Welcome to MIP I am an addict named Mike..

Glad you are here,,this is not NA but a Forum where addicts come to help each other in a loving and caring manner...You can Google........WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BULLETIN #29 

Regarding Methadone and Other 
Drug Replacement Programs 


Many of our members, however, have expressed concern about individuals on drug replacement programs. Questions come up regarding such individuals' membership status, ability to share at meetings, lead meetings, or become trusted servants on any level. "Are these members clean?" they ask. "Can one really be a 'member' and still be using?" 

Perhaps by answering the most important question firstâthe issue of membershipâwe can establish a context by which to approach this issue. Tradition Three says that the only requirement for NA membership is a desire to stop using. There are no exceptions to this. Desire itself establishes membership; nothing else matters, not even abstinence. It is up to the individual, no one else, to determine membership. Therefore, someone who is using and who has a desire to stop using, can be a member of NA. 

Members on drug replacement programs such as methadone are encouraged to attend NA meetings. But, this raises the question: "Does NA have the right to limit members participation in meetings?" We believe so. While some groups choose to allow such members to share, it is also a common practice for NA groups to encourage these members (or any other addict who is still using), to participate only by listening and by talking with members after the meeting or during the break. This is not meant to alienate or embarrass; this is meant only to preserve an atmosphere of recovery in our meetings. 
Our Fifth Tradition defines our groups' purpose: to carry the message that any addict can stop using and find a new way to live. We carry that message at our recovery meetings, where those who have some experience with NA recovery can share about it, and those who need to hear about NA recovery can listen. When an individual under the influence of a drug attempts to speak on recovery in Narcotics Anonymous, it is our experience that a mixed, or confused message may be given to a newcomer (or any member, for that matter) For this reason, many groups believe it is inappropriate for these members to share at meetings of Narcotics Anonymous. 

It may be argued that a group's autonomy, as described in our Fourth Tradition, allows them to decide who may share at their meetings. However, while this is true, we believe that group autonomy does not justify allowing someone who is using to lead a meeting, be a speaker, or serve as a trusted servant. Group autonomy stands only until it affects other groups or NA as a whole. We believe it affects other groups and NA as a whole when we allow members who are not clean to be a speaker, chair a meeting, or be a trusted servant for NA. 

Many groups have developed guidelines to ensure that an atmosphere of recovery is 
maintained in their meetings. The following points are usually included: 

Suggesting that those who have used any drug within the last twenty-four hours refrain from sharing, but encouraging them to get together with members during the break or after the meeting. 
Abiding by our fellowship's suggested clean time requirements for service positions. 
Seeking meeting leaders, chairpersons, or speakers who help further our primary purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. 

We make a distinction between drugs used by drug replacement programs and other prescribed drugs because such drugs are prescribed specifically as addiction treatment. Our program approaches recovery from addiction through abstinence, cautioning against the substitution of one drug for another. That's our program; it's what we offer the addict who still suffers. However, we have absolutely no opinion on methadone maintenance or any other program aimed at treating addiction. Our only purpose in addressing drug replacement and its use by our members is to define abstinence for ourselves.  

This is a condensed version if you haven't seen this(read it all at the site).....Please see SUGGESTIONS and guidelines above...I can only suggest making meetings and know above all 'you are responsible for your own recovery......WE are here for each other,,,,there are no Big I's and Little U's up in here,,,we share the illness of ADDICTION.a physical,mental and spiritual  disease that affects all areas of our lives.. I am glad your treatment Center i working for you but it is very important to remember "your recovery is for you and I know about the Courts and Parents and others , but YOUR RECOVERY comes first,,,,I have a son,just about your age(28) who suffered through 7 long years of hard core heroin abuse and found recovery a day at a time on subs and methadone until he can find his way to total abstinence..Our message is HOPE and the promise of FREEDOM from active addiction ,but as you ar aware,its no magic bullet takes daily work.Please continue to let us know how you are doing,don't get discouraged and keep your focus on your recovery. WE also believe that those who value sponsorship get the most from the Program of Narcotics Anonymous(STEPS worked with a sponsor)I will lift you up in prayer and support.........................