[Gmoney]

We just had a fairly lengthy debate (in another thread) about the new IP: For Young Addicts, By Young Addicts...and the issue you raise reveals there is a place for literature such as that.

Being young in recovery can have a few disadvantages - primarily, identifying or relating to others who are older and have experienced things a younger person may not have. As I always say, we addicts are a very varied bunch and our diversity is our strength. One of the biggest hurdles most of us have to overcome is the desire or need to fit in. Most of us have done it for so long that we can't recognize it, and it's hard (at first) to focus on similarities when our differences are so obvious. Yet, being able to identify is crucial to becoming a part of the fellowship.

As Sheila said, we addicts tend to be overly sensitive at times, and many of us are rebellious by nature. Sometimes feeling out of place isn't the same thing as being out of place and recovery often requires us to do things that aren't comfortable. I'm sure there's a lot you can learn from those older addicts about recovery and staying clean, and if you stick around you may meet other young members to hang out with. IMO, it's important that you share your feelings and frustrations. You might be surprised at the compassion in their responses.

I have clean friends who aren't in recovery, as well. And I think it's important not to limit ourselves to just our "society within society." But I understand that no one understands an addict like an addict. Give it a chance.