Hey Vin Good to see ya..

Yes If WE attend meetings long enough ,the probability of running into situations like this are increased. WE do remember Clean time does not equal Recovery,,,WE can remain free of using a substance but are we applying the real solution? ,the STEPS, in all areas of our lives? These are some thoughts on this....................Long term Clean time(sobriety) does not equal good Mental Health

Just because someone has been sober for 10 or 20 years, it doesnt mean that they are mentally stable or healthy. They can have just as many interpersonal issues or self-esteem problems as the next person and may or may not be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia(Narcissism?) as well. The only thing they definitely have that you dont is more clean time and soon, youll have lots of clean time, too. Dont overvalue the comments of those with long-term clean time (sobriety)if they are hurtful or judgmental. Instead, take your guidance from those who are helpful and balanced and offer you constructive comments that make sense to you.  Its the goal of NA (AA) to put principles before personalities, meaning personal issues shouldnt get in the way of staying CLEAN, but some people are just crotchety and put their ego before the program. With no leaders to turn to and get assistance negotiating some of the finer points of the rules, its up to you to take care of yourself.  Find  PEOPLE  in the meeting that are helpful and spend time with them.. If the problem continues to bother us, we can  talk to our sponsors and take a break as needed.Our aim is to always be of help to the best of our ability if WE can.WE are responsible for our own recoveries....Many choose to find other meetings if they are finding they are not getting what they need from a certain meeting(that's personal choice)especially if new to the Program...Prayer,trusting in our own Higher Power and realizing that "some are sicker than others' even if not actively using drugs...I always remember writings of the Dalai Lama who said " "Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion." WE should always strive for that goal..Yes listen for the message of HOPE and the promise of freedom from active addiction but be aware that it is more than just putting down the substance that brings us to daily freedom,it is the work and application of the STEPS in ALL AREAS of our lives.I could always stop for a short period(due to many reasons exhaustion,illness,incarceration,whatever) I just couldn't stay stopped until a real change in my actions and behaviors occurred,,and still today takes, a daily bit of work for this ole hardhead..Clean time does not equal recovery,,it just means you may have stopped using drugs longer than I,,,,that's when the real work begins....  My thoughts with some other input....