N.a. ?

[newleaf]

What does everyone feel about Narcotics Anonymous? I was wondering, because I have a little bit of a problem with ALWAYS calling ones' self an addict. Also, a lot of their sayings are said over and over again, like addiction will always be a part of you. Isn't that sort of like brain-washing?

 

[ShyLady]

What does everyone feel about Narcotics Anonymous? I was wondering, because I have a little bit of a problem with ALWAYS calling ones' self an addict. Also, a lot of their sayings are said over and over again, like addiction will always be a part of you. Isn't that sort of like brain-washing?

Because they want you to admit that you are addicted to your drug of choice. Admiting it is the first step, of course.

 

[LoG]

What does everyone feel about Narcotics Anonymous? I was wondering, because I have a little bit of a problem with ALWAYS calling ones' self an addict. Also, a lot of their sayings are said over and over again, like addiction will always be a part of you. Isn't that sort of like brain-washing?

By the time I hit N.A. meetings, my brain was in need of a good washing.

Things are repeated because they need to be. It is something I need to remind myself of because the disease is cunning, baffeling and powerful. Without constant reminder that I cannot safely pick up a drink or drug, I would soon be rationalizing my way back into active addiction. And yes, once an addict, always an addict. God will lift the obsession to use for those that follow the program the way it is laid out, but He doesn't seem to heal the physical addiction. That has been the experience of many addicts/alcoholics who have relapsed.

 

[Breezy3]

Hi, I am Breezy and NA/AA saved my butt and God was behind it all! Lion Of God said it beautifully!

 

[BigToe]

Plus, you never know when someone new will be at a meeting and hasn't heard those things before. Those groups say them because they've been shown to help people stay sober. The people in those rooms are addicts and always will be. But that doesn't mean they have to be active and using. It is a disease and they are in recovery. Unfortunately, it is a disease without a cure and repeating that they are addicts helps them realize they can never "use" like a "normal" person.

 

[newleaf]

Because they want you to admit that you are addicted to your drug of choice. Admiting it is the first step, of course.

Things are repeated because they need to be.

Yet to me, I could see a person who's not addicted, yet go to meeings, tell him/her self over-and-over again "I'm an addict, I'm an addict, I'm an addict..." and the end result is worse than at the first. Also, they focus on the drug at every single meeting, thereby embedding it into their brain, making a permanent imprint.

 

[BigToe]

My mom has asked me to go with her to various NA meetings and there isn't one single drug that has caused folks to be in those meetings. Some used things like crack and others popped prescription pills. Most of the time, the actual drug of choice wasn't mentioned at all.

 

[newleaf]

Most of the time, the actual drug of choice wasn't mentioned at all.

True, yet people all introduce themselves as "Addicts." In fact it would seem in-apropriate to introduce yourself without saying "Hello, My name's so-and-so, I'm an addict." Thinking of myself as an addict, sometimes re-inforces any desire to use that may come my way.

 

[BigToe]

Then that isn't what works for you. But for many, it serves as a reminder that they are addicted to it, they have that disease, that prevents them from being able to use it and walk away.

 

[justanobserver]

Then that isn't what works for you. But for many, it serves as a reminder that they are addicted to it, they have that disease, that prevents them from being able to use it and walk away.

good reply!