Suggestions for the Newcomer

It's not uncommon for newcomers to feel confused, disoriented, out of place, distrustful, fearful, mentally and emotionally destroyed, and vulnerable. Don't let those things stand in the way of the hope and freedom from active addiction you will find in recovery. We understand you because we've been there.

The following are some suggestions that have helped us in our early recovery and during our clean time:

  1. Total abstinence from all kinds of drugs: including pills, alcohol, and marijuana.
  2. Go to 90 meetings in 90 days (90 in 90): This can help you establish a new routine in your life. You can get to know people who had problems with drugs and are now clean and recovering, and you won't feel alone.
  3. Identify with others who share in meetings: Avoid comparing yourself with others. Try to relate by finding the things and feelings you have in common with others.
  4. Avoid old people, places & things: Avoid contact with people who are using, including your friends. Don't go to the same places and don't do the same things. Don't put yourself in dangerous situations that could lead to using.
  5. Get telephone numbers & call: This will help you break away form the isolation associated with active addiction. We know how hard it is to make that call. Call even if you don't know what to say.
  6. If you feel the urge to use, pick up that phone and talk to an addict: By talking about it, the obsession to use can go away. Our program works by one addict helping another.
  7. Just for today: Try to stay clean just for today. Don't try to tackle all your life problems in one day.
  8. Take care of your basic needs: Get enough sleep, eat well (3 meals a day), take care of your personal hygiene.
  9. HALT: Make sure you're never too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
  10. Read NA literature: Start by reading the IP's (Information Pamphlets). The Basic Text of NA was written by addicts, for addicts, about addicts.
  11. Keep an open mind: Open-mindedness allows us to become teachable. We don't know everything. NA has worked for many others and can work for you too.
  12. Get an NA sponsor who has a sponsor and works the 12 Steps: We need someone to guide us in our recovery. Look for someone who inspires you and can help you in that process. Ideally, men should look for a male sponsor, and women for a female sponsor.
  13. Get a support group: We couldn't do it alone. Look for people you can relate to, whom you can trust, and whom you can count on. Any given time your sponsor may not be available is the time to reach out to you new friends in recovery.
  14. Get a home group: By having a home group you can get to know people and they can get to know you.
  15. Try not to get emotionally involved in a new relationship for a year: Give yourself time to be with yourself and get to know yourself.
  16. Honesty: When you share in meetings, try to speak in "I" statements and try to talk about feelings with as much honesty as you can.
  17. Work Steps: NA is a 12-Step fellowship, not a 2 or 3 step program. Your sponsor will guide you in your Step work. That's how we recover.
  18. Whatever happens, don't use.
  19. Keep coming back clean: No matter what, even if you use.