Can I go to NA even if my DOC is alcohol?
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Simpsonville, SC
Posts: 5
Can I go to NA even if my DOC is alcohol?
I go to AA a few times a week but I would also like to go to some NA meetings. I have had problems with narcotics in the past - mostly pills but my DOC is alcohol. I have heard that if ur an alcoholic attending an NA meeting you should introduce yourself as an addict out of respect...is this correct? Can I go to a closed NA meeting? What if someone asks me my DOC? Is it acceptable to say alcohol? How do NA meetings differ from AA? If anyone goes to both I'd like to hear from you. I plan on going tomorrow night. Any advice or "etiquette" is welcome.
Thanks
Thanks
Sure, why not? I did that for a while. Whatever helps. There is no requirement to say you're an addict. Just use your first name, especially if you are just starting out. Closed meetings? They are for people who are drug addicts. Only you would know if you are one or not. However, if you abuse drugs, chances are that you are. Na ( to me,anyway) is an updated carbon copy of AA. the principles are the same. A sponser would probably help you out with any questions you will have. Good luck........
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
"...Closed meetings? They are for people who are drug addicts..."
This is absolutely correct; but remember, NA considers aocohol to be a drug (which is also absolutely correct). Therefore, Jess4856, you qualify. Regarding one's DOC, if anyone is so brash to ask, just remind them what NA's Basic Text has to say, "...Addiction has nothing to do with where we come from or the specific substances we used. (Preface to the Sixth Edition of the NA Basic Text, page xix).
This sentiment is repeated elsewhere in the Basic Text, but at least here's a start for you.
.....btw, you can download the NA Basic Text; here's the link.....:
http://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw...Webposting.pdf
Happy reading............
(o:
NoelleR
This is absolutely correct; but remember, NA considers aocohol to be a drug (which is also absolutely correct). Therefore, Jess4856, you qualify. Regarding one's DOC, if anyone is so brash to ask, just remind them what NA's Basic Text has to say, "...Addiction has nothing to do with where we come from or the specific substances we used. (Preface to the Sixth Edition of the NA Basic Text, page xix).
This sentiment is repeated elsewhere in the Basic Text, but at least here's a start for you.
.....btw, you can download the NA Basic Text; here's the link.....:
http://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw...Webposting.pdf
Happy reading............
(o:
NoelleR
(((Jess))) - I'm a recovering crack addict, but I went mainly to AA just because there were more meetings, people more my age (in my 40's..just barely, now) but I also went to some NA meetings. They were VERY clear that "alcohol is a drug" so I see no reason for you not to go.
As far as introducing yourself, I've heard people say "I'm ----, and I'm not sure what I am" or just "I'm ---" and leaving it at that. As you get familiar with the meeting, you'll find what's comfortable.
I was also told to say I'm an alcoholic in the AA meetings, and I did, as I had had my share of drinking a LOT when I was younger, including a DUI. However, as I got more comfy with the group, I introduced myself as "alcoholic/addict" in respect to the group, and what I call myself (addict). I'd quit alcohol without a problem, but in working the steps (until I got stupid and quit going...ended up relapsing) I could admit that alcohol had caused me problems when I drank. Maybe the same happened with you and the pills? It helped me to feel like I wasn't lying about being an alcoholic..I DID use it irresponsibly for a long time.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
As far as introducing yourself, I've heard people say "I'm ----, and I'm not sure what I am" or just "I'm ---" and leaving it at that. As you get familiar with the meeting, you'll find what's comfortable.
I was also told to say I'm an alcoholic in the AA meetings, and I did, as I had had my share of drinking a LOT when I was younger, including a DUI. However, as I got more comfy with the group, I introduced myself as "alcoholic/addict" in respect to the group, and what I call myself (addict). I'd quit alcohol without a problem, but in working the steps (until I got stupid and quit going...ended up relapsing) I could admit that alcohol had caused me problems when I drank. Maybe the same happened with you and the pills? It helped me to feel like I wasn't lying about being an alcoholic..I DID use it irresponsibly for a long time.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
I attend both AA and NA meetings. Yes you may attend a closed meeting. Alcohol is a drug--as far as NA is concerned. You qualify. When I go to NA meetings I introduce myself as an addict. If you want to you could say... (My name is Jess and "I qualify" )--if you like. Both fellowships have helped me with my recovery. Let us know how the meeting goes. We do recover.
Yes...you may attend an NA meeting even though your DOC is alcohol. There was once a homegroup member of mine who only had a problem with alcohol but she strictly attended NA meetings. It was her choice.
As far as how you should introduce yourself...that would depend on the group's format. So my suggestion would be to pay attention to the group's readings...but generally speaking, it is appropriate to say "addict." I agree with NoelleR...no one should ask you what your DOC is because it doesn't matter (alcohol is a drug). I also agree that you qualify to attend NA closed meetings (due to the fact that an addict is an addict) , but at closed meetings referring to yourself as anything other than an addict would mean the meeting is "closed" to you.
As far as differences go...there are some that are very obvious and others are subtle. The readings, the language, the literature, formats and topics..yet, the principles contained in the 12 Steps are the same.
Check it out...you may enjoy the experience and the fellowship.
As far as how you should introduce yourself...that would depend on the group's format. So my suggestion would be to pay attention to the group's readings...but generally speaking, it is appropriate to say "addict." I agree with NoelleR...no one should ask you what your DOC is because it doesn't matter (alcohol is a drug). I also agree that you qualify to attend NA closed meetings (due to the fact that an addict is an addict) , but at closed meetings referring to yourself as anything other than an addict would mean the meeting is "closed" to you.
As far as differences go...there are some that are very obvious and others are subtle. The readings, the language, the literature, formats and topics..yet, the principles contained in the 12 Steps are the same.
Check it out...you may enjoy the experience and the fellowship.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: somewhere, tx
Posts: 128
Addiction is Addiction
Yes, you absolutely can go to NA meetings....both AA and NA are built on the same exact steps (AA is the very first of the groups, having been established in 1935).
When you intro yourself, you can simply say "I'm So and So and I'm an addict". If anyone in that room tells you that alcohol isn't a drug, then they're probably new there and will learn differently.
You have no need to hang a label on yourself....as I wrote, an addict is an addict is an addict....
I hope you get what you need here and at NA to stay sober! Best of luck!
When you intro yourself, you can simply say "I'm So and So and I'm an addict". If anyone in that room tells you that alcohol isn't a drug, then they're probably new there and will learn differently.
You have no need to hang a label on yourself....as I wrote, an addict is an addict is an addict....
I hope you get what you need here and at NA to stay sober! Best of luck!
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