Why does CMA need its own meeting?  What about Narcotics Anonymous or AA?

Many of us attend meetings of other fellowships, like NA and AA, because we recognize that our addictions are not limited to crystal.  But meth addiction does carry with it some unique traits.  Where you choose to get clean and sober is your personal decision.  CMA tries to address the needs of its participants and their common experience with this addiction.

What do I do at a meeting?

Nothing that makes you uncomfortable.  The meetings are very structured and led by a chairperson.  After a topic discussion or a speaker, the meeting is usually "open for sharing."  If they go around the room to you ("round robin"), you can either share, or say youd like to pass.  If everyone introduces themselves ("Im John and Im an addict."), you can just say your name, or whatever makes you feel comfortable.  Sometimes just listening is the best thing you can do.

Why doesnt anyone talk directly to other people during a meeting or respond to them?

That is known as "cross talk," and we discourage it because we want a safe space where anyone can express difficulty or anger or sadness without feeling judged.  If you want to share feedback, advice, or even high praise with someone, consider it after the meeting.

The list of 12 steps is freaking me out.

They can seem like a huge final exam when you first read them.  But they are suggestions, and working on them will depend on where you are in recovery and your own pace.  The steps are an approach to your recovery.  Youll want to discuss with a sponsor when to begin "step work."  Many people start right away.  Some wait for months while they absorb other aspects of the program.

A sponsor is someone who has some recovery time, usually a year or more, and helps guide you through the steps and traditions of the CMA program.  He or she can be the best friend you make in the program.  One suggestion:  try being honest with your sponsor.  You might be surprised at the acceptance you will feel.  You can get a temporary sponsor to see if it is a fit for you both.

Whats with the phone list?  I have no idea what to say to these people.

Calling each other, just to say hi or check in, gives us a way to relate to each other outside of meetings.  Calling someone isnt a proposal of marriage or even a commitment to meet in person; its just a friendly call to share support with another member of the group.  Talking with others in recovery also helps rebuild our social skills.

The chips are cool, but what are the rules?

The chips are done on the honor system; you get one when you say you do.  No one is keeping score.  If you have never gotten a chip, why not take the first one, "the surrender chip," and make that day your "clean date?"  Then youll have a set date to celebrate.  Sometimes you see people return and start over.  They are not to be shamed; they have the courage and willingness to come back after a relapse or other event.  No matter what, we always welcome our friends back.  And that includes you.

There is someone at the meeting that I have partied with before... if you know what I mean.

Small world, isnt it?  Its not uncommon to run across people in meetings that we knew before we started our recovery.  Chances are, you are different people than you were before.  Take heart that you are both more health-conscious than when you last met.  If talking to each other would trigger addictive thoughts or actions, then keep some distance for a while.  Theyll understand.

Okay, what about sex.  I might be attracted to someone here.

Some of us found our sex lives to be filled with self-loathing when we used drugs.  So we're slower on the trigger than we used to be.  But for sure, many of us lead healthy, active sex lives.  Just be sure that your sex life does not get in the way of your recovery.  Most of us agree that CMA meetings aren't a dating service.  But friends are often made, and sometimes more.

I have nothing in common with some of you.

Yes, you may be sitting next to someone very different from yourself.  They might not share your career.  Or your gym.  But listen when they speak and youll hear the same struggles and fears and hopes that you may be experiencing.  No doubt about it, were a diverse group of meth addicts. 

The whole God Thing is a problem.

Relax. The God ("of our understanding") or Higher Power we talk about can mean anything you want it to mean.  How you interpret a higher power (something, someone, or some group that has the power to help your addiction that you dont have alone) is completely open to your interpretation. 

These slogans are killing me, man.

After they stop sounding trite, they actually start making sense.  Hearing "time takes time" and "easy does it" and "keep coming back" might sound foreign at first.  Over time, youll probably recognize the use and importance of all of them.

Whats "the meeting after the meeting?"

Its the few minutes when members gather outside for a chat or a cigarette, or to decompress after the meeting.  Its here that youll hear people making plans to grab coffee or food someplace, and youre invited.  Just hover or ask.

One last thing.  Whats that thing they say at the end of the meeting after the Serenity Prayer?

"Keep coming back!  It works if you work it!  So work it, youre worth it!"

Suggestions for the newcomer:

90 Meetings in 90 Days.  It helps to create a habit to replace your former, less productive ones. 

Get a Sponsor.  Try asking for a temporary one and see how it goes.  And call your sponsor every day.

Read the Literature.  Theres a ton to choose from, in CMA as well as NA and AA.  Make it your new bedside table reading!

Use the Phone List. Pick it up and dial.

Its all about rebuilding our lives inside and outside of the rooms, so youll need all the friends and support you can get.