"The therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parellel"...
There are a few readings that we do in the begining of the meeting, "Who's an addict", What is the NA program", "How it Works","The 12 Traditions" and a daily meditation reading out of the "Just for Today" book. We recognize "Clean time" with keytags/medallions. Then it's time for the chairperson to pick or ask for a topic.
We go around the circle and introduce ourselves, and state that we're an addict...share about the topic, or say "I'd just like to listen today".
I was at home in my first meeting, although I didn't know anyone...
They were all so welcoming and happy, and immediately I felt that I belonged there.
I knew that I needed to learn how to live life without drugs...and here were the people who were doing it and who could show me how.
For the first time in a long time I didn't feel like a worthless drug addict...but someone who had a little hope that I could survive and recover and become one of those smiling happy people who were laughing and having a good time at the meeting.