Cross Addicted

@MichaelSmith I really relate to this. I've been to both, and I consider myself both an addict and an alcoholic, but I found AA meetings more helpful. One week, a speaker came in and was talking about her experiences with different meetings and how some people discouraged her from mentioning drug abuse during AA. She said, "I make a point of welcoming everyone because it's all about finding a community of supportive people. Being picky about drugs in AA or alcohol in NA will only divide us more. Addiction is addiction."

Some people view the experiences as being very different, but there are so many people who struggle with simultaneous using and drinking. You certainly aren't alone! It just comes down to which group you find most helpful; you can always call the meeting leaders (their contact info should be on the website) and ask if there are other people who consider themselves both addicts and alcoholics in that particular group. Best of luck to you!

@MichaelSmith Hi there, thank you so much for sharing. Your concerns and worries are certainly valid and honestly, you are not alone. I can relate as well. It can be tough for those of us with multiple addictions. The fact is though alcohol is a drug and any addiction, no matter what it is, causes the same chemical reactions in our brains.

There are many different opinions out there and I've noticed that the culture and even the common experience seems to vary from group to group. There is also still a great deal of stigma out there when it comes to drug addiction, even among alcoholics and addicts themselves. It sounds to me like that speaker is on a bit of a high horse there and thinks of themselves as being "better" than someone who's struggled with a drug addiction. I am so sorry that their opinion has left you feeling down-hearted. Not all AA groups are that way though. One of my best buddies was a crack cocaine addict for many years and her homegroup is an AA group. They are far more welcoming to those with poly-addictions and view addiction as being under one umbrella, hence common ground can be found between anyone with an addiction, no matter what it is.

If you find yourself not fitting in at one group, perhaps it might be time to go find another. Your heart will tell you when you've found where you belong. And also, it sounds to me like you fit the qualifications for being an "alcoholic" but really, that's up to you to make the call on. You get to pick a name for yourself that you feel most comfortable with and that empowers you in your recovery. It's your story and you are the author.

Hope this helps. Feel free to pm me if you would like to chat.