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Gmoney · 04-26-2009, 12:14 AM

Hi Soberkieth,

Welcome to SR. I hear you say you've been attending AA meetings, and that's good. But since this is an NA forum and I'm an NA member, I'll share with you my ES&H the NA way.

I applaud your eagerness to get involved in step work, but NA teaches us that the first thing we must do is stop using. Addiction and withdrawal distort rational thought, so it's a good idea to first focus on staying clean. It is suggested that newcomers attend 90 meetings in 90 days to become familiar with the Fellowship, it's principles and to begin to put them into action. "We apply effort to our most obvious problems (using) and let go of the rest." - Basic Text, page 54 (Chapter: What Can I Do?)

Next it is suggested that we join a group. Going to meetings is fine, but IMO, just sitting in a meeting isn't the same as becoming involved in a group you can call your home group. Initially, sponsorship for newcomers is the responsibility of the group by getting them acquainted with what 12 step recovery is all about. A home group is a meeting where we're comfortable and allow it's members to know us and we know them. It's somewhere we can commit to being on a regular basis. It's part of changing playmates, playthings and playgrounds. Also, on the group level we're introduced to service. Many members will tell you that service helps them stay clean.

Getting a sponsor is very important. A sponsor is a guide through the 12 steps of NA. It's someone you can trust and rely on to help you with all the steps, including Step One. It isn't suggested that we work any steps alone.

Desire may qualify me for membership, but my story includes me seeking help from professionals prior to coming to the rooms of NA. If you can't stop, just for today, you may want to consider detox or rehab.

be blessed,
G

04-26-2009, 12:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Gmoney Evolving Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New York State Posts: 2,910	Hi Soberkieth, Welcome to SR. I hear you say you've been attending AA meetings, and that's good. But since this is an NA forum and I'm an NA member, I'll share with you my ES&H the NA way. I applaud your eagerness to get involved in step work, but NA teaches us that the first thing we must do is stop using. Addiction and withdrawal distort rational thought, so it's a good idea to first focus on staying clean. It is suggested that newcomers attend 90 meetings in 90 days to become familiar with the Fellowship, it's principles and to begin to put them into action. "We apply effort to our most obvious problems (using) and let go of the rest." - Basic Text, page 54 (Chapter: What Can I Do?) Next it is suggested that we join a group. Going to meetings is fine, but IMO, just sitting in a meeting isn't the same as becoming involved in a group you can call your home group. Initially, sponsorship for newcomers is the responsibility of the group by getting them acquainted with what 12 step recovery is all about. A home group is a meeting where we're comfortable and allow it's members to know us and we know them. It's somewhere we can commit to being on a regular basis. It's part of changing playmates, playthings and playgrounds. Also, on the group level we're introduced to service. Many members will tell you that service helps them stay clean. Getting a sponsor is very important. A sponsor is a guide through the 12 steps of NA. It's someone you can trust and rely on to help you with all the steps, including Step One. It isn't suggested that we work any steps alone. Desire may qualify me for membership, but my story includes me seeking help from professionals prior to coming to the rooms of NA. If you can't stop, just for today, you may want to consider detox or rehab. be blessed, G __________________ "We are never forced into relapse. We are given a choice. Relapse is never an accident." - Basic Text, 5th Ed.