"We gradually and carefully pull ourselves out of the isolation and loneliness of addiction and into the mainstream of life."

Many of us spent much of our using time alone, avoiding other people – especially people who were not using – at all costs. After years of isolation, trying to find a place for ourselves in a bustling, sometimes boisterous fellowship is not always easy. We may still feel isolated, focusing on our differences rather than our similarities. The overwhelming feelings that often arise in early recovery–feelings of fear, anger, and mistrust–can also keep us isolated. We may feel like aliens but we must remember, the alienation is ours, not NA's.

In Narcotics Anonymous, we are offered a very special opportunity for friendship. We are brought together with people who understand us like no one else can. We are encouraged to share with these people our feelings, our problems, our triumphs, and our failures. Slowly, the recognition and identification we find in NA bridge the lonely gap of alienation in our hearts. As we've heard it said – the program works, if we let it.

Just for today: The friendship of other members of the fellowship is a life–sustaining gift. I will reach out for the friendship that's offered in NA, and accept it.