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
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From time to time we wonder if were 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 addictswe dont know what wed do without it. What if the way were 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 arent any rules that say weve got to attend this many meetings or these particular meetings, or work thesteps this way at this pace, or live our lives to suit these people in order to remain NA members in good standing.
Its true that, if we want the kind of recovery we see in members we respect, well want to practice the kind of program thats 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.
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Just for today: I will look at the program I'm working in light of my own recovery. I will practice that program to the best of my ability.
-- Edited by Dave R on Wednesday 8th of June 2011 05:34:29 AM
The only requirment for NA membership is a desire to stop using. This is very important because it keeps NA open to all types of people with all types of problems and backgrounds.
I love Tradition 3 and I love that it doesnt matter how big or small the desire may be when we come into the rooms. I've ran into members that almost take pride in being rude and hostile and it made me re evaluate my own recovery and strive harder to make sure that whatever I may share in a meeting, that I share in a responsible loving and welcoming manner. The NA literature tells us it's not for us to judge another persons level of desire to quit using. My job is to carry the message of hope and freedom from active addiction to the addict who still suffers. I absolutely LOVE Narcotics Anonymous!
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Carrying the message of hope and freedom from active addiction to the addict who still suffers.
