Notes from a Newcomer

By, Terri R.

I will always remember my first MA meeting. I was scared and nervous, but I remember all of that melting away as the meeting started. Soon I realized, “This is where I need to be.” I could relate to what I was hearing. Listening intently, I was amazed that there was a group of people just like me. By the end of the meeting, I felt much more relaxed and real glad I found my way there. A few people approached me after the meeting to greet me and give me a phone list, and tell me “Keep Coming Back.”

Approximately two weeks after the first meeting, I had what I choose to call a “Spiritual Experience.” I was high and I felt really terrible. I realized that after nine years of smoking everyday, morning noon and night, that I was an addict and that pot ruled my life. I never wanted to get high again. I feel very fortunate that this happened. I knew I could not get sober on my own, so I made a decision to make MA a part of my life.

The first 30 days were very difficult. My body was changing, mentally and physically, and I felt very strange. MA gave me a program I could believe in and follow. Soon I started looking forward to getting to at least one meeting a week and sharing my feelings, as well as listening to others. I began to feel more comfortable and soon started talking to people after the meeting. Everyone was very supportive and I knew they really cared about me and my sobriety. I was even nominated for the refreshment commitment, which I gladly accepted. Being of service is an added boost to my program.

I now have 60 days and I will be taking my 60 day chip this week. It is hard to put in words how my life has changed, just in the last two months. I am happy. My self-esteem and self-confidence has improved tenfold. I have never been more proud of anything I have ever done. These 60 days are very previous to me and I would trade them for anything, not even a joint.

“Keep coming back, it works if you work it.”

Published in A New Leaf – February 1991

More Articles

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “First it was magic, then it was misery”

    Heard in a Meeting
  • What Changed, What Didn’t

    Written by, Aurelie E. There are momentsthat split time in two—before thisand everything after. Loss that knocks the wind out of a life.Grief that teaches the bodynew postures of survival.Love that arrives like a hand on your backwhen you didn’t know you were bending.Joy so clean, it feels borrowed.Kindness that saves you quietlyand never asks to…

    What Changed, What Didn’t
  • Heard in an MA Meeting

    “By respecting myself, my world changes for the better.” Published in A New Leaf – June 2026

    Heard in an MA Meeting
  • 18 Months Mile-Stone

    Created by, Chris P. Published By A New Leaf – March 2026

    18 Months Mile-Stone
  • An MA Miracle

    Written by, Stefania M. *Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse and Threats Against Life* Hi everyone, my name is Stefania, and I am a marijuana addict. Generation X here and grew up as a hard core Italian. A generation of new breakthroughs, independence and resilience. The generation of “Lachie” kids. Also a beautiful culture, one…

    An MA Miracle
  • Celebrating 30 Days

    Written by, Manuel G Yesterday I reached 30 days without using, and today I want to celebrate that milestone. But this time, I understand something very different: this is not the result of my willpower, my discipline, or my ability to rationalize my way out of addiction. This time I understand that I am here…

    Celebrating 30 Days