I went to AA a lot. I go to NA now. There aren't many expressions in NA that bother me. One I do use, that I borrow from AA is, "the highest you get in NA, is clean." I like that one. It says a lot that needs to be said in NA.

AA uses slogans. Some members use slogans inapropriately sometimes, I believe. Quiting drinking was pretty easy for me. I've never been a daily drinker. I experimented with illigal street narcotics, mostly. I was never a daily user of those either. I did become a daily marijuanna smoker for a few years. I spent too much. I became too lazy. I quit. I paid the price.

I guess the way AA uses slogans inapropriately, for me, was because I have a thought and mood disorder. They don't seem to recognize that as being relevant to their program of recovery. That caused confusion for me. Should I listen to my psychiatrist and therapist, or AA members who, sometimes, rant without giving their words much thought. It was difficult for me. I concluded that I needed to listen to my psychiatrist and remember that, "the highest anyone gets in AA is sober."

I received some good and helpful advice at AA meetings, as well as inapropriate advice. I got what I paid for, essentially. Meetings are free.

I can go to an AA meeting today and smile and be friendly. I can share my experience strength and hope also. Same with NA.

I haven't used since may 20th, 2010. I've been clean, mostly, since I attended rehab in 87. A beer her and there. A little pot, but rarely. My wife and I smoked together for a few years. I only smoked with her. It wasn't the "best" solution, but I own it. It could have been much worse.

I have a good life today. All the crap was worth it