What can I expect on my first NA Meeting?

Question

Serious answers only please.
I have come to grips that I need to seek help for my drug addiction. I am scared to go to my first meeting and I would really appreciate any information on what I can expect when I walk through that door. Will I have to talk to people or can I just observe? Can I talk when I am ready or do I have to talk to the group? I'm very nervous,....if you can't tell.

Answer 1

Hi
When you get there a few people will probably come up to you and introduce themselves since they won't recognize you. They don't want anything from you; they just want you to feel welcome. Once you're inside, get a cup of coffee if you want and find a chair. I would suggest sitting with some women there as the program suggests that men stick with men, and women stick with women.
Once the meeting starts, you will hear various people reading different things which gives a basic idea of what NA is all about. Then you will listen to others share their experience, strength, and hope about their past life as an active addict, and their present life as a recovering addict. You won't have to talk, you can just listen while the meeting is going on. If you like what you hear, talk with some of the women there afterwards; I can guarantee that some of them will take their time to answer any questions they can for you. The way that the NA program works is by each of us in recovery sharing with one another.
I understand your being scared going to your first meeting; it's only natural and everyone of us in recovery had to go to our own first meeting, feeling the same way as you do now.
I could go on and on, but as I can't be there to tell you in person, please let me give you an online "welcome" to recovery!!! This is probably one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your life!!!
Take Good Care :-)

Answer 2

There are several types of meetings, some in coffee houses others are outside (which I prefer) At the beginning of the meeting people read about what it is to be an addict etc. Most meetings will ask if their are any newcomers and they usually given a token, and no you need not share unless you feel like it. As with most groups, you find the one that you feel most comfortable at. Do Not be nervous, we are all there for the same reason. Wish you the very Best

Answer 3

I glad you made a decision to change your life around. I work in Downtown Los Angeles in an area of 7 miles called Skid Row where 10,00 homeless people and more than half are on drugs and alcohol. I've been to the meeting because I referred people to CA, NA, AA al of the time. You introduce your self and listen to others stories about why they started using and why they decided to come today. Others takes a few meetings to start sharing, just remember you made the first step, and It was a big one and I'm so proud of you. Wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

I've never been to NA, but have been going to AA. You will probably see people reading a "preamble" of various things. Then possibly a 10-15 minute speaker, followed by a group discussion. You absolutely do not have to talk if you don't want too. In fact, it's probably better that you just listen. Don't worry if people want to talk to you, it's part of their staying clean. Don't judge based on one meeting. Have fun, it's better than dying an addict!

Answer 5

First, remember, everyone else who will be there also had these thoughts, and agonized in just the same way, before THEIR first meeting, and they REMEMBER what it's like.

When you walk through the door, people will probably want to swap first names, and give you a handshake, or a hug.

If you make it plain that you simply aren't ready for that, your wishes will be respected.

Tell people, "Um, I don't know what to say, I'm new (or this is my first meeting)." or, "I choose just to listen."

Expect friendly support. Everyone else is there because they are in the exact same boat you're in! :-))

You may speak if you wish, or pass.

Go ahead, sweetie, be nervous - JUST GO! :-))

Answer 6

I have been it will help you

you don't have to talk just listen it is people like you with the same problem give it a chance

you wont be judged there

Good Luck