"This program offers hope. All you have to bring with you is the desire to stop using and the willingness to try this new way of life."
IP No. 16, For the Newcomer
From time to time we wonder if we're "doing it right" in Narcotics Anonymous. Are we attending enough meetings? Are we using our sponsor, or working the steps, or speaking, or reading, or living the "right" way? We value the fellowship of recovering addicts - we don't know what we'd do without it. What if the way we're practicing our program is "wrong"? Does that make us "bad" NA members?
We can settle our insecurities by reviewing our Third tradition, which assures us that "the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using." There aren't any rules that say we've got to attend this many meetings or these particular meetings, or work the "steps" this way at this pace, or live our lives to suit these people in order to remain NA members in good standing.
It's true that, if we want the kind of recovery we see in members we respet, we'll want ot practice the kind of program that's made their recovery possible. But NA is a fellowship of freedom; we work the program the best way for us, not for someone else. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
Just for Today: I will look t the program I'm working in light of my own recovery. I will practice that program to the best of my ability.
Yes, we need to practice the program that's best for us, but at when an addict is brand new to recovery does he know what is best for him/her? This addict sure didn't. That's why getting a trusted sponsor is so important. If my best thinking got me here, maybe I'm better off letting someone else do the thinking for awhile.
Very true Avid what you shared, I remember telling myself constantly as a newcomer, and even now in certain situations where I'm not able to detach, that I'm sick in my mind due to this disease of addiction, and as such I cannot trust what my head tells me from time to time... this paves way for me to seek a Power greater than me where the direction comes from my Higher Power, the Steps, my Sponsor, from the meetings, from reading literature, from another member... doing this I realized over a few years in recovery could be quite advantageous actually, I get to tap into the entire universe and use a Mighty Power instead of settling in for a limited and distorted power of my own.
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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.
Yup,For me I never even knew I suffered from 'ADDICTION' thought I spent that 25 years in the grips cause I just like to get twisted.When I showed up and learned about my sickness,I needed guidance and support.My sponsor,spiritual principles of the steps,meetings ,service and above all the relationship with the God of my understanding has shown me why I could stay abstinent for so many years without working the program, but have my life be just as awful as when I was active,and not know what the solution was.. Narcotics Anonymous,thru the grace of God, has saved my life ,not just from drugs but from myself!!!I am learning to live MY LIFE to be all that my Higher Power HAS INTENDED ME TO BE, thru our process.If you are new here,keep coming back,better yet 'STAY'...
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
