LINN BENTON LINCOLN AREA NEWSLETTER
Volume 1 Number 3—August 2004

I would like to thank all of you for voting to keep the newsletter. Now that we have the newsletter we are going to need our members to send in things to be put in it. You don’t have to write anything fancy. I’m hoping that we will get things from members outside of our area also.

I will be looking in old NA Way Magazine to find things to put in our newsletter; if there is something you would like to see in our newsletter please send it to the address in the “Open Forum”. We are looking for things that have to do with recovery and what we do to keep our recovery alive in our daily lives.            

I will be sending out something to be taken back to your groups to be voted on. It will probably take me a month or two to get the things together.

“Members Voice” What’s vital in Your recovery?

It’s up to those of us who have working knowledge of the traditions to set an example for newcomers

I sent around papers at meetings and area and ask people to write a sentence or two about “What’s Vital in Their Recovery”, and below are some of the responses I received.

The Six Suggestions

These six, sneaky little guys, have been speaking a world of truth to me for about nineteen months now.  The problem is that I have not heard their truth for what it really is.  These simple and unimposing suggestions are the entire basis for the wonderful life that I have today.  I started following them long before I really “listened” to the readings and format that was being read at the meetings.  Having followed these six suggestions and lived the results I would love to be of service by sharing with you how they have influenced my life.

Come to ninety meetings in ninety days and don’t use in between.  “I could probably do that,” I said to one of my first role models in this fellowship.  “Maybe! Do you want to maybe stop using?” he said to me.  No, I wanted to definitely stop using so I followed his suggestion an ended up attending far more than 90 in 90.  This did not take much work nor did it take all that much of my precious wasted time.  It really only took a lot of one thing WILLINGNESS that indispensable spiritual principal that is so necessary to get and keep us going on this spiritual journey of ours was required to follow this suggestion.  

Get phone numbers and use them.  This sounds so tough; we all have heard just how heavy the phone can be especially when we need it most.  The funny part is that like most of the components of recovery this is WAY simpler than it sounds.  It turns out that as long as I am staying in touch with recovering addicts, who I early on made it a point to, make friends with.  Instead of isolating now I have friend’s phone numbers and I am using them.  This is much simpler than calling strangers when I already am feeling unique and alone.  Today ninety percent of the people I call are recovering addicts. All of the people I talk to on a regular basis are family, or in recovery, or both.

Read some NA literature every day.  For me this means that I must be active in my recovery.  Reading the literature is a great way for me to be active in my recovery.  It has been pointed out that if you attend a meeting you have golden opportunity to read some literature either out loud to the group or right along with the person who is reading to the group.  This takes away several days a week for me.  On the days when I do not attend a meeting I work a step, or study a tradition, or read the days entry in the Just For Today book.  By doing this I am able to work step one on a daily basis and step two as I gather strength and knowledge from those who came before me.

Get a sponsor and call them.  This suggestion I have to admit I only followed half of when I first came to the fellowship.  Early on in my recovery about my 7th or 8th Corvallis NA meeting I got myself a sponsor.  The problem was I did not call him very often and we failed to make the sponsor sponsee connection.  So I really had the worst sponsor I could possibly have ME!  I wish I could brag and say I was so strong and determined that I immediately went out and found another sponsor, but it did not work like that. I risked my recovery and life and went on aimlessly for months until my higher power did for me that which I could not do for myself.  He had my sponsor come to me.  It was natural and I am blessed to have the sponsor I have today.  Together the three of us God, my sponsor and I, have made it a long way from who I was when I started the twelve steps.  I became willing and acted on my willingness by continuing to work the steps and my higher power rewarded this willingness by giving me what I needed even when I did not know I needed it.

Get into service it works.  Selfish behavior is what carried me to my bottom, and it has been selfless behavior that has brought me to a being an acceptable, responsible, and productive member of society.  Early on in my recovery in fact while I was still in residential treatment I was involved in NA service. We convinced the treatment aids and counselors to let us leave early for the meetings so we could help set up and to leave the meetings late to help clean up.  At the time this was just to get a way from the house.  However, it was here that I first realized that the people that had what I want were the ones making themselves of service.  When I came back to Corvallis I found that service was a great way to find and stick with the winners in our program.  Today I know that for me that it is true that in order to keep what I have I must give it away but beyond that I have been shown that when I do this I am slowing given more so that I may have more to give away.  It is a privilege and an honor for me to serve our fellowship in doing so I stay clean and live a quality of life that few people in this world, addicts or not get to enjoy.

Keep coming back it works.  What more can I sat without this none of the other suggestions I have spoken of would even have been possible.  I am proud to be a member of our fellowship and grateful for this opportunity to share my experience, strength, and hope.

In loving service

Spencer I.

I’m Paula, a recovering addict. For me the most vital part of my recovery is the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. Working “The Steps” woke me up to my Higher Power. Learning about myself and the experiences that brought me to NA gave me a Spiritual awakening that would not have happened without the Twelve Steps in my life. Knowing that my Higher Power takes care of everything is a wonderful feeling. I still have to do the groundwork, but I am not, nor ever was alone. I owe everything to the Twelve Steps and my Higher Power, the most vital tools in my recovery.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Thank you, Paula

The twelve steps, working all twelve thoroughly with my sponsor’s guidance and staying clean are an absolute.                                                                                                                                                                                          HB

Continuing my conscious contact with my Higher Power and listening for positive direction in my life and allowing that to guide me.                                                                                                                                       LB          

The peace I’ve found in having the experience, strength, and hope of the others that have come before me.                                                                                                                                                                                                   R

The two vital things I must have to stay in a recovery attitude are service and spirituality.

                                                                                                                                                                EP

To keep the doors open for the addict who still suffers.                                                               MT

Honesty”, open mindedness, and willingness Honesty to my inner most self. Not to take that first drug in any form NO MATTER how small or large, conscious contact with my Higher Power and service. I can’t keep what I have without giving it away. Working the steps and practicing the Spiritual Principles in all my affairs. A balance of – step work, meetings, service, working with other addicts. Balance, balance, balance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 DH

Think of my recovery First. Don’t let other people draw me the other way. We need to keep all doors open.                                                                                                                                                                                                    LP

What’s vital in my recovery is I must keep my recovery first priority. Doing service work is a big part of keeping my mind in constant recovery mode! 

I must always be aware. A constant inventory is essential. If I’m not working and living spiritual principles then it’s likely I’m living in their opposite, character defects. I work the 10th step frequently so that I can check myself out, and I have a life outside the program.                                                                                                                                                                  TG

Living life to the fullest is extremely vital in my recovery, also having a SOLID support group. Also staying away from slippery people, places, and things 24 –7. Rock and Roll folks!

 

FUN ! !  Recovery events, conferences, conventions, cruises, and campouts, I can’t afford to get bored. 

 

Acknowledging a Higher Power because I can’t do it alone, even for a few minutes.

Getting my parents and daughters back in my life and that I “Keep Comin’ Back.”  Meeting s are very vital for me! It keeps me clean and keeps my recovery on the right path!                                                                               CA

The help of friends and family and all of the little joys of life. Feeling my human experience instead of being shut down.

Support of sober friends and family and lots of coffee.                                                                KG

My emotional sobriety, God, strength, direction and will.                                                            MC

My recovery is based on two things, trust and hope. If I trust in God he gives me hope, hope is all I got left with man.                                

A strong support network.   NM       A relation ship with God. TF              Strong positive attitude and a strong desire to succeed. MK      NA meetings and positive people. LP     A good self image. GH

Continually  practicing Principles before Personalities, daily use of Honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, getting out of self – 12-step work, continue 10 step inventory daily “check my motives”.                      KC

After 26 years of addiction, NA, other recovery addicts, Discovery, Drug Court and urine cups are all vital.      GW

To be able to succeed and conquer.    Mitch adduct

That I keep going to meetings and get the support that I need! My family being proud of me and that they support me in my recovery.                                                                                                                                   EC

Maintaining contact with my Higher Power and staying close to others in recovery. But most of all ~ never forget that last drug or drink.                                                                                                                                                LJ

The unconditional love of my Higher Power and fellow members. My ability to admit my powerlessness.        NS

To keep staying clean, to keep coming to meetings and to work on setting a good example to my children.  SK

Knowing that recovery isn’t just something you do, it’s a way of life.                                      DMC

I want to thank all of you for the things you had to say. As you can see this ended up being quite long so maybe we’ll do something like this again.  Remember to hang on to what’s vital in you recovery so that you don’t go back out and experiment again. We have lost enough people to this disease of addiction! The topic for January’s issue is “How Dose Service Work Help Me in My Recovery?”

 

Text Box: “Open Forum”


                                                                                                                                   

 

This section is for letters, poetry, opinions, and even tasteful recovery jokes. Your submissions become property of the L-B-L Newsletter. Send your submissions to L-B-L Newsletter, C/O Patti Nichols, 1050 SW Jefferson #2, Corvallis Or 97333.

 

I wrote this essay after graduation from drug court nearly a year ago, it’s there that I learned the importance of NA.  Today nearly a year later I am still clean and that’s due to the fellowship.  This programs works for all that truly want it and are willing to do the footwork.

My Name is Russell H

And I am a Grateful Recovering Addict!

Back when I first picked up drugs, some 25 years ago, I have to say I was very sad, lonely, and scared. I have spent half my life hiding and the other half looking. All I wanted to do was to find someplace where I could feel normal, that place I never found. Over time, I learned I could use drugs to deal with anything. It took many years to really become a regular meth user, but once I did my life spun out of control. I prostituted everything, family, friends, jobs, and morals. Driven by an addiction that said I was Superman and to hell with everything else. I was once creating wreckage on a daily basis. Until I entered treatment I didn’t realize the magnitude of the destruction I created, that’s when I was forced to accept the reality that I truly was an addict.

Entering Drug Treatment Court I was able to find a way back into being a productive member of society, for the community and myself. The success I have found in a new life, since being in drug court, came from many places to include: a probation officer who truly cared Drug Treatment Court staff, my family, NA sponsor, and an awesome job, 12 steps program, and having learned I don’t have to go back to that life. I’ve learned a whole new way of life where I have better decision making skills, asking for help when I need it, a brand new set of beliefs, and reinstated the morals and values that I was raised with, but were previously ignored. Having completed the program I feel as if I am starting all over again, in terms of giving back what was so freely given to me. I regularly attend treatment groups and appear in court on a weekly basis in support of the other participants. I have become an NA sponsor and taken on NA service work through meetings in the jail. Since completion I am no longer a leech on the community by taking up jail resources, taxing parole and probation and the court’s time. By having successful employment with multiple advancements I have been able to establish drug free living in my own home.

Today, I know the word called gratitude and my list is long. I believe my actions speak to that. In maintaining my recovery I have been given many gifts: a wonderful relationship with my family which had been lost, opportunities to repair some of the wreckage I caused, new friends who share my beliefs and most importantly myself; and finally feeling normal. Since the first day of Drug Treatment Court I have not used or even had the desire to, I have been blessed with the belief I am done.

 

 

“You know, we’re funny people, the more we try to do things together, the more we fight each other the more we tear each other apart—tear down the ever thing we try to build…we tore down as fast as we built. That’s the kind of people we are, and we must recognize that to recover. All of us must know the nature of the illness, the nature of the addict, and the nature of recovery. All of these things are necessary to grow, and live, and to change.”         Jimmy K 1973                                                 

 

OPEN FORUM
This section is for letters, poetry, opinions, and even tasteful recovery jokes. Your submissions become property of the L-B-L Newsletter. Send your submissions to L-B-L Newsletter,
c/o Patti Nichols, 1050 SW Jefferson #2, Corvallis, OR 97333.

 
Be a Friend Today

 

There’s always a friend in need

Along life’s lonely way;

Don’t count on him to ask you,

Just be there for him today.

 

Just knowing there is “someone”

Is often all it takes?

To lift the body’s spirits

And a loyal friendship makes.

 

A smile, a little laughter,

A letter that you send,

Can make a world of difference

At a time one needs a friend.

 

An a arm to proudly lean on

In times of stress or strife,

Can truly be a blessing, on the road

We know as life.

      

 

 

One Day at a Time

 

Live one day at a time, my friend,

Soon the present will be past-

Forget those things that bother you,

And make the good things last…

 

Live one day at a time, my friend,

Whatever comes along-

What’s past is past, just let it be,

And sing a joyful song…

 

Live one day at a time, my friend,

Tomorrow’s yet to come-

Today is full of hope and love,

So help yourself to some…

 

Live one day at a time, my friend,

And happy you will be;

Relax, rejoice, and just let go,

And set your spirit free!


 

 

 

 

WHAT'S GOING ON???

L-B-L Halloween Party, Dance, and Potluck, $3 a person and a potluck dish. Party will be from 6 PM – 11 PM at the Mary’s River Grange in Philomath. We will be playing Bingo so bring a gag gift and your favorite board game. Dance to start at 9 PM.

The Philomath, Serenity Well meeting has a potluck the second Wednesday, of every month. It starts at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Siletz, Freedom Group has a potluck the last Tuesday, of every month. It starts at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Selitz, The Only Requirement For Membership meeting has a Speaker meeting the last Saturday of every month.

Text Box: REGIONAL ACTIVITES for October, November, and December
The From There To Here Group of NA (everyday but Wednesday and Sunday) meeting has found a new home so don’t be shy come and join us at, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church at 501 25th St. in classroom #2.Join us, get involved, and help spread the message of recovery.

.

October 2004

October 9 -- Eugene Area Bowling Night at Firs Bowl 1950 River Road, just south of Beltline.

               $2.25 per game for more information call Ivan (541) 870-3787.

Portland is having a fund-raising dance for the Pacific Cascade Regional Convention of NA at 5641 SE 111 in Portland. They will be choosing the winner of their logo contest. For more information call Claire K at (503) 490-0050.

 

October 16 --  ORE/CAL are presenting the Pacific Cascade Regional Service Conference at Old

Riverside School in Klamath Falls. For more information call Dave (541) 882-6264 or

Greg (541) 884-7735.

 

October 30 --  Eugene Area is having a Halloween Dance-Speaker Meeting from 6 PM – Midnight.

                          Location to be announced, for more information call Lamonte (541) 501-1858.

 

 

 

NA BIRTHDAYS

October 2004                                     

Chastale          10-12-03          1 year

November       

Mike S             11-06-02          2 years

Les N              11-11-95           9 years

Jon S              11-17-98          6 years

Mitch T            05-17-02         18 months

 
December

Deanna C          12-05-03         1 year

Patti N              12-10-95          9 years

Herb B              12-12-01            3 years

Debbie S           06-22-02        18 months

Tom G              12-27-84         20 years