for not being addicted enough.
It is a dual addiction group ie substance addiction as well as mental health dx. imo I qualify for both and was relieved to have found a fellowship that addressed both.
I went 2 weeks ago and blethered a bit. It also turned out I knew one of the members socially - a distant connection but clear ie I know his children (and he knows mine) and I have socialised with him and his wife a few times. We both look different and it took me a while to realise who he was. I was uncomfortable that I knew him socially, perhaps he was uncomfortable too, but you rely on the strict confidentiality culture of 12 step meetings in a situation like that.
I saw this guy as I was pulling up and stuck my head out the window, smiled. He was a bit grim back but I don't ever take that sort of thing personally - he could be having a bad day. I went into the kitchen to make a drink and they rounded on me really, saying it wasn't personal but they didn't think I qualified for the group. They didn't discuss it with me, just presented it as fact, that they didn't want me there. They were not interested to hear what I had to say, there was no forum to discuss. One woman said a few times that it wasn't personal but I can't honestly see how it isn't. It didn't stop me from protesting that I am qualified to be there. Ironic really, when you spend your entire 'normal' life playing down your issues! They wouldn't hear it and cut me off.
As it happens, I'm having a spectacularly bad time and that meeting was a warm spot on my calendar. I was looking forward to it.