nar-anon f2f meetings

[annam]

I haven't attended a meeting as of yet and am a bit confused as to the format. If the meeting is open does that mean I should attend with my AS? Are there separate meetings for family?

I guess I don't know what to expect from the format therefore don't know if its appropriate to go with or without him.

Thoughts?

[DianeB]

Nar Anon meetings are for the FAMILY and
FRIENDS of the addict. The addict really has no
place there. This meeting is for you. If the meeting
is OPEN the the public is welcomed. If the meeting
is CLOSED then it is for Nar Anon fellowship only.

NA- Narcotics Anonymous is for the ADDICT. The
same guidelines apply for OPEN and CLOSED. The
OPEN meeting is open to the public. The CLOSED
Meeting is for the addicts only.

While your so could technically go to an OPEN Nar Anon
Meeting, it would be uncomfortable for everyone and
highly unlikely anyone would feel safe sharing.

You go to Nar Anon (open or closed) and he goes to
NA (open or closed).

The same applies to AA and Al Anon meetings.

Hope this helps.

Hugs.....

[Roxers2011]

We do have "double-winners" who attend my f2f (al-anon) meeting. They are alcoholics in recovery, but also have the problem of addiction in a relative or friend, so they attend both programs. It has been suggested to my ABF that he attend al-anon, as his father and many friends are addicts/alcoholics. That said, I don't think that I would feel comfortable being in the same meeting with him, because I wouldn't be sure that I could share honestly.

It is definitely appropriate to go without him. The format will likely be very similar to our online meetings. They will open with some formal stuff, 12 steps, etc, Someone will present a topic, and the sharing will begin.

[daughter9moons]

We do have "double-winners" who attend my f2f (al-anon) meeting. They are alcoholics in recovery, but also have the problem of addiction in a relative or friend, so they attend both programs. It has been suggested to my ABF that he attend al-anon, as his father and many friends are addicts/alcoholics. That said, I don't think that I would feel comfortable being in the same meeting with him, because I wouldn't be sure that I could share honestly.

I also don't think I could feel comfortable with my loved ones attending my meeting. It is my safe place. My RAH and RAD ended up having this very same problem. She asked hime if he would not attend a particular meeting so that she could have a safe place. He was quite obnoxious about it at first. They finally worked it out.

[TooShyToScream]

I went to an NA meeting once with my ALO and it wasn't really comfortable at all. Neither of us felt comfortable sharing. We have been going to separate meetings ever since. Whether I decide to go to an open NA meeting or a Naranon meeting, I go by myself.

[carpediem]

All I did in my meetings at first was: listen, cry, and vent, vent, vent. It felt so great to be able to do that, out of earshot from my family members. I need my program to be for me - because frankly, some of the things I think and have said would be very upsetting to anyone in my family.