Are You In The Right Place?
September 19, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I’ve seen others write on this topic lately and I do find what we have to say about it interesting. It has become rare that I hear a newcomer told that they are in the right place at an AA meeting. Perhaps that is because of the proliferation of First Step meetings in this area. I’m not sure.
For me, the most important thing I want to remember is that when I do hear someone say this, currently, my belly barometer goes off. I.E. I get this instant feeling in the pit of my stomach that telling someone they are in the right place sounds so much like judgment unwarranted.
What others have mentioned about our courts is also our experience in this area. The courts are simply dumping folks by the dozens into AA meetings because they’ve had some level of a problem with the law regarding alcohol. It has become convenient, imho, for the courts to do this. The problem with this is they are also dumping drug addicts into AA. Of course that is their prerogative. It’s too bad they seem to know nothing of Narcotics Anonymous.
God continues to work His miracles anyway! I just wrote about seeing some friends who found their way to NA. I am grateful God is still in charge.
Anyhow… sooo what we do is offer new folks the opportunity to speak to us, right? We welcome any and all without prejudice. Perhaps some are not real alcoholics. More than likely many aren’t real alcoholics, right? But what does that mean to us? Do we change the message that we carry because we “think” they might not belong?
I don’t think so. We continue to pass this on the way it was given to us. If it doesn’t fit or is not wanted, we let that go. Then, the folks that don’t belong eventually filter out. Some will return later, having become real alcoholics. God will find the right place for them.
Having listened to many along the way, when I hear someone who has a story that sounds quite familiar I have no problem trying to speak with them and elicit answers to some pertinent questions – those I was asked.
“What happens when you pick up the first drink?”
If I receive a very similar answer to my own I can tell the person that it sounds like you’re in the right place but I remind them that is not my call to make – it’s theirs.
I know that I am in the right place. An addict is any man or woman whose life was controlled by drugs. We lived to use and used to live. First and foremost I am an addict. I truly hope that the addicts in AA will slide on over to NA and get the help they truly deserve. This is a spiritual, not a religious program known as Narcotics Annonymous. Hope to see more about this fellowship which not only gave me freedom from active addiction but taught me how to live happy, joyous and free, one day at a time.
Sure could use a copy of the basic text! hehehe
Hi Mark.
Linda, daaaaaling, ditto on the basic text.
I know I’m in the right place in AA – A nudge got me there – And I was welcomed warmly. I’ve also been warmly welcomed at NA. I would like to think that NAs at AA are warmly welcomed too.
Perhaps we can keep some NA schedules on hand at the “Club?” Or keep some in our cars to hand out? Don’t misunderstand – I would never want to make an NA or anyone feel unwelcome at an AA meeting – Just would like them to know that there is some really awesome NA in Savannah that they might want to check out.
What do you guys think?
luv,
s.
I think its a purrfeckly maaaaahvelous ideeeya!
There is a small 12 step program Chemically Dependent Anonymous , http://www.cdaweb.org
Most of their meetings are in Maryland. They started in Md. in 1980 when NA was small and growing there… now CDA has members from a number of fellowships like AA and NA.
Some people joke, myself too, that CDA stands for can discuss anything, related to drugs of choice.
Getting clean and sober 30 years ago in prison at 20 years old, I’m a believer in bring the body and the mind can and will follow. Plus you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it, But you can make him thirsty.
accepting the gift ; ODAAT
Perry