things, you must seek some regular, new human contact via groups, hobbies, school/college courses/, church, etc. This is out of your comfort zone with being an introvert, but you musn't hole up at home and just post here. Even introverts are not meant to be alone! Life is a process of growing. Time to grow, little flower!
Helpful - 0
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