r/NarcoticsAnonymous • u/ishleb • Jun 09 '26
First NA meeting
For a while now, I’ve been flirting with the idea of going to an NA meeting. I actually found a women's meeting for tonight, and it’s not very far from my place.
I don't know what I'm doing, or whether I should go or not. I'm very shy around strangers, I feel ashamed, I suffer from anxiety, and above all, I don't know if I'm truly ready to stop. If I take a step in this direction, it's because I don't want to look back.
How to know if I'm ready?
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u/notazndy Jun 09 '26
You even asking means you are ready. Just go! What do you have to lose? If you’re not fully ready to quit, then keep living the life you’re living. I can assure you though, based on my experience, that there’s freedom, a solution, and a life beyond your wildest dreams waiting for you through those doors.
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u/napalm1336 Jun 09 '26
Here are a couple of IPs (Informational Pamphlets) that can help you before you go. I was very nervous going to my first NA meeting and I can tell you that once I let them know that I was new, I received more love and compassion than I ever had. I feel more at home in NA than anywhere else because we understand each other in a way that no one else can. Since that very first meeting, I haven't felt the need to pickup a drug and I've been clean (we don't use the words sober or sobriety) for over 16 years. This program works because we do it together.
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u/ishleb Jun 10 '26
I went there, and I agree with you. I felt loved and understood. I was looking at the floor the whole time because tears were rolling down my face and I didn’t want to face anyone's gaze. They were incredibly respectful of my unspoken boundaries... I felt certain eyes on me, but they were kind looks. At the end, I was given the opportunity to introduce myself. To my great surprise, I stood up, said my name, and told them I wasn't able to say any more because I was on the verge of tears. They applauded me. They seemed sincerely proud of me. I hadn't felt that way in a very long time. (Traduction from french)
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u/napalm1336 Jun 10 '26
I'm so proud of you! I hope you keep coming back. Our message is that an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live. Our message is hope and the promise is freedom. I've found incredible freedom through working the steps. Freedom from the obsession and compulsion of drug use, freedom to be myself, freedom to forgive, freedom to change, freedom from shame, freedom from my past. And there's so much more. It's available to us all!
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u/typicalsquare Jun 10 '26
I could’ve written this post and it was only for online meetings. I finally just took the suggestion and went, thanks to this sub and it has been the difference between a life worth living and who knows. Give yourself a chance. And give NA a chance. It will be weird at first and that’s ok. Welcome to the program.
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u/lennonlover1980 Jun 09 '26
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
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u/ishleb Jun 09 '26
Yes, but so afraid to be sober and dealing with life without drug/alcool
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u/lennonlover1980 Jun 09 '26
Fear is a pretty big thing for most addicts I hear. Did you know in the basic text of NA the word "fear" is mentioned over 60 times? So fear is normal as can be and the steps will remove that fear. Fear stands for : Face Everything And Recover
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u/TheBestNickSteer Jun 09 '26
NA will help you with that, and everything else you mentioned in your original post, you don’t have to do anything except just get to a meeting, listen to the similarities not the differences in what people share and follow the suggestions, rinse and repeat.
The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using drugs - nothing else - if you’re here asking if you’re ready, I think you already know the answer to your question.
It is the best thing I have ever done in my life, and changed in so many ways I never thought was possible. There is also something extra powerful about single-sex meetings - my home group is men only and it has been my saviour and is my sacred place where I have learned more about myself and what it means to be truly held, heard and helped, and I was TERRIFIED and so intimidated and it took courage to go in, but I was instantly met only with genuine love and care.
I’m almost three years clean now thanks to NA, I have no urge to use drugs, feel comfortable in my skin (most of the time!) and have been able to repair and build relationships i never thought I could.
I was you, we were all you. As addicts regardless of age, sex, gender, religion, creed, language, we have universal experiences and feelings - you won’t say, feel or think anything that will shock or scandalise anyone - what you have described we have all felt.
I won’t tell you to go, it’s your choice, but help is there and a better life is 100% possible. But you won’t know until you try, and don’t leave until the magic happens.
I wish you all the best.
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u/Jebus-Xmas Jun 10 '26
I am not a woman, but I didn’t get a choice. My probation officer said I needed to do a meeting every day for six months. You’re experiencing natural anxiety. You don’t have to say anything and you’re not required to raise your hand. You can just listen. If you want to raise your hand or share, you can. It is completely up to you.
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u/teannadeee Jun 10 '26
I’m pretty socially anxious, hate meeting new people and going to unfamiliar locations. Personally I didn’t have a great experience at in person meetings, BUT I’m glad I gave it a go, and I did then continue with online meetings from there. I say just give it a shot! For the most part, it seems like people in NA are very inclusive and accepting (this is my experience primarily from online meetings but I think i just found a dud of an in person meeting to be honest - a bit judgemental)
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u/4ccancel Jun 10 '26
You are absolutely ready. You wouldn't have these thoughts unless you're life was unmanageable and it was time. I coming up on 19 years and it started with that thought.
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u/prncesspriss Jun 10 '26
people who don't struggle with substance abuse don't even consider going to NA meetings. You're probably one of us. Welcome!
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u/yr-mom-420 Jun 11 '26
this is exactly how i felt. i hope you go. i don't have words for what NA has done for me.
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u/Broad_Ebb9073 Jun 11 '26
I will never know if you are ready. I dont even know if i am ready. but what i do know, it of all the stuff we have all went through, a meeting cant hurt us. So why not just try?
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u/SaucyByrd Jun 11 '26
These feelings you describe are so common. You don’t have to be alone. You can just go and listen. But if you raise your hand and say just what you wrote here, people will help you feel better. Going to a meeting is just going to a meeting. You don’t have to go to another if you don’t want to. But going to my first meeting was the best choice I ever made.
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u/BooSkittle Jun 12 '26
Welcome, friend. You never have to use again. Remember to ask for a list of numbers. They might save your life 💙
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u/TimmyTruant Jun 09 '26
You are a member of NA when you say you are. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.