newcomer
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
I doubt there is a definitive or official definition. Personally, I think if someone is seeking advice on how to get or stay sober, they are a newcomer. If they are struggling with their recovery, they are a newcomer.
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
Are you asking for AA purposes? Just curious. My groups generally say you can lead a meeting once you have six months and be a sponsor with a year or more under you.
I just led my first meeting yesterday and I just passed nine months. The bag was on the table in front of me and one of the long time members told me to go ahead. I said, "I'm not old enough" and she asked me (knowing the answer), "how old are you?" And I said "9 months." She just smiled and nodded- "Yep, you're old enough."
I still consider myself a newcomer. Modeling myself on the long time folks with programs I most admire, I imagine I will try to keep a new edge as long as I live. I do know ,ore now than I did a few months ago, so I can perhaps help others and try to live step 12 in all my affairs. Likewise, I have plenty to learn. Ultimately I think a big part is your strength in recovery not just your time. Plenty of folks who don't have what I want have lots of time.
I just led my first meeting yesterday and I just passed nine months. The bag was on the table in front of me and one of the long time members told me to go ahead. I said, "I'm not old enough" and she asked me (knowing the answer), "how old are you?" And I said "9 months." She just smiled and nodded- "Yep, you're old enough."
I still consider myself a newcomer. Modeling myself on the long time folks with programs I most admire, I imagine I will try to keep a new edge as long as I live. I do know ,ore now than I did a few months ago, so I can perhaps help others and try to live step 12 in all my affairs. Likewise, I have plenty to learn. Ultimately I think a big part is your strength in recovery not just your time. Plenty of folks who don't have what I want have lots of time.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
I stick around the newcomers forum because even though I'm a good while sober, every day is a new day of sober living in a world full of addictive possibility. Every day, I have an opportunity to learn something new about life and sobriety if I approach it with newcomer's eyes.... every day, I come anew to this blessed life - thanks to sobriety.
I reckon I'll be a newcomer as long as I live.
I reckon I'll be a newcomer as long as I live.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Albany ny
Posts: 105
Originally Posted by tomls 
Can anyone tell me what the rule of thumb is time wise for being considered a newcomer?
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,780
I don't think there is a 'timeline' for what a newcomer is. I've got (almost) seven years and still come to Newcomers because I like to encourage others to give sobriety a chance.
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