Welcome
Coming to a CMA meeting the first time can be a strange experience. We all remember coming through the door to our first meeting. We felt scared to see such a large group of people. We worried about what impression we would make. We worried that we wouldn’t fit in or that we wouldn’t know the “rules” – that we’d say or do the wrong thing. Many of us were still high or crashing hard – we had trouble sitting still, listening and talking with other people. All of us were confused and looking for help.
Here are some things we wish we’d known our first days…You don’t have to use crystal today. Most of us felt relieved to hear this. We only believed it because we were being told by people who had stopped, many for a long time.
Relax. You are safe here. You don’t have to do anything here. You’ve come to CMA because you have a problem with crystal. We all have this problem so you are among friends. You can’t do or say anything “wrong” here. Some of us were nervous because we recognized someone we knew at the meeting but anonymity is a basic principle of CMA; we do not divulge who we see or what is said here.
Easy does it. The first few meetings feel the strangest. It takes a while to get used to new people, how meetings are run, and the way that people talk about their lives (and encourage you to do so, too). Also, you may be crashing, depressed or tired. We remember how painful this all is. Take it easy – you already have made the best of impressions by coming here. We know what courage that takes.
You are not alone. Most of us were amazed to see so many other people doing something about their crystal meth problem. We heard others talk about their use of crystal and how it got out of control. Many of the things they did and feelings they had were similar to ours. We came to feel less alone and less ashamed.
Phone numbers. Many of us give our phone numbers to newcomers. We do this so that when you feel lonely, want to use, or want to talk with someone, you’ll have someone to call. Believe it or not, you help the person you call as much as he helps you.
Keep coming back. The awkwardness of being new to CMA goes away pretty quickly. Many of our first impressions of CMA turned out to be untrue. We hope you will come back and give yourself a chance to know CMA.
What happens at a CMA meeting?
There are different formats and topics for meetings, but all CMA meetings share one thing. You will always find recovering crystal meth addicts there, talking about what using crystal meth did to their minds and bodies, how they got and stayed clean, and how they are living their lives today. Some meetings focus on specific issues or important themes in recovery.To add or update meeting listings contact .
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Georgia CMA Help Line 404-593-0421
© 2003 • ATLCMA • atlantacma.org • Georgia Crystal Meth Anonymous Intergroup • 404.593.0421 •