[Gmoney]

Hi Newsandi!! Welcome!!

Congrats on your clean time. Cookconfay gave you some very good feedback. I'd like to add my two cents, if you don't mind...

I hear them and you guys talk about "working the steps", getting a sponsor but how do you work the steps if you have no clue what to do. Is that where the sponsor comes in.

The 12 steps are used as a program of recovery in NA and the way they are 'worked' is by practicing the principles contained in them. Through practice, the steps become second nature to us and we "live the program" without much thought. Yet, we don't recover overnight, so take it easy and don't get yourself overwhelmed because it really is simple. I'd suggest that you start by attending as many meetings as you can and listen closely to the members who share. By listening, you'll be able to see for yourself who is or isn't 'sponsor material' for you. I'd also suggest that you get yourself a Basic Text and pick up the IP (informational pamphlet) called "Sponsorship." It describes what a sponsor is, what to look for and what to expect from a sponsor. And yes...a sponsor is your guide through the 12 steps.

I dont have a sponsor and I am to afraid, right now, maybe once I get more confortable, to help with the step work? Or is there a different meeting I need to look into that solely does the 12 steps.

I'm not sure how big your area is, or how many meetings are available to you, but another valuable tool you can add to your recovery arsenal is a meeting list. Most meeting lists tell you which meetings do what - for example, there may be a meeting specifically for discussion, and another for step study, or another that focuses on Traditions. Do yourself a favor and bounce around. This way you'll get a better feel for what's more comfortable for you and you'll get to expand your options for getting a sponsor.

But I haven't spoke since then. I would of thought that since they know I am new, they would approach me and explain these things to me. But I know its pretty overwhelming to remember to think of everyone, like I said its a really big meeting.

There's a saying, "A closed mouth can't be fed!" I know you may be a little bashful right now...and that's okay. Yet, people can't read your mind or know you're interested in receiving help unless you ask for it. Saying something simple like, "I'm new here and I'm interested in getting a sponsor," may be all it takes to get the ball rolling. If you hear someone share something you can relate to, stop them after the meeting and ask for their phone number. 9 times out of 10, they'll be more than willing to assist.

Remember...just for today, you never have to use again. Keep coming back and best wishes.

GarryW