Don’t believe that sober people are good people or that addicts are bad people. That shame is a trap that will keep you there and it’s not even based in reality. If you’re struggling with addiction and you’re worried about yourself, that feeling is a reminder that you’re categorically worth saving.

Not everyone has to do the 12 step thing. My experience with NA was very limited but I quickly figured out that I didn’t fit in there. If you’re feeling out of options, it’s probably worth checking out because it does seem to work for a lot of people. However if it doesn’t work for you, you don’t have to give up. At the end of the day the goal is to not do a thing, whatever way you get there is fine.