Author: TeeJay

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 8:56 pm

In NA they say "What you see hear, and what you hear here, let it stay here…" The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. People talk, and especially in a small town, I can imagine it wouldn’t be long before word got out.

The quality of one-to-one counselling depends a lot on the counselor. I’d suggest if you’re not getting what you need from your first counsellor, try another one. I understand options can be limited in a small town, but equally there’s not much to lose should you shop around for someone better.

The AA thing people have suggested has some merit. I’ve known many addicts who end up doing more AA than NA, even when they have no issues with alcohol. The good thing about AA is that alcoholism is still more socially accepted than addiction to narcotics. Should word get out that you’ve been attending AA, people will likely be less judgmental than if word got out that you were an addict. You may find people will actually approach you from a place of compassion rather than judgment. I’ve even found telling the cops I’m attending AA meetings goes down a lot better than saying I’m a member in NA.

AA is also more open minded to pharmacotherapies like Suboxone than NA. NA by nature takes a more hardline approach to medication because many addicts in the rooms have issues with medication abuse. AA focuses more on alcohol, so what medication you choose to take is less of their business than in NA.

In your situation you might find that being linked into more than one support network helps you achieve the balance you’re after. This forum is already obviously one of those. It can’t hurt to check out AA as well as 1-on-1 counselling. The only negative behind mixing it up is that there can be conflicting opinions on recovery. In that case, take what you need and leave the rest.