It's quite natural to feel nervous about something that is unfamiliar. I remember my first NA meeting years ago, I didn't know what to expect, didn't know how I was supposed to act, I didn't know anybody, and was just generally a bit afraid of the unknown, however I knew I needed help so I was wiling and curious.
I had never been to NA nor did I know anybody else who had and explained it to me. I thought it was going to be like other places I had experienced. [clinics] I imagined some pompous individual looking down their nose at me, judging me because I was a drug addict, asking me personal questions to "qualify" for whatever service they offered. I thought they might need to know my history, what other programs I tried, how long I'd been using, what drugs I used, do I have health insurance, am I employed, etc etc.
However it was NOTHING like that at all. Rather, it was people just like me [us] As I first arrived I had questions like "where is the front desk?" or "who do I talk to to sign up?" The other addicts just looked at me and smiled and said "welcome, we dont do that here, just sit down, relax, listen and we'll try to answer any questions after the meeting."
During the meeting I quickly realized that I was home. They read a few pages from the NA basic text and right away I knew I was in the right place. I felt so relieved hearing people who had done similar things that I did, thought similar thoughts as I had, and most of all, they once "felt" like I did. I had never heard my using buddies express their true feelings before, but these recovering addicts were getting real, and I could tell that they were sincere when they said they wanted to help me. It was sort of awkward because I had never experienced something like it before, but it was the most significant experience of my life.
Hopefully by the time I am posting this message, you have already attended your first NA meeting. Please post your experience here with us.
That's great news. Everything will be alright. It really will be... In my second month of meetings I shared my thoughts for the first time. I thought that I was going to die and that my problems were like none other. I was sooo wrong. Almost everyone had what I had and after I finished my share, no one even remembered what I said, lol. Today I have done 62 meetings of my 90 and it feels great. They are a major part of my life and where I feel most comfortable. They really did save my life. If it wasn't for meetings, I would definately have used. Love, Magellan
thanks you all so much. i ended up finding a friend to go with me, and as soon as we walked in the door, i said, "i've never been here before, what do i do?"
immediately i received a hug from the chair, and she ushered my friend and me in. we sat down, and i looked around the room at all of the people. some of them clean for months, some only for a few days. the chair asked who was new, and i raised my hand. the meeting was several people telling me to come back and how great the program was. it's true, we all feel the same, a lot of us have been through the same things. they were all so nice to me.
i got a book with all of the women's numbers on the back. everyone was so caring. all the women came up and asked my name and hugged me and told me how glad they were that i was there. it was so comforting for these people to do what they were doing because they really wanted me to get better, not because they felt they had to.
i'm still not sure if i can do it, but i think i had a good first experience. still scared, and i don't know when i'll actually speak up, but i think i'm definitely going to go back.
That is so wonderful Caitlyn glad they greeted you so well and made you feel comfortable they want you back and they want you well, go back please made me get tears reading this girl, save yourself alot of misery and go back and keep going back we're all proud of you you will only get stronger and more courageous as time goes by.
Hey so happy that your first meeting went well. Thanks for sharing.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
