Has NA actually helped someone?

I keep attending meetings, but nothing seems to be catching my attention. I can't get past the second step and I feel like I'm slipping back to my comfort zone. They say I need a sponsor, but I don't feel comfortable sharing with someone.

Any advice?

Might be like me and need to go it alone. The perfect place for that is www.rational.org
It is designed for those that believe they can never use again in this lifetime and can commit to that plan. Go to *The Plan* then to *Recover Now*! Hope this supports you. Ain't the least comfy or easy but it is possible. I can now say with pride and confidence, "I will never drink again". Cowboy up. Boz

Clearly YES! And here is why. Given that members detox 5-12 times in attendance, and relapse even more consistently it clearly works over and over, multiple times for each individual.

((((((((((meccorad)))))))))))

Did you attend NA meetings for yourself, or for someone else? If you want to quit, that's better motivation than someone else asking you to quit (usually). Is the NA format (12 steps) not something that appeals to you, or the group dynamics?

The program is built on including a "sponsor" as a support person while you're going through the program/steps, but you don't necessarily need to do it that way.

Perhaps you could look into getting a substance-abuse counsellor instead?

As part of my release from the psych unit I had to attend NA meetings, but it's just not working for me. I'm still dealing with depression daily, and there are just some days where I don't have the energy to go to a meeting and talk about stuff. I'm just not that open to share my personal problems with strangers. The people are nice and all, but I just don't feel comfortable with people in general.

My therapist now, also suggested the rational recovery, but I never looked into it. Perhaps it's something I should try....

Hi Meccorad and welcome...

There are as many roads to Heaven as there are to Hell...we are given choice to map our own destinies..

Find what works for you,,it is your life,,your recovery but when it comes to mental health,,,all of us are as sick as our secrets...it would be good to share your burdens..

IMHO.

Lenny

Okay totally checked into the Rational Recovery and there's no way I'd be able to do that on my own...lol.

I haven't met any bad people at the meetings, in fact everyone there has been really nice and really made an effort to make me feel welcome, but I'm just not comfortable talking about my problems. It's bad enough I have to talk to a therapist about it...I haven't gone to any meetings in about a week and people call me to see how I'm doing and if I need a ride. The truth is I'm just so depressed again I don't feel like leaving the house...

Oh well thanks everyone for the advice...

Meccorad, I am a strong advocate of rational recovery. In RR your saying You could never do that would be your addictive voice fighting to stay alive. How far did you read?

I'm a member of N/A. I have 18 mos. clean. You don't have to share if you don't feel comfortable. Sometimes it's just best to listen. Get out of the house where there is no using. Build a support group. Make phone calls, even if it is just to say hello. Get to know clean people. Talking to people will help with your depression. You don't have to talk about your problems. Talk about the weather.

MAKE IT SIMPLE! JUST FOR TODAY!

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Lenny said:
Hi Meccorad and welcome...

all of us are as sick as our secrets...it would be good to share your burdens..


Lenny

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Lenny - you're my hero - that was awesome!

And so very, very true........ahhhhh.....I dread......what is it the 4th step??????

I attended NA and at first it didn't help, but then I met a few people I liked and hung out with them and developed friendships with them, I didn't share anything deep, I just made friends. I don't still go to meetings because I moved and the meetings here are longer and take awhile to get to (making going to a meeting a three hour experience) But it did help me for the few months I went. I guess I learned how to do daily things without a substance. Hang in there, don't use no matter what.