Question by : my friend is a drug addict and alcoholic, I need advice and info on narcotics anonymous meetings?
My friend has a problem with drinking and using heroin… he says he knows has a problem but says that he will only stop if he can do it on his own terms. He wont go to rehab or the hospital for detox, or attend a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.
Any advice?
Also, I’m interested in attending an open NA meeting just so I can learn more about what I can do to help and better understand what my friend is going through. Can you just show up and go, or do you have to let them know your coming (or do you need to have a membership?)?
And whether or not you need a membership is it COMPLETELY anonymous? I’m 15, I dont want my parents to find out and A) think that I’m using, or B) try to force me to stop seeing and helping my friend.
Best answer:
Answer by 1701
You are not going to be able to force someone to do something (detox, rehab, NA, etc) they don’t want to do. If your friend has an addiction, “do it on own his own terms” is probably just his way of rationalizing and really avoiding the issue of getting help.
NA mtgs are anonymous, like AA mtgs, but do not expect that you will receive some sort of direct counseling as to how to deal w/ your friend @ a meeting – that’s not really what a NA mtg is about – it’s more like people sharing their personal experiences and gaining strength or resolve through that sharing. If you want to learn more about NA, including where to find a mtg near you, you can go to their site http://www.na.org/ and click on the links “Find a meeting” or “Information about NA,” which offers basic info for potential members as well as for non-addict family members.
The website (or a local chapter) may offer info or other resources to help you & your friend deal w/ your problem. If in doubt about showing up to a meeting, you can call beforehand to find out what’s what. Good luck.
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The answer before was pretty good I just want to add a couple of points.
First if it really is your boyfriend and not you with the addiction problem then you don’t need an NA meeting you need Alanon/Naranon/Alateen. All of these groups are there for people like you who love an addict.
At 15 I would recommend Alateen for you. There website is: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html
Even if you stop dating this boy tomorrow the program will help you. A lot of people who get involved with addicts will keep following that pattern.