"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 addicts--we don't know what we'd 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 aren't any rules that say we've 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.
It's true that, if we want the kind of recovery we see in members we respect, we'll want to 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.
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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.
I had given up all hope when I found the rooms . I was told that as long as you have a desire to stop using and the willingness to change your way of life , we can help you . I know I have to practice the program to the best of my ability to make it work , day in and day out .
