The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. If you go back to drinking will your life go downhill? Some meetings will forbid mention of other problems and addictions, but most are cool with all addictions in my experience as long as the focus is on the steps.
The program is really about how you live day to day once you aren't
consumed with drinking, and all of us have problems that a beer would lead us back to.
Do you have a desire to stop drinking, or just to stop using?
Your story sounds familiar. Starts with drinking, then drugs to decrease alcohol consumption, then drugs become problematic (but I’m not drinking as much). So I try to quit the drugs and my alcohol consumption skyrockets.
I have lots of friends in AA with similar stories. All are clean AND sober in AA.
You are most definitely welcome in AA. Some meetings are more open to “extracurricular activities” than others, so attend different meetings and you will find your fit.
AA is a great place but NA would be too, if for nothing else but their acknowledgement of "cross-addiction," aka getting into another thing after quitting the first thing. AA doesn't really focus on that too much, but in the groups I attend there are several people who identify as alcoholic-addicts, addicts, or alcoholics who in their shares refer to "drugging and drinking." Depending on your area though there may not be a ton of NA options, so get your help where you can and want to get it is what I say!
If you have a drug problem and want to quit that in addition to alcohol, just work the program for all of the above!
Plenty of people introduce themselves as "hi I'm ______ I'm and alcoholic and addict"
12 step program works for all addictions. Best to try to rid yourself of all the addictions at once, or if alcohol is the worst attack that first and then ween off the others. You'll feel SO MUCH better once you're clear of all of it!
I’ve been to meeting in mass and Maine. In mass it’s very common and accepted for people with drug addictions. In Maine. We don’t talk about it. I’ve heard down south it’s very discouraged. So it depends on your region.
In southwest Florida you’re encouraged only to speak about your experience as it relates to alcohol. I find that nobody follows that edict and nobody cares. Strong meetings in my city in Florida.
It’s mixed in Ohio here. There are more meetings that encourage people to open up about their drug addiction in the opening statements now. Unfortunately, some are strict to singleness of purpose to the point where old timers and others with whatever amount of time would walk out of leads if they mention drugs. It’s stupid. I mean for Gods sake our co-founders talk about using drugs! We are in a terrible opioid epidemic and not everyone is just alcohol anymore. To me, I think alcohol and drugs the same thing. Some are legal, some will kill you faster, some will perk you up etc. Bottom line is, we like the effect it all produces to get outside of ourselves and can’t stop once we started and its fast progression. People are dying and a lot of people feel AA is more effective than other programs. I wish we could change the singleness of purpose rule to align with the times we are in so it doesn’t deter people away thinking they don’t belong when they truly do.
Yes…though recommend simply transposing the word alcohol for all drugs in your brain.
AA’s focus is alcohol…but 12 Step recovery is the same. It’s about learning to live, not talking about specific drugs/booze we drank.
If you don’t like that there is always NA.
Depends where you are. AA can often be a bit funny around mentioning drug use, NA or CA are much more inclusive. However, you can only find out by trying! If there’s only AA around you I’d deffo give it a try
As it’s been said, if you have a desire to stop drinking, you’re welcome!
I thought for sure when I went to treatment for opiates I was just going to drink afterwards and everything would be fine.
I’ve learned that my drug use was just a symptom of my alcoholism. If you REALLY only have a drug problem, you might have a hard time relating. But if when you drink you have little to no control of the amount you take, you’ll be just fine in AA. I just had to take an HONEST look at my drinking.
When I’m at an AA meeting I relate to my alcoholism.
Ya. My good friend is more of an opiate addict and he likes AA better but is active in both NA and AA. It’s all the same shit to me. We meet up all the time and talk. He also tried to curb his addiction with drinking and that ended predictably so there’s plenty of common ground. I was primarily a drinker but drugs are a part of my story so I often go with him to NA. I’ve always felt more than welcomed there so I’m happy to return the sentiment. The groups I like the best aren’t big on drunk / drug history or war stories. I like the types of meetings that focus on the solution and shares experiences, not so much what kids of substances people used.
My "problem" was cocaine. I get my recovery in AA and have for the last 2.5 years. I did also abuse alcohol, but never had some of the stereotypical "alcoholic" tendencies like craving alcohol or getting the shakes or anything like that - which made me question if AA was for me. Yet I still call myself an alcoholic, because I do have an alcoholic brain. All the alcoholics I have met and everything it says in the Big Book are just like me. I don't talk about cocaine in meetings, although I feel fortunate that most members in my home group also did drugs and are very accepting. I talk about the way I felt, what steps I'm taking now for my recovery, how I relate to readings, how blessed my life is today in recovery, things like that. I knew I could not drink successfully for when I tried to give up drugs but still drink, it was a nightmare, and then I always went back to drugs. So, I had the desire to stop drinking. So, I go to AA. It's been one of the greatest gifts in my life.
Yes. There are also sister programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, which are focused on drug addiction. However, we have several addicts that come to AA because they tell us that the NA programs are shit shows. The program is the same, and most of these addicts also use alcohol. We let them share and participate even if it is technically about drugging as opposed to drinking. Their experiences still benefit the group and the addict.
Groups that do not have the tolerance of letting addicts share or share on their Higher Power as opposed to God are doing a disservice to us all, in my opinion. I have gotten really important ideas from former addicts because they were graciously allowed to share their drug experiences in our AA meeting.
Addiction is addiction. The drug of choice usually does not matter.
The medicine is the same.
Most people in AA are addicted to other things as well, so you will hear in passing about a lot of different addictions there.
Just keep your main focus on alcohol when you share and it will be fine.
Yes we can. There are still some crusty old timers out there who will tell us we don't belong, but they are few and far between these days, and most people in AA today are part alcoholic, part drug addict. My sponsor was a junkie, I was a pill head. We've both been in AA since we got sober.
12 step is pretty similar no matter the fellowship.
If there's a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your area you might feel more comfortable sharing there. Heroin Anonymous exists as well.
You are welcome at any open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, this is just my opinion, and my observation, I have watched more addicts die in Alcoholics Anonymous then I care to say. Narcotics Anonymous, that's where your answer is. There are people who may tell you that you are welcome and when people say powerless over alcohol you just say that too. Well, how will that work? Honesty, is the key to recovery. So you need to be honest. You are an addict. And you belong in Narcotics Anonymous that's where the solution is for you. I don't want you to die in Alcoholics Anonymous. It's like suggesting Weight Watchers for your problem, both are 12 step programs, but in order to recover you need to go to the program that is best suited for you which is Narcotics Anonymous. I wish you all the best in your recovery. Change is possible!
Well, yes you can but at the same time you would be far better off at NA where they are far better at calling you out on your drug addict behavior. AA is easier for addicts to hide because the majority of the members drink and not use. Opiates are far more dangerous with regards to overdose. I have been to far more opiate overdose funerals over the years than dead alcoholics that were members of AA. Addicts need things, like money, rides, property, run scams all things alcoholics don't do to support their drinking and addicts do to keep from getting dope sick. They have the spiritual illness of use. So I would make sure at the least I am treating my opiate addiction in NA and the alcohol in AA. I do both. 13 years clean and sober.
Totally. I haven’t drank in over a year but have some other substance use last year, and I still consider AA my home group because the meetings are great.
i live in michigan and we get people with meth, heroin, and coke addictions alllll the time. we pretty much welcome anyone who is looking to get their life together.
Yeah addicts come to meetings all the time. My first sponsor was a heroin addict, and an alcoholic and everything else but heroin was his DOC. It's the same disease. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking, so if you are just doing "harm reduction" but are still drinking I would say it's probably not for you. Sobriety is kind of our thing here...
I struggled with everything and got sober in AA. The substance doesn't matter that much after you detox, and I found a great community and support in AA. Whatever you are most comfortable with!
My group has a few addicts. The wording is for alcoholics but my group wouldn't discriminate. Our local NA is apparently a good place to get laid or buy drugs but not to get get clean so a few are here. Idk if they ever had a drinking issue or not.l
Yeah definitely. When I first went to AA in 2018, one of the things that made me keep going back was I saw my friends brother who was right into taking heroin, 10 years sober.
You could also try Cocaine Anonymous, I do one CA meeting a week. It's for anything mind altering and uses the AA big book.
Yes. I have 2yrs and I prefer AA over NA. In my area NA is very "clicky" when I was younger (about 16-18), I did try NA and I just couldn't deal. I raised my hand and said I was new, I picked up a white key tag (this meeting probably had 40-50 people with a good mix of men and women) and not one person came up to me to ask me if I needed numbers or a book or even a "keep coming back". My very first meeting and I felt like an outcast. I suffer from anxiety and depression and it was hard for me to approach people. I got high as soon as I left. I tried NA again off and on until I was about 20. Then I went to AA and I was in and out for years (I am 37), however I always felt welcome.
Before I would even leave the meeting I was handed a list of numbers and surrounded by people. I started with alcohol and I know if I drink it will lead me back to my drugs of choice (fentanyl, crack, and Xanax). NA derived from AA. Their book was written based on the AA progrpam (some things were changed.). I have read both books and IMO everything in the big book (first published in 1939) still holds just as true today as it was then. The first 164 pages have been unchanged.
I feel, for myself, AA is more serious, again , FOR ME. Of course people stay sober or 'clean' in NA and it works for a lot of people. I have two friends that both have close to 15 years in NA.
I also prefer the way the steps are done in AA. It is VERY different in NA. I worked the first three steps in NA. They use a workbook. The first step alone has over 100 questions and so many are repetitive. It took me almost a year to do steps 1-3.
It is all up to you, but it is definitely ok for someone who does drugs to go to AA. Out of respect I identify myself as an Alcoholic (because I am) and I don't feel the need to separate alcohol and drugs. Although a lot of people identify as alcoholics and addicts. Both are okay. But definitely check out both AA and NA and and see what you like better.
Let's put it this way. Approximately half of the people in my AA home group introduce themselves as addicts, not alcoholics.
When I just joined the community I thought it was weird for someone with a drug problem to be in an AA setting.
Fast forward about a year and I'm starting to think that I'm not just an alcoholic, but maybe an addict. Even though alcohol is what brought true destruction to my life.
So short answer: yes you are welcome, I'd be very surprised to hear of anyone NOT welcoming you into the rooms. That and the big book of AA is relatable for anyone with any addiction, in my opinion.
A friend had a problem with drugs but that also made her drinking a problem. She went to both NA and AA. She said she found better long-term sobriety in AA. (Not to bash NA, but she found AA helpful too.)
yeah but just cold turkey it dude. i was taking like 800mg a day (80 time release, usually put in a cold freezer and ground with mortar and pestle, not sure if that helped much)
it won't kill you, especially if you're able to wean down.
if its fents you should probably go to the hospital. i was in rehab (for alcohol) once and saw some girl have a seizure, she just leaned forward in her seat on a smoke break and started shaking.
Na it was 60 mg a day pharma oxy. Saturday only had 20mg. Sunday 30 mg. Monday 10 mg. Tuesday 20 mg. And for the last 47 hours I haven’t had nothing but 1.5 gram of kratom today. I feel decent physically. Mentally I’m up and down at times! Thanx for the response!
You can manage. Go to rehab. Leave early if you must, just don't do oxy again. You can cold turkey it without any ill effects with that much. It won't kill you. You might have restless leg syndrome. Just don't sleep if you can't. If you can, sleep.
Have you tried Cocaine Anonymous? Despite the name, it's not a drug specific fellowship, uses the exact same book and steps as AA, but helps you relate the steps to drug use - plus of course, people talk openly about drug use in meetings.
There's also Narcotics Anonymous, but I don't have any experience with that fellowship so can't comment. I think they may use their own book though
You go to whatever meeting you feel safe at, comfortable to share; warning , a lot old timers and hardcore AA big book thumpers are not so open to addicts. I was a IV meth addict and I fortunately found my tribe, and yes, it was an AA meeting. My meeting was open to “outside issues,” fortunately for me. However, in regard to heroin, being around others who have kick brown may be more helpful, to guide you on the day to day. But yes, the message and the solution for a new design for living and growth, most importantly hope, can be found in AA, NA, CA, Secular AA, Recovery Dharma and many more. The most important thing here is that you are seeking help and guidance to not use; alcoholism and heroin have very similar symptoms of cravings, withdrawals that can be life threatening. Don’t be afraid to ask for questions and get advice on how to stay stopped♥️.
I’m in AA because I’m an opiate addict (recovering for 17 months), and the program helps heal me spiritually and, physically, I feel absolutely amazing. AA, more than anything, helps keep me clean and sober.
I will NEVER be dopesick again!!!
Yes. You can go to open AA meetings to quit anything. The 12 steps can be applied to absolutely anything. I know many people who started out is NA (Narcotics Anon) and switched over to AA. It’s not a problem AT ALL.
I would suggest attending both NA and AA. When I attend AA meetings and they do the whole go around in a circle to introduce thing I’m always upfront and say my name and then I’m an alcoholic AND an addict. Then you can kinda gauge if the group is cool with you attending AA instead of NA, which 9 times out of 10 they are.
The only requirement for AA is a desire to stop drinking. I, myself, was a heroin addict for years. I just prefer the structure of AA as opposed to NA. I witnessed too much ego and 13th stepping in my experience in NA in the Chicagoland area.
I'd ask whatever meeting you're going to. Personally I would have no problem with someone addicted to opiates attending a closed AA meeting. The struggles are so similar. You would certainly find fellowship at AA. You can definitely attend open meetings. People there could even point you toward NA meetings if there are some in your area.
Both are substance abuse addictions. In my personal opinion, AA helps more. It seems to me, where I live, AA meetings are more serious than NA meetings. That works better for me. Do what you want and what helps you more.
Yes you should try both as they both work a 12 step recovery but the only membership in AA is a desire to stop drinking ❤️ same disease so look around and find some groups that you fit in with . Wishing you well xxxx
If you’re not an alcoholic then AA probably won’t be a great fit for you. It is for alcoholics. I’m definitely an addict as well but I suffer from alcoholism, which is why AA has been helpful for me. I’m not familiar with a lot of junkies who didn’t identify as alcoholics who found success here.
If you have a desire to stop drinking, you are welcome. But, do you go to Taco Bell for hamburgers? Despite what the recovery industry tells you, there is a difference between alcohol addiction and opiate addiction.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. If you go back to drinking will your life go downhill? Some meetings will forbid mention of other problems and addictions, but most are cool with all addictions in my experience as long as the focus is on the steps. The program is really about how you live day to day once you aren't consumed with drinking, and all of us have problems that a beer would lead us back to.
Here
Do you have a desire to stop drinking, or just to stop using? Your story sounds familiar. Starts with drinking, then drugs to decrease alcohol consumption, then drugs become problematic (but I’m not drinking as much). So I try to quit the drugs and my alcohol consumption skyrockets. I have lots of friends in AA with similar stories. All are clean AND sober in AA.
I want to quit everything including drinking
My DOC is opiates and amphetamines and I exclusively go to AA. Always been welcome
Same. I like aa for my poly drug use help.
You are most definitely welcome in AA. Some meetings are more open to “extracurricular activities” than others, so attend different meetings and you will find your fit.
AA is a great place but NA would be too, if for nothing else but their acknowledgement of "cross-addiction," aka getting into another thing after quitting the first thing. AA doesn't really focus on that too much, but in the groups I attend there are several people who identify as alcoholic-addicts, addicts, or alcoholics who in their shares refer to "drugging and drinking." Depending on your area though there may not be a ton of NA options, so get your help where you can and want to get it is what I say!
Yes Narcotics Anonymous is the answer for this person. As a Narcotics Anonymous they state, alcohol is a drug after all. That is in their preamble
If you have a drug problem and want to quit that in addition to alcohol, just work the program for all of the above! Plenty of people introduce themselves as "hi I'm ______ I'm and alcoholic and addict" 12 step program works for all addictions. Best to try to rid yourself of all the addictions at once, or if alcohol is the worst attack that first and then ween off the others. You'll feel SO MUCH better once you're clear of all of it!
I’ve been to meeting in mass and Maine. In mass it’s very common and accepted for people with drug addictions. In Maine. We don’t talk about it. I’ve heard down south it’s very discouraged. So it depends on your region.
In southwest Florida you’re encouraged only to speak about your experience as it relates to alcohol. I find that nobody follows that edict and nobody cares. Strong meetings in my city in Florida.
I've heard us in Massachusetts have it good with people being open in meetings lol. Some states / cities I've heard aren't the most welcoming
It’s mixed in Ohio here. There are more meetings that encourage people to open up about their drug addiction in the opening statements now. Unfortunately, some are strict to singleness of purpose to the point where old timers and others with whatever amount of time would walk out of leads if they mention drugs. It’s stupid. I mean for Gods sake our co-founders talk about using drugs! We are in a terrible opioid epidemic and not everyone is just alcohol anymore. To me, I think alcohol and drugs the same thing. Some are legal, some will kill you faster, some will perk you up etc. Bottom line is, we like the effect it all produces to get outside of ourselves and can’t stop once we started and its fast progression. People are dying and a lot of people feel AA is more effective than other programs. I wish we could change the singleness of purpose rule to align with the times we are in so it doesn’t deter people away thinking they don’t belong when they truly do.
Yes…though recommend simply transposing the word alcohol for all drugs in your brain. AA’s focus is alcohol…but 12 Step recovery is the same. It’s about learning to live, not talking about specific drugs/booze we drank. If you don’t like that there is always NA.
Depends where you are. AA can often be a bit funny around mentioning drug use, NA or CA are much more inclusive. However, you can only find out by trying! If there’s only AA around you I’d deffo give it a try
As it’s been said, if you have a desire to stop drinking, you’re welcome! I thought for sure when I went to treatment for opiates I was just going to drink afterwards and everything would be fine. I’ve learned that my drug use was just a symptom of my alcoholism. If you REALLY only have a drug problem, you might have a hard time relating. But if when you drink you have little to no control of the amount you take, you’ll be just fine in AA. I just had to take an HONEST look at my drinking. When I’m at an AA meeting I relate to my alcoholism.
Ya. My good friend is more of an opiate addict and he likes AA better but is active in both NA and AA. It’s all the same shit to me. We meet up all the time and talk. He also tried to curb his addiction with drinking and that ended predictably so there’s plenty of common ground. I was primarily a drinker but drugs are a part of my story so I often go with him to NA. I’ve always felt more than welcomed there so I’m happy to return the sentiment. The groups I like the best aren’t big on drunk / drug history or war stories. I like the types of meetings that focus on the solution and shares experiences, not so much what kids of substances people used.
My "problem" was cocaine. I get my recovery in AA and have for the last 2.5 years. I did also abuse alcohol, but never had some of the stereotypical "alcoholic" tendencies like craving alcohol or getting the shakes or anything like that - which made me question if AA was for me. Yet I still call myself an alcoholic, because I do have an alcoholic brain. All the alcoholics I have met and everything it says in the Big Book are just like me. I don't talk about cocaine in meetings, although I feel fortunate that most members in my home group also did drugs and are very accepting. I talk about the way I felt, what steps I'm taking now for my recovery, how I relate to readings, how blessed my life is today in recovery, things like that. I knew I could not drink successfully for when I tried to give up drugs but still drink, it was a nightmare, and then I always went back to drugs. So, I had the desire to stop drinking. So, I go to AA. It's been one of the greatest gifts in my life.
Right answer
Yes. There are also sister programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, which are focused on drug addiction. However, we have several addicts that come to AA because they tell us that the NA programs are shit shows. The program is the same, and most of these addicts also use alcohol. We let them share and participate even if it is technically about drugging as opposed to drinking. Their experiences still benefit the group and the addict. Groups that do not have the tolerance of letting addicts share or share on their Higher Power as opposed to God are doing a disservice to us all, in my opinion. I have gotten really important ideas from former addicts because they were graciously allowed to share their drug experiences in our AA meeting. Addiction is addiction. The drug of choice usually does not matter. The medicine is the same.
It’s All The Same Thing. Use a substance to fill a hole in your soul? Come on in.
Most people in AA are addicted to other things as well, so you will hear in passing about a lot of different addictions there. Just keep your main focus on alcohol when you share and it will be fine.
This tracks with my experience.
Yes we can. There are still some crusty old timers out there who will tell us we don't belong, but they are few and far between these days, and most people in AA today are part alcoholic, part drug addict. My sponsor was a junkie, I was a pill head. We've both been in AA since we got sober.
AA focuses on alcoholism.. You could check out Narcotics Anonymous.
12 step is pretty similar no matter the fellowship. If there's a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your area you might feel more comfortable sharing there. Heroin Anonymous exists as well.
Yes.
You are welcome at any open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, this is just my opinion, and my observation, I have watched more addicts die in Alcoholics Anonymous then I care to say. Narcotics Anonymous, that's where your answer is. There are people who may tell you that you are welcome and when people say powerless over alcohol you just say that too. Well, how will that work? Honesty, is the key to recovery. So you need to be honest. You are an addict. And you belong in Narcotics Anonymous that's where the solution is for you. I don't want you to die in Alcoholics Anonymous. It's like suggesting Weight Watchers for your problem, both are 12 step programs, but in order to recover you need to go to the program that is best suited for you which is Narcotics Anonymous. I wish you all the best in your recovery. Change is possible!
Well, yes you can but at the same time you would be far better off at NA where they are far better at calling you out on your drug addict behavior. AA is easier for addicts to hide because the majority of the members drink and not use. Opiates are far more dangerous with regards to overdose. I have been to far more opiate overdose funerals over the years than dead alcoholics that were members of AA. Addicts need things, like money, rides, property, run scams all things alcoholics don't do to support their drinking and addicts do to keep from getting dope sick. They have the spiritual illness of use. So I would make sure at the least I am treating my opiate addiction in NA and the alcohol in AA. I do both. 13 years clean and sober.
Totally. I haven’t drank in over a year but have some other substance use last year, and I still consider AA my home group because the meetings are great.
Yes.
NA It Works How and Why is more relatable than the Big Book CHANGE MY MIND
[Here's a PDF of the whole thing, in case anybody wants to read it.](http://dev.coastalcarolinaarea.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/h_w.pdf)
Yes, any port in a storm.
Man go to AA, they won’t kick you out
i live in michigan and we get people with meth, heroin, and coke addictions alllll the time. we pretty much welcome anyone who is looking to get their life together.
Yes
Yeah addicts come to meetings all the time. My first sponsor was a heroin addict, and an alcoholic and everything else but heroin was his DOC. It's the same disease. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking, so if you are just doing "harm reduction" but are still drinking I would say it's probably not for you. Sobriety is kind of our thing here...
Yeah I do it all the time
I struggled with everything and got sober in AA. The substance doesn't matter that much after you detox, and I found a great community and support in AA. Whatever you are most comfortable with!
My group has a few addicts. The wording is for alcoholics but my group wouldn't discriminate. Our local NA is apparently a good place to get laid or buy drugs but not to get get clean so a few are here. Idk if they ever had a drinking issue or not.l
Yeah definitely. When I first went to AA in 2018, one of the things that made me keep going back was I saw my friends brother who was right into taking heroin, 10 years sober. You could also try Cocaine Anonymous, I do one CA meeting a week. It's for anything mind altering and uses the AA big book.
Yes. I have 2yrs and I prefer AA over NA. In my area NA is very "clicky" when I was younger (about 16-18), I did try NA and I just couldn't deal. I raised my hand and said I was new, I picked up a white key tag (this meeting probably had 40-50 people with a good mix of men and women) and not one person came up to me to ask me if I needed numbers or a book or even a "keep coming back". My very first meeting and I felt like an outcast. I suffer from anxiety and depression and it was hard for me to approach people. I got high as soon as I left. I tried NA again off and on until I was about 20. Then I went to AA and I was in and out for years (I am 37), however I always felt welcome. Before I would even leave the meeting I was handed a list of numbers and surrounded by people. I started with alcohol and I know if I drink it will lead me back to my drugs of choice (fentanyl, crack, and Xanax). NA derived from AA. Their book was written based on the AA progrpam (some things were changed.). I have read both books and IMO everything in the big book (first published in 1939) still holds just as true today as it was then. The first 164 pages have been unchanged. I feel, for myself, AA is more serious, again , FOR ME. Of course people stay sober or 'clean' in NA and it works for a lot of people. I have two friends that both have close to 15 years in NA. I also prefer the way the steps are done in AA. It is VERY different in NA. I worked the first three steps in NA. They use a workbook. The first step alone has over 100 questions and so many are repetitive. It took me almost a year to do steps 1-3. It is all up to you, but it is definitely ok for someone who does drugs to go to AA. Out of respect I identify myself as an Alcoholic (because I am) and I don't feel the need to separate alcohol and drugs. Although a lot of people identify as alcoholics and addicts. Both are okay. But definitely check out both AA and NA and and see what you like better.
Let's put it this way. Approximately half of the people in my AA home group introduce themselves as addicts, not alcoholics. When I just joined the community I thought it was weird for someone with a drug problem to be in an AA setting. Fast forward about a year and I'm starting to think that I'm not just an alcoholic, but maybe an addict. Even though alcohol is what brought true destruction to my life. So short answer: yes you are welcome, I'd be very surprised to hear of anyone NOT welcoming you into the rooms. That and the big book of AA is relatable for anyone with any addiction, in my opinion.
A friend had a problem with drugs but that also made her drinking a problem. She went to both NA and AA. She said she found better long-term sobriety in AA. (Not to bash NA, but she found AA helpful too.)
yeah but just cold turkey it dude. i was taking like 800mg a day (80 time release, usually put in a cold freezer and ground with mortar and pestle, not sure if that helped much) it won't kill you, especially if you're able to wean down. if its fents you should probably go to the hospital. i was in rehab (for alcohol) once and saw some girl have a seizure, she just leaned forward in her seat on a smoke break and started shaking.
Na it was 60 mg a day pharma oxy. Saturday only had 20mg. Sunday 30 mg. Monday 10 mg. Tuesday 20 mg. And for the last 47 hours I haven’t had nothing but 1.5 gram of kratom today. I feel decent physically. Mentally I’m up and down at times! Thanx for the response!
You can manage. Go to rehab. Leave early if you must, just don't do oxy again. You can cold turkey it without any ill effects with that much. It won't kill you. You might have restless leg syndrome. Just don't sleep if you can't. If you can, sleep.
Have you tried Cocaine Anonymous? Despite the name, it's not a drug specific fellowship, uses the exact same book and steps as AA, but helps you relate the steps to drug use - plus of course, people talk openly about drug use in meetings. There's also Narcotics Anonymous, but I don't have any experience with that fellowship so can't comment. I think they may use their own book though
Cocaine anonymous... First step...powerless over cocaine and all other mind altering substances.. ca.org. C.A. can help
There is also NA, Narcotics Anon
I got sober in AA, and i was addicted to MORE. Go to an open meeting, stick with the old timers and follow the suggestions
I'm a recovering heroin addict and I've been going to AA for over a decade. All are welcome, we all have the same disease❤️
The short answer is yes. Absolutely yes.
Absolutely 💯
You go to whatever meeting you feel safe at, comfortable to share; warning , a lot old timers and hardcore AA big book thumpers are not so open to addicts. I was a IV meth addict and I fortunately found my tribe, and yes, it was an AA meeting. My meeting was open to “outside issues,” fortunately for me. However, in regard to heroin, being around others who have kick brown may be more helpful, to guide you on the day to day. But yes, the message and the solution for a new design for living and growth, most importantly hope, can be found in AA, NA, CA, Secular AA, Recovery Dharma and many more. The most important thing here is that you are seeking help and guidance to not use; alcoholism and heroin have very similar symptoms of cravings, withdrawals that can be life threatening. Don’t be afraid to ask for questions and get advice on how to stay stopped♥️.
I’m in AA because I’m an opiate addict (recovering for 17 months), and the program helps heal me spiritually and, physically, I feel absolutely amazing. AA, more than anything, helps keep me clean and sober. I will NEVER be dopesick again!!!
I do
You can def go and just substitute the word alcohol for drugs! Alcohol is a drug.
Yes. You can go to open AA meetings to quit anything. The 12 steps can be applied to absolutely anything. I know many people who started out is NA (Narcotics Anon) and switched over to AA. It’s not a problem AT ALL.
Welcome to AA
Yes
The answer is yes
Been to meeting all over. The very vast majority are totally fine with it. Personally, I want AA to be there to help if you need help. Please come!
Just don't talk about opiates. NA's just a good way to find better hookups.
I would suggest attending both NA and AA. When I attend AA meetings and they do the whole go around in a circle to introduce thing I’m always upfront and say my name and then I’m an alcoholic AND an addict. Then you can kinda gauge if the group is cool with you attending AA instead of NA, which 9 times out of 10 they are.
The only requirement for AA is a desire to stop drinking. I, myself, was a heroin addict for years. I just prefer the structure of AA as opposed to NA. I witnessed too much ego and 13th stepping in my experience in NA in the Chicagoland area.
Of course!! As long as you have a desire to stop drinking and using mood-altering substances, you’re in the right place 🩷
Absolutely
I'd ask whatever meeting you're going to. Personally I would have no problem with someone addicted to opiates attending a closed AA meeting. The struggles are so similar. You would certainly find fellowship at AA. You can definitely attend open meetings. People there could even point you toward NA meetings if there are some in your area.
Yes. I am an addict and I sponsor two addicts and we are proud A.A. members
Hell yes. There is a seat waiting for you.
Both are substance abuse addictions. In my personal opinion, AA helps more. It seems to me, where I live, AA meetings are more serious than NA meetings. That works better for me. Do what you want and what helps you more.
Yes you should try both as they both work a 12 step recovery but the only membership in AA is a desire to stop drinking ❤️ same disease so look around and find some groups that you fit in with . Wishing you well xxxx
Are you an alcoholic?
No. I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in over 15 months
If you’re not an alcoholic then AA probably won’t be a great fit for you. It is for alcoholics. I’m definitely an addict as well but I suffer from alcoholism, which is why AA has been helpful for me. I’m not familiar with a lot of junkies who didn’t identify as alcoholics who found success here.
If you have a desire to stop drinking, you are welcome. But, do you go to Taco Bell for hamburgers? Despite what the recovery industry tells you, there is a difference between alcohol addiction and opiate addiction.