When I first came in to the program. I had a hard time identifying as an alcoholic only. Drugs were a huge part of my story. So because of that reason I ended up attending Narcotics Anonymous, where we identify simply as an addict.
When I was new and I heard people identify as addicts and alcoholics I started to think that maybe alcohol was different somehow from everything else. I had to ask myself if I go to AA can I smoke pot? If I go to NA can I drink? In NA they are very clear that alcohol is a drug. In fact it is the oldest known drug to man.
As time went on I learned that no matter which 12 step program I attended, complete abstinence from any and all mood and mind altering substances was necessary for me to achieve recovery.
When I attend AA I identify as an alcoholic only. For me, I smoked pot, did cocaine, and a whole bunch of other things alcoholically. Also, if I go to NA, I identify as an addict. I drank like an addict.
No matter what type of meeting I attend, I need to uphold the traditions of that program and share based on the literature of that program.
For me today I go where I can find the recovery that I so desperately desire.
Just my opinion.
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