Q&A: How do you celebrate 20 years in Narcotics Anonymous?
Question by Bathsheba E: How do you celebrate 20 years in Narcotics Anonymous?
My boyfriend will soon be celebrating 20 years clean and sober. He only goes to meetings once or twice a year these days, and seems reluctant to “make a fuss” and pick up a chip, especially in a new place with a new group. (We just moved to a new area.)
I am VERY proud of him, and we both know this is a big deal. How can I encourage him? I need ideas about what others who have long-term sobriety have done regarding celebrations, chips, etc. (We’ve been dating for less than a year, so I’m clueless.)
I also need to know how to talk to him about this, and whether / how I could participate. I don’t want to push… he needs to do this on his own. But I don’t want him to “aw, shucks” over it, either. He’s a very sweet, humble fellow, and I want him to know that others can benefit from hearing about his experience.
I also want to know what I can give him to show him how proud I am of him.
Thanks in advance for you answers, and best wishes to others in recovery!
Best answer:
Answer by Rebecca A
20 yrs. – That is so awesome!
This is something that can be looked at from alot of different viewpoints. If he doesn’t want to share this with alot of people you have to respect that. After all- he deserves his privacy based on his accomplishment.
I would say something simple for your man…like a wonderful dinner and possibly you could use what I am going to do…
my husband is 1 month away from 1 yr. of sobriety and I’m making a video tape with clips of pictures- our son playing, him working on a project, our little rented house, our dog, etc. and at the end of 5 min. I will be on the camera looking directly into it and telling him how much I value being a part of his life and what an inspiration he is to me.
I’m going to put a little bow on the tape and a sticky note that says “watch me”… I’m going to let him do this in private so he can reflect on the meaning of my words. He is a man with those same traits and I value him like he will never know.
I wish you both well and I pray both your lives will be enhanced by this achievement of strength and honesty!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!