[Moogieotter]

Another PC Person asked me for my story and insight on NA. Here is what I wrote in case others want info:

My first NA meeting was in March of 1991 - I was 17 and my parents had put me in rehab. I went to a lot of 12 Step Program Meetings, AA, NA, and CA. They all have very similar principles to help people get into recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism.

Needless to say, my first attempts to get and stay clean and sober did not last. I battled off an on for the last 2+ decades to get into recovery. In Jan of 2011, I was arrested for DUI and checked myself into a private 6 week program for addiction treatment. NA and AA were a big part of that as you were required to attend at least one meeting per day.

I got about 100 days clean and sober from that, but you guessed it - went back out, and it always gets worse. Fast forward to June of 2012, June 9th actually. After a particularly crazy cruise with lots of boozing and high drama, I got into recovery on my current streak and have not had a single drop of alcohol nor any type of scheduled or controlled substance at all since that day. The principles I learned in the 12 Step Programs going all the way back to 1991 were really the key to getting where I am.

There's a lot to it and I can share more. I would like to introduce you to two core principles, there are many more to learn from the collective wisdom of the NA organization and its members. First, the idea of "rigorous honesty" as a foundation of recovery is very powerful. Next, the concept of "relational accountability" helps thousands and thousands of addicts find recovery. Basically, you build relationships with other addicts and from this are held accountable for your own recovery, including the many slip ups most of us experience along the way.

Let me know if you need more information about my story. In general NA is completely free, common to find meetings in most areas. Basically, you find and attend a meeting. First timers can just go and listen. You do not have to do or say or participate in any way at all if you don't want to. You will hear other addicts sharing experience, strength, and hope from their stories as it related to recovering from the deadly disease of addiction.

It may or may not me for you, just be aware that the power of denial is usually so strong that it makes accepting the principles of NA and other 12-step programs difficult at first.

[Kaliyka]

I'm going on nearly 5 months clean myself and am still struggling quite a bit. Not so much with the not using but with the guilt, regret, remorse and sheer embarrassment over what I did during my last drug fuelled manic episode. I've been trying to talk myself into going to meetings in the hopes that connecting with others who have been where I am will help. Clearly this is something that you've had success with yourself. I'm not sure why I haven't gone yet, it's not as though it's going to hurt. Thanks for your post, it helps to see others that have utilized 12 step programs as a part of their recovery.

[Curry]

I go to meetings because I get so lonely. I am the mom of a recovering addict, the daughter of an alcoholic, and a co-dependent. My son is going into a transition house this Saturday. I am so proud of how brave and strong he is to face his disease. I am amazed that I got into the pattern of thinking I could have an opinion on where my son lives, what he does, and how he faces his challenges. So disrespectful of me. Facing myself lets me see the whole system that surrounds my son, everyone is so human - full of faults and full of love. I keep walking face first into the wall I used to try and wrap around my son. It is a wall made of fears.