http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums A safe place for those either in recovery or seeking recovery to seek help and support from alcohol and drug addictions. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:37:23 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24011&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:49:04 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D4VM...ture=rec-HM-r2 ]]> thereishope http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24011 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24010&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:05:58 GMT I'm 54 and have a sister who's 49. She's an alcoholic/drug addict. She was a nurse, but got her license taken away about 8 years ago after the 3rd time she was caught stealing narcotics from the place she worked. My family and I have helped her (bailed her out) in numerous ways over the years, but 3 years ago that stopped. Her husband, who she left with her two small children about 12 years ago passed away. She tried to be a Mom to my niece for about six months, but she just couldn't live a normal life. She left my niece and my husband and I legally assumed responsibility for her. She's a freshman in college now, and doing well. I am the only person in my family (other than her son and daughter) that has had contact with my sister since she left my niece on a friend's door step, to go back to drinking. (She's also been in a methadone program for the past 4 years.) Long story short: I just talked to her, and she told me the man she's been living with for six months is making her move out today. Of course, this is because of her violent and abusive behavior when she's drinking. (After losing her nursing license, and with a record of various arrests, the only job she could get was a stocker at a home improvement store. She doesn't make enough money to live in a decent apartment, so she has to live with whatever man she can find who will put her up.) She also told me she got her 2'nd DUI last week, and is afraid she'll end up in jail. During the whole conversation, she's sobbing . . . "kicked out in the street, no money for an apt., facing jail time, what am I going to do?????"

I KNOW in my head that I can no longer offer her any help. All the help that my family and I have given her in the past did NOTHING to improve her circumstances or to motivate her to change. But my heart is breaking . . . and even though I don't understand it, I feel guilty because my life is so good, and her's has been so tragic and pathetic. Somebody please tell me I'm doing the right thing by refusing to give her money or a place to stay. Somebody please tell me I don't need to feel guilty. Thanks in advance for any words of encouragement. ]]> kerryomalley http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24010 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24009&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:52:13 GMT ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\ ~~ /)
( \ (AA)/ )
(_ /AA\ _)
/AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Unity

"The unity of Alcoholics Anonymous
is the most cherished quality our Society has.
Our lives, the lives of all to come,
depend squarely upon it.
We stay whole, or AA dies.
Without unity, the heart of AA would cease to beat;
our world arteries would no longer carry
the life-giving grace of God;
His gift to us would be spent aimlessly.
Back again in their caves, alcoholics would reproach us
and say, 'What a great thing AA might have been!' "
c. 1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 129
^*^*^*^*^

Thought to Consider . . .

AA is not something you join, it's a way of life.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
T E A M = Together Everyone Achieves More


************************************************** ******


*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*


Complete Defeat
From: "From the Taproot"
The principle that we shall find no enduring strength until we first admit complete defeat is the main taproot from which our whole Society has sprung and flowered.

Twelve and Twelve, pages 21-22

Every newcomer is told, and soon realizes for himself, that his humble admission of powerlessness over alcohol is his first step toward liberation from its paralyzing grip.

So it is that we first see humility as a necessity. But this is the barest beginning. To get completely away from our aversion to the idea of being humble, to gain a vision of humility as the avenue to true freedom of the human spirit, to be willing to work for humility as something to be desired for itself, takes most of us a long, long time. A whole lifetime geared to self-centeredness cannot be set in reverse all at once.

Twelve and Twelve, pages 72-73

1967, AAWS, Inc., As Bill Sees It, page 305

************************************************** ********


*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us
a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is
indescribably wonderful."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 17~

"We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us..."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 88~


************************************************** ********



Misc. AA Literature - Quote




Now that we no longer patronize bars and bordellos, now that we bring home the pay checks, now that we are so very active in A.A., and now that people congratulate us on these signs of progress - well, we naturally proceed to congratulate ourselves. Of course, we are not yet within hailing distance of humility.

We ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our other shortcomings, just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If humility could enable us to find the grace by which the deadly alcohol obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we can possibly have.

************************************************** ********


Member Submitted Quote



Regarding believing in God: 'Pretend. Act as if. Fake it until you make it.'


************************************************** ********


12 x 12 Quote

"The same stern threat applies to the group itself. Unless there is
approximate conformity to AA's Twelve Traditions, the group, too, can
deteriorate and die. So we of AA do obey spiritual principles, first
because we must, and ultimately because we love the kind of life such
obedience brings. Great suffering and great love are AA's
disciplinarians; we need no others." (Twelve and Twelve, Tradition
Nine, pg. 174) ]]> Daily Recovery Readings thereishope http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24009 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24008&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:25:36 GMT There are some out there who watch from a distance and wonder how they will make it back to a life they once knew. A life of hope and promise and love. As deep or as far as they may have strayed, there remains a reminder in their heart of safe... There are some out there who watch from a distance and wonder how they will make it back to a life they once knew. A life of hope and promise and love. As deep or as far as they may have strayed, there remains a reminder in their heart of safe harbor, a place of comfort and covering. Its echo only serves to magnify the depth of there current condition.

Know that God knows the cries of your heart and He understands your wounds. The memory of the life of promise once known, is not there to haunt you, it is there to shed light on your path to recovery. It is the beginning of your breadcrumb path back to wholeness. Be thankful it is there and be wise in knowing this will take time, but there is a beginning and when we can identify a beginning, we can be assured of an end. Walk it out, one prayer at a time, one day at time, one decision at a time, one relationship at a time.

If you feel like you are walking alone, know that God is with you and it is in this walk with Him, that you will find your true identity and strength. He may keep you to Himself for a season, but rest assured when He has nurtured you back to wholeness, He will reveal to you treasures of realtionship and blessing that our minds cannot fathom. Walk with Him.

Like a candle dancing in the breeze, protect the flame of hope and reach out to God today. Listen in the quiet of your heart. Rest in the reality of His love for you and your circumstance.

He will lead you to still waters, one day at a time. He will give you, day by day, small steps on your new path. He is not concerned if your walk with Him is perfect, He is concerned that you walk with Him, just as you are. You won't be able to see the entire route,,,just day to day pieces. Cling to these and walk and pray and read of His wonderous love for you. It is when we walk by faith, that we are able to look back and see the path behind us...standing in awe of a God who designs this path for us...seeing His faithfulness in hindsight...gaining new faith for the path ahead, yet unrevealed.

These words were placed on my heart today for someone I do not know, but am praying for.

Peace. ]]> Inspirations, Poetry, Quotes, Etc skyhook http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24008 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24007&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:30:33 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA5-wMCR3aQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA5-wMCR3aQ ]]> janbear http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24007 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24006&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:16:17 GMT A SINLESS SAVIOR

"Which of you convicts Me of sin?"
- (John 8:46 NKJV)

Jesus changes everything about the stranglehold sin has on
humanity. But the first thing we need to establish about Jesus is that He is
sinless. Because if He isn't, then He really can't help us any more than one
drowning man can help another drowning man. A sinner needs a Savior; they can't
be one. Jesus has to be sinless or else He's powerless to save us.





On this particular point, the Bible leaves absolutely no
question; Jesus was and is absolutely free of any trace of sin:





For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for
us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21
NKJV)





For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize
with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without
sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV)





For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is
holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become higher than the heavens... (Hebrews 7:26 NKJV)





"[Jesus] Who committed no sin, nor was deceit
found in His mouth...." (1 Peter 2:22 NKJV)





And you know that He was manifested to take away our
sins, and in Him there is no sin. (1 John 3:5 NKJV)





This is only possible because Jesus was not introduced into
this world the same way every other sinful person was. He didn't inherit the
genetic flaws passed down from generation to generation since Adam. Instead, He
was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20) and bypassed the strain of sin.
So much so that His critics were silent when He once asked them to point out
where He was guilty of sin (John 8:46).





Jesus had to be sinless in order to effectively save us.
Fortunately, He was and so He has.


Godspeaks
__________________ ]]> Christians In Recovery janbear http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24006 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24005&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:52:16 GMT Hosea 1
1 The word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash [a] king of Israel:
Hosea's Wife and Children
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD." 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel's bow in the Valley of Jezreel."

6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, [b] for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God."

8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [c] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.

10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.


Footnotes:
a.Hosea 1:1 Hebrew Joash , a variant of Jehoash
b.Hosea 1:6 Lo-Ruhamah means not loved .
c.Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people . ]]> janbear http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24005 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24004&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:49:28 GMT I have been praying lately for God's will in my mom's life. She has had her house for sale for about 7 months. Well, yesterday she sold the house. She is trying to put one foot in front of the other and simply follow God's leading even though she isn't sure what that may be. My sisters have been wanting her to move to Texas where they are. Looks like that may happen.

I feel a sense of sadness, that i will not see her as much if she moves but deep in my heart i really just want what is best for her. We shall see where this takes us in our relationship. I am grateful that i can say we do have a relationship today since i got clean. The Lord has worked wonders in our relationship. ]]> Christians In Recovery janbear http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24004 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24003&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:38:27 GMT Standing in Self Today, I own the truth of my recovery. If I am to stand centered and strong within my life and self, I will need to plant a garden within my own soul. A garden for me to nurture and to nurture me. A haven of beauty. I will find... Standing in Self

Today, I own the truth of my recovery. If I am to stand centered and strong within my life and self, I will need to plant a garden within my own soul. A garden for me to nurture and to nurture me. A haven of beauty. I will find my own voice and sing my song because if I don't sing it, it will not be sung. It is all I have and it is enough. I do not need to prove anything to anyone anymore. I have come home - to me. The truth is, I was here all along, only I forgot to look for myself. Instead, I searched for me in other people's meaning and became lost in their stories. I am not lost today. I know that there is nowhere to look for me but within myself, and no one to lead me there but me.

Thank you, life, for letting me see this.
- Tian Dayton PhD ]]> Daily Recovery Readings janbear http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24003 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24002&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:00:38 GMT Alcoholics Anonymous Origins and History Articles By Dick B. 1. A.A. History Articles by Dick B. http://www.dickb.com/articles.shtml 2. Mental Health Matters: Alcohol Addiction... Alcoholics Anonymous Origins and History Articles
By Dick B.

1. A.A. History Articles by Dick B. http://www.dickb.com/articles.shtml

2. Mental Health Matters: Alcohol Addiction
http://mental-health-matters.com/ind...layout=default

3. A.A. Bibliography Home: 35 A.A. History Articles by Dick B.
http://www.aabibliography.com/dickbhtml/dickbart.html

4. Recovery Crossroads - Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Community > A.A. With Dick B.

5. Cyber Recovery Social Network Forums - Alcohol and Drug Addiction Help/Support > Alcohol and Addictions Recovery

A.A. With Dick B.


6. Recovery Internet Alcoholism and Drug Addictions Help/Support > Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Help Support

A.A. With Dick B.


7. NICD: A.A. History
http://www.nicd.us/aahistory.html

8. Christian Recovery Ministries: A.A. History
http://www.christianrecoveryministri...splay.php?f=43

9. Go Articles.com: Dick B.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

10. Self Growth.com: Dick B.
http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/ri...me_dick_b.html

11. Anonymous One Articles
http://www.anonymousone.com/ask.htm

12. A.A. History
http://aa-history.com/

13. Dick B.’s Personal A.A. History Blog Site
http://dickb-blog.com/

14. Take 12 Radio.com: The A.A.History Show
http://sponsortosponsor.com/tuesday.html

15. Our Pages on Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.dickb.com/our-pages-on-drbob.shtml

16. Recovered Alcoholics.net
http://www.recoveredalcoholics.net/A...y/histlnks.htm

17. Reformation UCC. Org/
http://www.reformationucc.org/2008/0...view/#more-234

18. Improve Our Conscious Contact: A.A. History Fragments
http://improveourconsciouscontact.bl...label/Dick%20B.

19. Freedom Ranch Maui, Incorporated
http://freedomranchmaui.org

20. Dick B. and Ken B., The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 2d ed.
http://www.dickb.com

21. Dick B.’s Address on the Six Major Roots of A.A.
http://www.mental-health-matters.com...on&Itemid=2048

22. Search Warp: Articles by Dick B.
http://searchwarp.com/About216068.htm

23. Dick B. A.A. Historical Matters-Bible Study Notes
http://www.jordomedia.com/RSS/l_op=v...lid=45698.html

24. A.A. Influences From the Oxford Group
http://www.prohibitionists.org/Relat...s-Oct-2003.htm

25. Dick B.’s FYI Messages
http://www.cmehawaii.biz/cgi-bin/dad...kBsFYIMessage/

26. Cyber Recovery: Audio—Dick B. Story and The Heart of A.A.
http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/...ad.php?t=19455

27. Tampa Bay Clean and Sober Plenary Session Address by Dick B.
http://freedomranchmaui.org/aahistorystory.pdf

28. Articles Base: A.A. Cofounder Bill Wilson - the Evangelist You Probably Don't Know

29. Rocketed: Synonyms for “God” in the Big Book
http://rocketed.org/node/19

30. Focused and Free. Com: Articles by Dick B.
http://www.focusedandfree.com/dick_b.html



Gloria Deo


:idea: ]]> A.A. With Dick B. dickb http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24002 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24001&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:11:52 GMT Always remember that the Narcotics Anonymous program is based entirely on personal freedom, individual responsibility, and equality. The only message we have is one of hope for the still suffering addict. Any suggestions that are not found in our... Always remember that the Narcotics Anonymous program is based entirely on personal freedom, individual responsibility, and equality. The only message we have is one of hope for the still suffering addict. Any suggestions that are not found in our literature are the opinion of the person making them.

You have all of these rights, and so do others. You do not have the right to try to impose your beliefs or view of recovery on anyone. It is only through our Higher Powers guidance that we find the best way to practice our own program. Our Higher Power will never guide us to find the best way for another to practice their program. Criticism and judgment are to be avoided.

"We do not pressure new members to speak or act like us" it works how and why. In Narcotics Anonymous we lead by example, there are no rules or rulers. Coercion, in any form, is offensive. It is only through mutual respect that we find the unity necessary to carry out our primary purpose. These rights, based in our traditions, are not negotiable.



The Twelve Rights of NA


1. You have a right to a higher power of your own understanding.

2. You have a right to work the steps in your own way.

3. You have a right to work at your own pace.

4. You have a right to your own opinions.

5. You cannot say anything wrong in a meeting. You have a right to self expression.

6. You have a right to be free from coercion in any form.

7. You have a right to pick any sponsor you think will further your recovery.

8. You have a right to attend or join any other fellowship, church, society, or organization.

9. You have a right to attend any meeting you want as often as you choose.

10. You are a member when you say you are. Your right to your place in NA is always equal to any other members.

11. You have the right to make mistakes.

12. You have the right to come back after a relapse without recrimination.


"We urge NA members to remain open-minded and flexible. It is important to look to our literature and our experienced members for guidance, but ultimately each member has the right to understand and apply this program in the way that works best for her or him." ]]> Narcotics Anonymous - Substance Abuse Recovery dalin http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24001 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24000&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:24 GMT "I can smoke just one! Just for this evening, I'll smoke, and then I'm back to my quit tomorrow! Really!!"

Sound familiar? Thoughts of smoking are common as you go through nicotine withdrawal. Your mind can feel like it's turning itself inside out trying to convince you to have just one cigarette. Don't let it throw you; this is a normal part of recovery from nicotine addiction. Make a vow to put your thoughts on ignore when you're struggling, and keep your focus on the day you have in front of you only. Don't worry about tomorrow; don't fret about never smoking again. Just think about getting through TODAY smoke free.

Junkie thinking can sometimes spring up out of nowhere when you least expect it, and suddenly your mind is trying to rationalize why smoking would be an alright thing to do. That is addiction and habit talking to you, and the voices can get pretty urgent at times, demanding your attention.

Keep your memory green. Use your list of reasons and your quit journal; refresh yourself often about why you've quit, as well as how far you've come on your path to freedom. Don't slip into thinking that because you've done so well, you can smoke and quit again easily. It never works that way. People who return to smoking often spend years trying to quit again.

Your reasons for quitting will never be less true as time goes by, but they can feel less critical if you're not careful.

If you are seriously considering smoking, take some time to think about the answers you'd give to the questions below.

•Why did I quit smoking?
•How long did I smoke?
•How long have I been smoke free?
•How long do I think it should take to be free of this habit?
•If I go back to smoking, will I want to quit again?
•How long will it be before I do? Weeks...months...years? When illness strikes?
•Will quitting be any easier next time around?
•How do I think smoking will benefit me?
•Is it worth giving up what I've worked so hard to do?
Some of these are hard questions to answer, but if you're thinking about lighting up, do yourself a favor and answer them honestly. Take out a piece of paper, or open your quit journal and really consider your responses to each and every one of these questions.

Protect and nurture the freedom you're gaining from this deadly habit. Remember that the chains of addiction are broken one link at a time. Be patient with yourself, and let time be your quit buddy.

Don't let junkie thinking trick you back into a habit you hate. You might never find a way to break free again.

Give cessation time and you will be free.
Give smoking time and it will kill you. ]]> Nicotine Anonymous SHELLEY http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24000 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23999&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:19:57 GMT THIS IS MY final DAY SMOKING!!!:mad:
I HAVE SMOKED FOR OVER 30 YEARS:16:; I HAVE QUIT COUNTLESS TIMES & BEGAN AGAIN.
Today, I gained temporary custody of my eldest granddaughter & I declared publicly that I would STOP SMOKING if/when this happened.
I have less than a pack; I am attempting to restrain from lighting up; doing other things with my hands than smoke, and seeking other ideas or help to master this goal.:11:

l am also looking for a place to get the 52 cards of DEATH ~ 52 reasons to not smoke. ]]> Nicotine Anonymous SHELLEY http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23999 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23998&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:42:46 GMT Hello, I am new here. I joined this site to find the answers to some questions. I am seriously considering visiting a local group for families of recovering addicts. I am the mother of a recovering addict who was clean for 3 years until this... Hello, I am new here. I joined this site to find the answers to some questions. I am seriously considering visiting a local group for families of recovering addicts.
I am the mother of a recovering addict who was clean for 3 years until this past weekend. DD is now married to a "recovering" addict. They have 3 children ages 4 - 10 wks.
When a recovering addict says you don't understand because you aren't an addict or addicts don't see things like that - is that an excuse?
I'm concerned about the relapse & my grand children. The oldest grand is from a former relationship. My husband & I along with the other grandparents have custody of him. His dad was just so young at the time of his birth, but is a gread dad, in college, just came home from basic training in the military, etc. The child is at his mom's one week & his dad's the next. If the dad's family find out - he won't be allowed back at his mom's. I will stand behind that decision.
After she told me of the relapse this weekend, I asked "Aren't you afraid of losing your children?" Her reply was - "it would be a cold day when anyone took her babies. We made a mistake 1 time this weekend, everybody makes mistakes. We are addicts. Things happen. Don't be so dramatic about it."
The week prior to the relapse we planned a shopping trip. We shopped the day of the relapse and she was just happy, bought the kids some shoes & clothes. Now it's like a complete turn around. Bitter, sarcastic, like she wants to talk to me, but I should act like nothing happened.
Are the "addict" "no drama" comments an excuse. Is she trying to put her guilt on me by telling me basically it's no big deal and that I'm over reacting to be concerned about the kids?
I've heard I'm gonna straighten up from SIL for over 2 years. He isn't clean for long at a time. One thing is for sure - I refuse to jeopardize my grandchildren just to keep the peace. :confused: ]]> Justmom http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23998 http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23997&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:33:59 GMT Quality of Life Improvement Areas
Because no attendance records are kept, it is impossible to estimate what percentages of those who come to Narcotics Anonymous remain active in NA over time. The only sure indicator of the program's success is the rapid growth in the number of registered Narcotics Anonymous meetings in recent decades and the rapid spread of Narcotics Anonymous outside North America.

In 1978, there were fewer than 200 registered groups in three countries.

In 1983, more than a dozen countries had 2,966 meetings.

In 1993, 60 countries had over 13,000 groups holding over 19,000 meetings.

In 2002, 108 countries had 20,000 groups holding over 30,000 meetings.

In 2005, 116 countries had over 21,500 groups holding over 33,500 weekly meetings.

In 2007, there are over 25,065 groups holding over 43,900 weekly meetings in 127 countries.

NA members have a mean average of 9.1 years clean. This can be compared to NA's 2003 membership survey, which showed members with a mean average of 7.4 years clean.

The 2007 membership survey marks the first time that members were asked to assess areas of their lives that have improved with NA attendance. The two areas that received overwhelming improvement were family relationships where 90% of our members stated enrichment, and social connectedness was realized by 83% of the respondents. NA literature states that active addiction is marked by increased isolation and destruction of relationships. Recovery in NA has helped surveyed respondents to repair the damage in their lives from drug addiction ]]> Narcotics Anonymous - Substance Abuse Recovery dalin http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23997