Narcotics Anonymous

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Post Info TOPIC: New member, going to addiction treatment, a few questions..


Newbie

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Posts: 1
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New member, going to addiction treatment, a few questions..


Hello everyone. First off, let me tell you I am on subutex and klonopin. Legally, of course. I just wanted to make sure it was okay that I post here, even though I'm not technically "sober" I've been told at meetings, that if I'm on any sort of narcotic, I shouldn't speak.. just listen. I just wanted to make sure it's okay with you folks. I've tried multiple rehabs, from 7 days to a month and none of it has worked. The addiction treatment center I go to now has truly been a life saver and I'm able to keep a job and keep my parents happy. (Yes, I'm 29 years old and I live with my parents)

I'm really looking for someone to talk to as they ween me off, but if the rules state I must be completely clean before I'm to speak.. so be it. I don't quite agree with it, but I understand why people who have been clean for a while wouldn't want someone who's not posting on their forum. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Much love. biggrin



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Senior Member

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Posts: 376
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.
......as one of the moderators here,,,I'm happy t'say you're welcome here WW....if you're familiar with the 'traditions of NA',,,you're already familiar with what I'm watching for. I'm no expert,someone correct me if I'm wrong,but as far as I know,,,it's a suggestion,not a rule, that people who are on prescribed meds are better off to listen at meetings,,,and a 'request' that if you've been -using-,then please just listen.....in any case,in a regular meeting I've often found that answers to my questions can come without my asking,,and listening ,connecting at meetings is the best way to learn..........not so easy online....in NA,personal connections and trust-building are an important key.

......Generally at meetings,as well as here,we find it's not so necessary to know about your past,or what your drug was,,,,as what we can do -today- to help each other keep clean for one-more-day!

....like your story,,relapse is part of many of our experiences in recovery....to say 'none of it worked' is to deny the days you've stayed clean,,,and the events that have you giving recovery another go!...I'm glad you've got a safe place to help your recovery,,,and hope you keep going to meetings in addition....the live support network you build with your local NA is what'll help you once you move-on from the treatment center.

.....Many people in NA actually become grateful for their past,,,as it brought them to a future they wouldn't have known otherwise! biggrin



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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)


Guru

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Posts: 721
Date:

Welcome to MIPS. Sure feel free to post here. More importantly start building a foundation and hit 90 face to face NA Meetings in 90 days. Listen to those who have Clean Time in the meetings and seek out Recovering Clean Addicts to talk to one on one. Find someone who has what you want in Recovery and ask them to be your Sponsor.

Keep Coming Back, NA Works IF you Work It.



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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :)
Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA


Guru

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Posts: 2704
Date:

Welcome to MIP I am an addict named Mike..

Glad you are here,,this is not NA but a Forum where addicts come to help each other in a loving and caring manner...You can Google........WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BULLETIN #29 


Regarding Methadone and Other 
Drug Replacement Programs 


Many of our members, however, have expressed concern about individuals on drug replacement programs. Questions come up regarding such individuals' membership status, ability to share at meetings, lead meetings, or become trusted servants on any level. "Are these members clean?" they ask. "Can one really be a 'member' and still be using?" 

Perhaps by answering the most important question firstâthe issue of membershipâwe can establish a context by which to approach this issue. Tradition Three says that the only requirement for NA membership is a desire to stop using. There are no exceptions to this. Desire itself establishes membership; nothing else matters, not even abstinence. It is up to the individual, no one else, to determine membership. Therefore, someone who is using and who has a desire to stop using, can be a member of NA. 

Members on drug replacement programs such as methadone are encouraged to attend NA meetings. But, this raises the question: "Does NA have the right to limit members participation in meetings?" We believe so. While some groups choose to allow such members to share, it is also a common practice for NA groups to encourage these members (or any other addict who is still using), to participate only by listening and by talking with members after the meeting or during the break. This is not meant to alienate or embarrass; this is meant only to preserve an atmosphere of recovery in our meetings. 
Our Fifth Tradition defines our groups' purpose: to carry the message that any addict can stop using and find a new way to live. We carry that message at our recovery meetings, where those who have some experience with NA recovery can share about it, and those who need to hear about NA recovery can listen. When an individual under the influence of a drug attempts to speak on recovery in Narcotics Anonymous, it is our experience that a mixed, or confused message may be given to a newcomer (or any member, for that matter) For this reason, many groups believe it is inappropriate for these members to share at meetings of Narcotics Anonymous. 

It may be argued that a group's autonomy, as described in our Fourth Tradition, allows them to decide who may share at their meetings. However, while this is true, we believe that group autonomy does not justify allowing someone who is using to lead a meeting, be a speaker, or serve as a trusted servant. Group autonomy stands only until it affects other groups or NA as a whole. We believe it affects other groups and NA as a whole when we allow members who are not clean to be a speaker, chair a meeting, or be a trusted servant for NA. 

Many groups have developed guidelines to ensure that an atmosphere of recovery is 
maintained in their meetings. The following points are usually included: 

Suggesting that those who have used any drug within the last twenty-four hours refrain from sharing, but encouraging them to get together with members during the break or after the meeting. 
Abiding by our fellowship's suggested clean time requirements for service positions. 
Seeking meeting leaders, chairpersons, or speakers who help further our primary purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. 

We make a distinction between drugs used by drug replacement programs and other prescribed drugs because such drugs are prescribed specifically as addiction treatment. Our program approaches recovery from addiction through abstinence, cautioning against the substitution of one drug for another. That's our program; it's what we offer the addict who still suffers. However, we have absolutely no opinion on methadone maintenance or any other program aimed at treating addiction. Our only purpose in addressing drug replacement and its use by our members is to define abstinence for ourselves.  

This is a condensed version if you haven't seen this(read it all at the site).....Please see SUGGESTIONS and guidelines above...I can only suggest making meetings and know above all 'you are responsible for your own recovery......WE are here for each other,,,,there are no Big I's and Little U's up in here,,,we share the illness of ADDICTION.a physical,mental and spiritual  disease that affects all areas of our lives.. I am glad your treatment Center i working for you but it is very important to remember "your recovery is for you and I know about the Courts and Parents and others , but YOUR RECOVERY comes first,,,,I have a son,just about your age(28) who suffered through 7 long years of hard core heroin abuse and found recovery a day at a time on subs and methadone until he can find his way to total abstinence..Our message is HOPE and the promise of FREEDOM from active addiction ,but as you ar aware,its no magic bullet takes daily work.Please continue to let us know how you are doing,don't get discouraged and keep your focus on your recovery. WE also believe that those who value sponsorship get the most from the Program of Narcotics Anonymous(STEPS worked with a sponsor)I will lift you up in prayer and support.........................smile  



-- Edited by MIKEF on Wednesday 29th of October 2014 11:44:56 AM

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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery. 

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