I have a friend I am encouraging to go to NA meetings in a small town of about 10,000 people. He's concerned about word getting around he is attending these meetings. ie. his prescription drug taking cover will be blown. Is there anything anyone can suggest to say to him other than the obvious that it is called "anonymous" because there is a commitment on the part of the participants to keep everyone's information confidential.
Its a willingness that he has to come to terms with, can he get clean without NA ? or maybe he may want to go outside of your town, do online stuff like getting involved here.
Then again maybe its just an excuse to not do anything ....
BigV ,is right do you want what NA has to offer you.Then you have to put aside what people may think,you are the one going to the meetings not them.People have addictions to all kinds of things legal or otherwise.There are lots of ways,do it online ,go out of town,or man up and go to the local meetings,all addicts support each other.Keep Coming Back It Works If You Want It.
I'd say that if he's concerned about some licensing issue, his fears are valid, and I understand. We don't have to mention (ever) our drug of choice and in fact we are encouraged not to. We don't care WHAT or how much... in this case heavy on the what; I guess that's what I might say.
The problem with our secrets as addicts, often we're the only one that thinks they're secret. Another observation I'll make is that I can think up all sorts of excuses for not making meetings but I don't have to worry about job, reputation, family respect, political aspirations if I dont make meetings, those things won't even be in the realm of possibility if this addict doesn't attend regularly.
I'd say that if he's concerned about some licensing issue, his fears are valid, and I understand. We don't have to mention (ever) our drug of choice and in fact we are encouraged not to. We don't care WHAT or how much... in this case heavy on the what; I guess that's what I might say.
The problem with our secrets as addicts, often we're the only one that thinks they're secret. Another observation I'll make is that I can think up all sorts of excuses for not making meetings but I don't have to worry about job, reputation, family respect, political aspirations if I dont make meetings, those things won't even be in the realm of possibility if this addict doesn't attend regularly.
Thanks for the topic!
Thanks for responding JoeB! What do you mean some licensing issue? (Driver's license? Medical practice license? Cosmetology license? Massage therapists license? Liquor license?) Is that the type of thing you're referring to?
Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists, and probably others that deal with medications in many states have specific lisencing review boards and are required to report prescription drug mis-use.
Anonymity is extremely important to many of these folks if they have not previously been reported at work.
Yeah I see what you mean JoeB. No this guy isn't licensed like that and doesn't get his drugs at his work. He gets his prescription drugs from a doctor in a distant state.
we are all human there are no guaretees (?) but it all depends on how bad this person wants it I know for meI have to put twice as much effort in staying clean than i did to get high
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Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. Og Mandino
Thanks to all who have (and may) respond. I've been forwarding your posts to my friend. My feeling is your input is invaluable because it is real (being steeped in hard won experience) and is from your hearts. I'm pretty sure he'll like that!
