"Hi, I'm Rose. I'm a Narcoholic."

Recovery
#1

I see addicts & alcoholics rival one another (AA vs NA). What's the difference? Are alcoholics not addicts?🤷 It is okay to form or attend meetings based on personal preference, but one should never feel bullied into doing so.

"Addicts" started NA. Ppl using MAT started "MARA." "Pot heads" started "MAWS." Though physical dependency is not as evident in marijuana, it is addictive. Addicts are often belittled due to DOC &/or treatment methods. Our personal experiences may differ, but all are valid.

I recall elders, in an AA meeting, seemingly troubled when a guest introduced himself as an "addict." It was recommended that he introduce himself as an "alcoholic." He did not return. As a result, I've introduced myself as a "Narcoholic," ever since.

Stigma is harmful for all Addicts.
"Worry about your own recovery," as I've heard said, & be kind. :pray::heart:

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#2

I’m a pure alcoholic. Meaning I’ve never tried any drug but alcohol. That being said when at an NA meeting I recognize as an addict. Our disease centers in our mind. The substance we choose is just different. Recognizing as an alcoholic at an AA meeting, an addict at an NA, or a cocaine addict at a CA, etc is out of respect for the traditions of the program. Without them, we would have no program. We are all addicts but the traditions are a basis for the individual program. Recognizing and respecting that programs traditions is necessary. Unity not separation. :hugs:

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#3

Yeah, that’s a big no no in AA meetings. I’m a hard core addict and prefer NA meetings. Although I have a regular weekly AA home group also to keep in touch with the old timers. NA is less stringent and more accepting of all addictions I believe. Yet, I’ve never been to a bad meeting since my journey began in early 80’s. Always get something out of every one. Awhile back an old timer scolded me for introducing myself as an “addict” at an AA which slipped out. I asked him, well, I suppose alcoholics aren’t addicted to alcohol also then? No response. After all, alcohol is also a drug.

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#4

Very well said! I would also add, that all of us should show love and tolerance…especially to newcomers. Many times it’s how you say it, not what you say. Traditions are important, but I believe Bill W and the founding fathers of 12 step programs would put love and tolerance first. Principles before personality

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#5

EJ, it actually varies from meeting to meeting. If you look at the meeting guide/schedule it will indicate what type/format the meeting is. Open, participation, closed, speaker, etc.
If you listen at the beginning of the meeting, the secretary will announce what type of meeting it is again. If you are attending a closed meeting of AA all are welcome to attend, but they “ask that only alcoholics share”. Likewise open meetings are open for all to share. The format is there for a reason, was decided by group continence and should be followed. If you want an open meeting, all are encouraged to form their own meeting in a agreed upon format.

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#6

I agree certain traditions are important, simply because they've been helpful to many. The traditions of certain vocabulary usage & religion, however, has proven harmful to many addicts (aka alcoholics). Because it is the same disorder, the way one identifies with it, or religious/spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof), should not be the basis upon which an addict is accepted & supported in recovery. I do not identify as an alcoholic because I'm not an alcoholic. However, in ways, I prefer the structure of AA meetings (though not much unlike NA meetings, in my experience). Both follow the same rules and 12 steps program. It's disheartening that a program meant for healing has turned so many away.

1 Like
#7

I agree, it's not as prejudice as it once was. I enjoy attending different meetings, and agree there's something to get out of every one. I have an online home group (NA) & one in person (AA). I simply will not identify as an alcoholic. It's a lie, contradictory to the values of the 12-step program. I'm not angry bc ppl think I should. I'm not embarrassed that I'm not an alcoholic. The fact that it's legal, seems to separate the "holier than thou" vs. "criminals". There's no greater morale in being an alcoholic. There's no reason one needs to believe in a deity to recover using the 12-step method. All love :heart:

#8

I agree with you. At first I was going to three 12 step fellowships to address my addictions. That was pretty unmanageable lol. What…am I addicted to 12 step programs. Is there a meeting for that?? Like you, I find I’m most comfortable in AA. I don’t even know why, and I’m done having to figure out why as it doesn’t really matter why. It’s funny because of all of my addictions, alcohol is closer to the bottom as far as a DC. I work the 12 steps in my life. I make a choice to work my daily program of recovery ODAAT. I used and abused alcohol in my early years, but that quickly led to other substances that I preferred. So, while I can’t really qualify my drinking as an alcoholic, I do believe that if I didn’t find other drugs, and just continued to drink, that I would’ve followed a similar path down the road of alcoholism. I choose not to drink, because I believe I would either drink like an alcoholic, or more likely go back to my DOC’s. So, I have a desire to stop drinking. That is the only requirement for membership as per the principles. Do you drink? If not, why don’t you drink? If it’s similar to my reasons, then you have a desire to not drink. If you do drink, we’ll that’s a whole other discussion. Either way, just keep living in the solution ODAAT. Be tolerant of others, which includes being tolerant to their intolerance

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#9

True. I believe most addicts are likely to substitute/trade one substance for another. Everyone is different. That's why I love the idea behind ODAAT, as most groups accept all addicts. I only recently heard of it. I do drink occasionally. I don't need to drink, so I usually don't. When attending meetings, AA or NA, I don't discuss my substance use/abuse. I have no need to & "War stories" can be harmful in recovery. It's the 12-steps I committed to. Traditions to practice complete abstinence & Judaism aren't for everyone. I accept that it is for many, & I support it. :pray::heart:

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#10

Thank you for explaining this.

#11

And that’s exactly why I didn’t take the AA route

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#12

Wow, talk about a delayed response. Lol. Hope you doing well and keeping it real one day at a time. Better late then never.

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#13

I love this!

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#14

Yes that’s become a big issue at my AA meeting.. I’m an alcoholic addict.. I haven’t had a drink since May 27,1996 but after I stopped drinking I replaced the alcohol with drugs.. I had been clean for 14 years when I relapsed when my mother died.. subsequently I went to jail and prison.. when I got out I was sent to AA meetings.. I’ve been clean now for 4 years.. after all this time they decided to start in that it’s disrespecting the AA members by saying I’m an addict.. needless to say it’s really gotten under my skin.. as far as the program it’s almost the same except for a few words.. I think and alcohol is an addict.. it’s a drug just like cocaine or weed.. it’s a disease.. just the fact that alcohol is legal and drugs are not except for prescription drugs.. and their illegal if they’re not prescribed to you.. I think that if you follow the program you should be welcomed.. and helped..!! If the alcoholic doesn’t he’s not following the program.. God sure wouldn’t turn you away..!! Thanks for sharing this.. I’m in total agreement..

2 Likes
#15

Lol! I'm doing well, thank you. :blush:I'm super lazy about social media. I don't like it much. :woman_shrugging:

#16

Yeah, it’s a rabbit hole for sure. I’ve backed off from using it.

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#17

We all have the same sickness. If the legalized narcotics is still be an addict and always will be.

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#18

:pray::heart: