“The inhabitants of the Hungry Ghost Realm are depicted as creatures with scrawny necks, small mouths, emaciated limbs and large, bloated, empty bellies. This is the domain of addiction, where we constantly seek something outside ourselves to curb an insatiable yearning for relief or fulfillment.”
One Addicts Experience
This site is dedicated to providing a space for members of Narcotics Anonymous to share their experience, strength and hope. The ideas presented here are the opinions of the writer and do not represent those of the site publisher or of Narcotics Anonymous.
Latest Blogs
- The Smoking AddictI was glad when I came to NA that I could stand outside a meeting and smoke cigarettes. It was fun to be a part of and connect with other addicts. I first started attending meetings in 2002, in British Columbia, Canada. Sometimes we would joke with each other about ‘using’ cigarettes and have a conversation about nicotine addiction. There was always a person who would point out that Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on smoking and it was not … Continue reading “The Smoking Addict”
- A Divided Fellowship EmergesMy Writing My writing sometimes reflected the confusion I felt. At the time, I was not really clear in my mind about the truths and I was still in the grip of the Cult of NAWS. I attracted new contacts and found support to continue writing with each article. Each conversation, and each person who took time to help me became a cherished member of my support group. I was fortunate to develop a new support group of compassionate, generous, … Continue reading “A Divided Fellowship Emerges”
- Actions of My ObsessionsI find that the most difficult aspect of the disease of addiction is obsessive thoughts. The obsessions combined with compulsive behaviors fueled many strange and unusual situations in my life. I believe that attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings finally broke the cycle of acting on compulsive behaviors. I found freedom by listening to others and sharing my experiences. Today I can identify my thoughts and choose to act differently. I still suffer from the disease of addiction but I did not … Continue reading “Actions of My Obsessions”
- Change in recovery“We change every day.” Basic Text, Sixth Edition, Chapter Four – How It Works, page 37 This sentence in our Seventh Step is one of my new favorite lines. I really, really, love it, the simplicity and at the same time the complexity of it. Even though we don’t reflect on it, we do change every day. Every day, we start our day with yesterday’s experience and yesterday’s growth, even though I’d really say my daily spiritual growth is microscopic. … Continue reading “Change in recovery”
- ArrestedThe disease concept of addiction treatment was quite new in the 1950’s. Many alcoholics had achieved sobriety by attending Alcoholics Anonymous since the 1930’s. The version of Narcotics Anonymous many of us know today started in 1953. A small number of addicts also achieved success in AA. A few addicts believed that the Twelve Step program could be adapted for addicts. It was rare that addicts found recovery in AA and many addicts were discouraged from attending AA meetings. For … Continue reading “Arrested”