Hello Everybody. I have 1 year and 8 months clean. I haven't been able to get to many meetings in this time. I did go to a meeting last Monday. I am a very shy person in group setting so I couldnt share yet. I felt so self-conscious about that. I also am confused about how I should identify myself in meetings. Am I a newcomer because I don't have time using the skills or doing the steps or should i identify as having 1 year and 8 months ?
Hi Saying "Hi I'm Carolyn and I am an addict" is all the introduction you need. Being self conscious is typical. Remember, self centered obsession is at the core of our disease. Just remember that in a room full of addicts everyone is so self absorbed that what you say will not be remembered by most. I say this only partially in jest. Look, I mean REALLY look at the people in the meeting. Whose chewing their fingernails, whose staring off into space, whose giggling with the person next to them, whose reading some kind of literature, whose texting, and so on. So by all means, say what is on your mind. It is your right and if it helps you stay connected to the meeting or the program in general then it is a good thing. "Clean time does not equal recovery time" This is stated in our literature. If someone asks you "how much clean time do you have" and you have not used in one year and eight months than that is your clean time. Simple. Don't let appearances keep you from meetings. There really is no substitue for face to face meetings. Just stay with the women and you should be fine. Thanks for sharing.
"Complete and continous abstinence, in close association and identification with others in NA groups is still the best ground for growth" (Basic Text; Recovery and Relapse)
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
Congrats on your clean time,it is personal and it does not equal recovery but on any given day it can be our most valuable asset!
For me,I always say I am an addict named Mike,reminding myself that if I dont remember what I am ,who I am may matter. Our literature tells us that WE are not interested in what or how much you used or who your connectionswere,what you have done in the past,how much or how little you have ,but only in what you want to do about your problem and how WE can help! When we remember that a simple honest message of recovery from addiction always rings true and our purpose is to carry the message of recovery and remain clean ,just for today WE share our ESH in association and identification with others in NA. Just because we get clean doesnt mean we become great public orators or do not feel anxious or fearful that what we say is not that valid or pertinent,but by continuing to share from our hearts,the message of recovery, we realize that it is not really about us but how we can help.Great job in admitting your fears,sharing about them and moving forward.......
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
i always say im an addict name rich to remind myself where i came from. Do whatever makes you comfortable. and congrats on the clean time. now just keep coming back.
Seeking information I would like to know exactly where in our literature it tells us the clean time does not equal recovery however it is our most valuable asset I need to know exactly where this is located if possible thank you
