So Many Meetings...Which One is For Me?

Recovery meetings come in many different flavors, and just as there are many forms of addiction such as sex, work, video games or drugs, there are many ways to find recovery from them. I personally like Alcoholics Anonymous dignitaries meetings. "Digs" meetings, as they are called, are confrontational meetings where you can be called to task for not working a good program.

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I can almost hear someone thinking "I thought he was a recovering Heroin addict?!?" Well, I am, but the odds of me waking up tomorrow and going back to a needle are slim to none. My life is going far too good today for me to make that choice. No, what I worry about is the gradual slip that leads to Heroin. For me that starts somewhere in the "Only a one beer won't hurt" or "It's just a joint" realm. With alcohol, and in Michigan, marijuana, being so socially acceptable addicts often find themselves being pressured to just be "normal" in social situations, and it becomes easy to just give in. Later on we may look back and say "If only I hadn't had that drink..." that is if we are lucky enough to live until next time. That is why I stick to A.A., to be vigilant against what is likely to fool me into thinking I can do just this thing.

There is a 12 step meeting for just about everything you can think of.... N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous) C.A. (Cocaine Anonymous) G.A.(Gambling Anonymous) S.A. (Sex Anonymous)... and the list goes on. There are also meetings for the families of those who are going through issues with addiction to help them learn how to deal with them in a way that won't contribute to their problem.

The standard 12 step meetings all have a basis in belief in a "Higher Power" of your choice, but if you prefer a more faith based approach there are other groups. Celebrate Recovery and Steps to Freedom are both 12 step groups with Jesus at the center and based on scripture. There are also completely secular programs for the atheist that needs help.

Whatever your addiction problem, there is a group out there for you, and people who can relate to what you are going through. You are not alone and you are not unique, and there are people who want to help. That is how we keep what we have, by giving it away, as the saying goes. The first step is to get in the door. You don't have to say anything, just listen. Maybe if you hear something you can relate to, approach that person afterwards and talk. Whatever you do, make a decision to make a change today.

If you are the family of someone going through this, seek out others like you at Al-Anon, they can direct you to others that are going through what you are and give advice on how to help.

If you like what you have read. or want to read about a hard core drug addict that found redemption in Jesus, please follow me and support. Thank you and God bless.