December 31, 2015 – No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group 2015 Summary

No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group has had an exceptional year of progress in carrying this message that nicotine addicts of the hopeless variety can and do recover using the same path followed by many thousands of men and women in other recovery fellowships.

In fact, tonight is another example of our ever increasing fellowship to try to carry this message of freedom from nicotine. It is New Year’s Eve, December 31st, and five members were here at the meeting. There were five members here on Christmas Eve, December 24th. And, there were five members here on Thanksgiving night, November 26th. Yes, this year all of the major holidays fell on Thursday, our regular meeting night, and yet nearly half of our active membership was here to stay smober and help others achieve smobriety on each of these holiday evenings, as Tradition Five states. We have become a real anonymous fellowship in action. We smoked and used tobacco on holidays, so it is important to continue to recover by trying to help each other on these same holidays. We are!

A year ago, we had eight active members with a year or more of smobriety. Thankfully, we have added five new members who gained a year of continuous smobriety this past year. Sadly, one of our old-timers passed away on August 14, 2015. For most of her life she chain smoked up to three packs a day, but found the power to stop on May 28, 2006. She never smoked again in over nine years in this fellowship, and in doing so carried the message that release from tobacco can really be permanent.

One of our members is fond of saying that Nicotine Anonymous is very similar to the original anonymous fellowship. We have the same Twelve Steps, same Twelve Traditions and same Twelve Promises of those Twelve Steps. The biggest difference is that we have only about twelve members. Others come, stop smoking and stop attending. Still others attend only a meeting or two. The point is that we stay stopped and continue to attend to insure our continuous smobriety as well as to try to carry this message to others.

During the year passed, we had weekly meetings attended by an average of nine members. In June our regular attendance had increased to the point that the Carvel Club management offered us the opportunity to move to the large downstairs meeting room. Following a group conscious meeting June 18, 2015, with a unanimous decision to move to the large room, No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group did move to the large room downstairs on June 25, 2015.

We had four special events this year. Our Spring Fling was held on March 26, 2015. It was an open house to invite curious persons to join us for questions and snacks a half hour before the regular meeting as a celebration for the first anniversary of our move to the Carvel Club toward the end of March 2014. Thirteen people attended including one man at this Nic.A. meeting for the first time.

No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group Anniversaries, 27 years in Indianapolis and 6 years of the weekly Thursday meeting, were commemorated on July 16, 2015. A delicious pitch-in fried chicken dinner preceded an excellent speaker who had recently surpassed his tenth anniversary of continuous smobriety. The fifteen members in attendance totaled over 50 years of continuous smobriety and well over 200 years of continuous sobriety. Unlike some fellowships, groups and meetings, freedom from nicotine is our primary purpose, not our single purpose. Most of us have recovered from addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, and share that as well when it will serve a useful purpose. For example: “If that degree of humility could enable us to find the grace by which such a deadly obsession [alcohol] could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we could possibly have [nicotine].” (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 76) In fact, most Nic.A. meetings are very good “Any” A. meetings.

On September 24th, our Fourth Annual Recovery Month Open House was a rousing success attended by sixteen members. The speaker had just celebrated 39 years of continuous smobriety earlier in the week and came from Richmond, Indiana. Coincidentally, he used the same power he had found the year before to stop drinking, in 1975. Just over a year later, also in Santa Monica, California, nearly six years before the founding of what is now Nicotine Anonymous there in 1982, our speaker smoked his last on September 19, 1976. He has never returned to nicotine use, after 39 years and 5 days.

Our fourth and final annual event was Just Desserts! This is another open house to answer questions visitors and new comers might have while eating members’ favorite holiday treats, each bringing Just Desserts! Thirteen members attended this year. Please see story below for more information.

We met 53 times this year the way the calendar ran, paid our fair share of rent to the Carvel Club, maintained a plentiful supply of Nic.A. literature for our group, as well as provided literature for distribution at the Nicotine Anonymous Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center and the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (IN ARMS) at the Nicotine Anonymous exhibit table for our sixth straight year distributing books and pamphlets, and answering questions with over 350 health professionals in attendance from all over Indiana. We also made contributions to Nicotine Anonymous World Services in the amount of $200.00 to help try to carry this message around the world from the Thursday meeting, and another $25.00 was contributed from the Monday No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center which was the remaining balance after all other expenses were paid in full.

All but one of our old-timers with a year or more have maintained continuous smobriety throughout 2015 and kept coming back to help ourselves and others find freedom from nicotine the same way we were helped. Those of us with a year or more have been 91.67% successful in staying stopped and helping each other stay stopped. Of our four newer members with less than a year, one has over seven months, another has over two months and two are just beginning. This is a current overall rate of 81.25% success. Since we consider success to be not only freedom from tobacco but helping others the way others help us, and since we only know the continued success of those who keep coming back, this rate does not include the 19 people who attended a meeting or two, but have not returned, yet. Six additional people attended more than two meetings. Two stopped attending after a few meetings, and four are still attending.

The one disappointment is the end of the Nicotine Anonymous Monday Speaker Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center this past Monday evening. In spring 2014, Harbor Light Center leadership asked us for help starting a meeting there. After several discussions and careful planning, the first meeting was held on August 11, 2014. We advised that we were still too small a fellowship, especially with members able to attend at the day and time they selected for the meeting, to sustain the meeting without significant help and coordination with staff assistance. Due to leadership change early this summer, and employment, school and other circumstances for members on our end, we are no longer able to continue to carry the meeting alone. Between August 11, 2014, and December 28, 2015, 34 speakers spoke at a total of 73 meetings, never missing a meeting, even when on Monday holidays. Nine persons chaired these 73 meetings. We received considerable support from non-smoking members of other anonymous fellowships including four staff members who shared their experience, strength and hope in finding the power to gain freedom from tobacco. Unlike other fellowships’ meetings there, we paid $5.00 in weekly rent in conformance with our Tradition Seven to be self-supporting, maintained an ample supply of literature at the meetings and on display in racks in the facility, and even made a $25.00 contribution to Nicotine Anonymous World Services to distribute the final balance on hand:

Nicotine Anonymous Speaker Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center Final Treasurer Report

= $ 0.00 Beginning Balance on August 11, 2014
+ $ 490.00 Individual Contributions, Exceeding Average of $6.71 over 73 Meetings from August 11, 2014 through December 28, 2015
= $ 490.00 Receipts Subtotal
- $ 100.00 Rent for August 11, 2014 through December 22, 2014 for 20 Weeks/Meetings Paid on December 22, 2014
- $ 160.00 Rent for December 29, 2014 through August 3, 2015 for 32 Weeks/Meetings Paid on June 15, 2015
- $ 100.00 Literature for 2015 IN ARMS Conference with Balance of Literature Paid on August 24, 2015
- $ 105.00 Rent for August 10, 2015 through December 28, 2015 for 21 Weeks/Meetings Paid on December 21, 2015
= $ 465.00 Expenditures Subtotal ($365.00 Rent + $100.00 Literature for IN ARMS)
- $ 25.00 Contribution to Nicotine Anonymous World Services Paid on December 31, 2015
= $ 0.00 Ending Balance

All remaining literature was left in display racks there, or contributed back to the No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Thursday meeting literature supply.

With the exception of ending the Monday Speaker Meeting, it was a terrific year! We look forward to another good year in 2016! Keep coming back!

December 10, 2015 – For Fifth Straight Year, No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group Had Our Just Desserts!

Just Desserts! was held for the fifth continuous year by No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group. Our annual Holiday party is named as a play on words for "getting what one deserves" and having "just desserts" provided by members bringing favorite Holiday desserts secondary to the fellowship and friendship of the group. Nearly all of our active members from several days to many years of freedom from nicotine attended Just Desserts! this year. Three who were unable to attend due to a job interview, work and school study sent their regards. It works – it really does. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88)

Cake, pie, cookies, fresh fruit, other treats, punch, coffee and eggnog were enjoyed by all as we read questions and responses from NICOTINE ANOYMOUS: The Book and discussed this message as we reviewed our own recoveries. We have had more newcomers, more first anniversaries of smobriety, and gained more members than in any year thus far. We are very fortunate to be growing with an ever increasing fellowship to try to carry this message of freedom from nicotine. It is a wonderful thing of which to be a part.

We will have our regular Thursday 6 PM meetings through the Holidays, including next week on December 17th, and the following two Thursdays, Christmas Eve on December 24th and New Year Eve on December 31st. We may not have a large meeting, but there will be a formal meeting on both Holiday Eves. If you are able to come on any of these next three Thursdays, please plan to attend and share your experience, strength and hope, just in case a newcomer or anyone else is looking for help. We will also meet at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center on the next two Mondays, December 21 and 28, 2015 at 4:30 PM. However, this meeting will cease after Monday, December 28, 2015. Merry Holidays to All!

   

December 5, 2015 - Christ Hospital Group of Nicotine Anonymous Christmas Party in Cincinnati, Ohio

Three members of No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group attended the Christmas Party of the Christ Hospital Group of Nicotine Anonymous on Saturday at 12:00 PM at 2139 Auburn Avenue, Classroom 8 on Level A, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219. The two hour drive was so much fun, with conversation and music ranging from Billy Holiday to Frank Sinatra to Eric Clapton. Starting a few minutes later than planned after stops for breakfast and gasoline, and heavy fog, thanks to Terry’s excellent driving at excessive speeds, we arrived exactly at noon as the food was being spread out. Three types of Kentucky Fried & Grilled Chicken along with all the popular fixin’s were provided. Twenty two members attended and brought some delicious side dishes and desserts. Bruce was originally scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to his father’s passing in Florida. Denny from Indianapolis spoke in Bruce’s absence. Terry and Geoff were back home by 4 PM. It was a six hour day and a long drive, but was indeed a terrific opportunity for fellowship, gaining and giving experience, strength and hope!

November 14, 2015 - Christ Hospital Group of Nicotine Anonymous in Cincinnati, Ohio

Over the years, some Indy members have attended the Christ Hospital Group of Nicotine Anonymous on Saturdays at 12:30 PM at 2139 Auburn Avenue, Classroom 8 on Level A, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219. One of our members did so today. One Cincinnati member celebrated 17 years of continuous freedom from tobacco today, receiving a token from the group. Another member celebrated one year of smobriety on October 25th, was unable to attend the following week, announced her first anniversary last week, and again today for those who missed last week. Other members vary from many years to just beginning. The chairperson selects the topic, and today it was Step Eleven. Members took turns reading from NICOTINE ANONYMOUS: The Book followed by an open discussion of each member’s experience, strength and hope in practicing this Step. The group is a real pleasure to attend.

The group also set the date and time of the annual Christmas Party. It will be Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 12 Noon in the meeting room. KFC chicken will be provided. Lunch will begin at 12 Noon, a half hour before the regular meeting time. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Bruce will be speaking. At least one member from Indianapolis is planning to attend. If interested in attending the Christmas Party, leaving Indianapolis around 9:45 AM and returning by 4:00 PM, please email: nica.indiana@gmail.com It is either a long drive or a terrific opportunity for fellowship, depending upon one’s fit spiritual condition. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85)

November 12, 2015 - Celebrating Six Years of Smobriety on November 9, 2015, for Billy D.

Billy shared his experience, strength and hope at No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group for his six years of continuous freedom from smoking, having smoked his last cigarette on November 9, 2009. Like many of us, Billy began attending Nicotine Anonymous while he was still smoking in October 2009. Being long acquainted with the original Twelve Step program and fellowship, Billy honestly wondered if it worked for smoking and nicotine. A very few of us here at the time reassured him that the Steps do work to stop smoking, and especially to stay stopped, too. Apparently he was convinced because he had his last smoke less than two weeks later. Billy continues to exemplify the very spirit of Nicotine Anonymous through Step Twelve. He has served as the secretary of No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group for the past year, usually coming early to put out the literature and be here for anyone else who might come early. He recently asked to serve as secretary for a second year only a couple months after his wife of thirty plus years passed suddenly and unexpectedly. Billy serves as a very good example of thankfully passing on to others what he was freely given. He is a real asset to our group.

In keeping with this spirit of passing it on to the next person, Janet announced that she had not smoked in one month, and Dustin accepted a token for two months of smobriety.

Three celebrations in one week! This is the essence of How It Works: we come still using nicotine because we do not have the power to quit on our own despite our strongest desire to stop. We find understanding, encouragement and inspiration to stop from people who found the same here. Almost all of us who continue to attend even with recurring use of nicotine find the additional power necessary to stop and stay stopped through such attendance and a few simple things we suggest. It works – it really does. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88)

November 5, 2015 - Celebration of Six Months of Freedom from Nicotine on November 4, 2015, for Juliet K.

Juliet had her last cigarette on May 4, 2015. We all joined her in celebration of her first six months of freedom from tobacco on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the regular open literature discussion meeting of No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group. Juliet is so grateful to have found our solution to stop smoking and be reasonably happy about it, eventually, having found no other workable method for herself to stop and stay stopped. Like many of us, Juliet was trying to quit on her own power alone when she began attending Nicotine Anonymous. She attended many meetings, both on Monday and Thursday, until she was able to find the additional power needed to get through one day without yielding to the urge to smoke. Juliet is a valuable member of Nicotine Anonymous. She is very thankful and it shows. She even brought refreshments for the group, a real sign of gratitude.

October 29, 2015 - Celebrating Eighteen Months of Freedom from Tobacco Today for Pete B.

Pete last smoked on April 29, 2014. During No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group on Thursday, October 29, 2015, we all joined Pete in celebrating his first eighteen months of continuous smobriety since his last use of tobacco. Like some of us, Pete came to a few meetings to check us out, still smoking, and was missed for a while. Some time later, he kept coming back, and soon found the strength to avoid that first smoke day by day. He decided to stay with us as assurance against a possible slip and return to tobacco use. Pete is an excellent example of the Step Twelve promise that, “.. nothing will so much insure immunity from smoking as intensive work with other nicotine addicts. It works when other activities fail.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89, paraphrased for nicotine addiction). He has brought or encouraged more people to attend their first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous than anyone else to date. Keep coming back, Pete, and everyone. We need you in Nicotine Anonymous!

September 24, 2015 - No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group Hosts Fourth Annual Recovery Month Open House

No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group held its Fourth Annual National Recovery Month Open House on Thursday, September 24, 2015. It was a great event! Bob S. from Richmond, Indiana, shared his story of recovery from nicotine addiction through the Twelve Steps which began in southern California on September 19, 1976. That's right, Bob celebrated 39 years of continuous smobriety last Saturday! While the founding of Nicotine Anonymous as Smokers Anonymous as it was then known, was in southern California nearly six years later, specifically, in June 1982 in Santa Monica, California, Bob found the same solution for removal of his obsession and compulsion to smoke in almost the exact location. All present sincerely enjoyed Bob's inspiring and encouraging story, while also enjoying fresh fruit, cookies and other treats. We have heartfelt thankfulness for all who attended and brought treats, and came early to welcome and set up, as well as to Bob for making the 150 mile round trip to speak with us! It was a great evening!

According to the recoverymonth.gov website: "In its 26th year, September is Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use issues and celebrate the people who recover. This year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!" Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

We surely did tonight! This is all in a spirit of cooperation, not affiliation or endorsement, as our Traditions suggest.

September 24, 2015 - First Anniversary of Freedom from Nicotine on September 21, 2015, for Tami B.

Tami last used any nicotine on September 21, 2014. At No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group on Thursday, September 24, 2015, we all celebrated the first anniversary of her last nicotine use during the Fourth Annual Recovery Month Open House. Like most of us, Tami was trying to quit with only limited success when she began to attend our meetings. She kept returning, read literature, asked questions, began using some nicotine replacement therapy, and soon found the power many of us find to keep at bay the urge to smoke. She decided to stop the nicotine replacement on September 21, 2014, and has used no nicotine since that date. Tami has become an important member of our fellowship. She is especially interested and capable at inventorying Nicotine Anonymous literature for the Group. Tami is very happy, joyous and free from her nicotine addiction. She enjoyed the Recovery Month Open House speaker and refreshments.

September 24, 2015 - First Anniversary of Smobriety on September 15, 2015, for Roanna W.

Roanna had her last cigarette on September 15, 2014. Due to her work schedule, she was unable to attend the next meeting on September 17, so we celebrated the first anniversary of her last cigarette at No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group's Fourth Annual Recovery Month Open House on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Like most folks, Roanna still smoked when she first started coming. She kept coming, asking questions, reading literature, and soon was able to find that power to help her to stop smoking, moment by moment, day by day. In fact, Roanna sets a fine example for others. When she has to work, she comes to the meeting from work even if she misses part of the meeting. Half a meeting is better than none. Roanna demonstrates this fact. She is an important member, attending when she is able, and sharing honestly her experiences. It works for those of us who have as of yet found no other answer. Roanna demonstrates this simple fact.

September 1 and 2, 2015 - Nicotine Anonymous Exhibits for Sixth Straight Year at Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium

For six years in a row, Nicotine Anonymous exhibited at the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (IN ARMS) attended by approximately 350 behavioral health and addiction professionals from all over Indiana. This was the seventh IN ARMS, and NicA has exhibited during all but the first year. Recovery begins via Step Twelve when one nicotine addict talks with another, sharing experience, strength and hope, and IN ARMS is an excellent opportunity to try to carry the Nicotine Anonymous message throughout Indiana. We may get the word to folks who will never attend a meeting until they start one.

We distributed nearly two hundred Nicotine Anonymous World Services (NAWS) pamphlets and over one hundred Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business cards, all to try to carry the message that people recover from addiction to nicotine. We were there to answer questions and give hope to nicotine addicts and their family and friends, as well as addiction and mental health professionals from all over Indiana who visited our table. "Thank You!" to our visitors for helping us stay nicotine free again this year!

August 20, 2015 - Fourth Smobriety Anniversary of Susan W.

Susan had her last smoke on August 15, 2011. She marked her fourth anniversary of freedom from nicotine at the No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group on Thursday, August 20, 2015. Susan continues to demonstrate her gratitude for the past four years of smobriety after over fifty years of addiction to nicotine through her continued active participation regularly in meetings and honestly sharing her experience, strength and hope with all who she can, to inspire and encourage recovery from nicotine addiction. She also was the Group Secretary for two years. Susan and others discussed her experiences since coming to Nicotine Anonymous, while also sharing some delicious fresh fruit and cake provided by her friends in the group. Susan, way to go, or, way to keep coming back!

August 14, 2015 - Hale and Farewell to Gail S.

Gail, a long time member of No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group, following a brief illness passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at 3:57 AM on Friday, August 14, 2015. Gail's husband Billy D. and the rest of us will miss her deeply. Gail had not smoked since May 28, 2006. She had nine years, two months and two weeks of continuous smobriety at her passing. She was and will remain an inspiration to us all. Gail started attending the Wednesday monthly meeting of Nicotine Anonymous after some time following her last cigarette. She served as the group's secretary for several years until the group merged with the Thursday Evening Group about a year ago. Gail attended meetings regularly and offered her experience, strength and hope frequently in Nicotine Anonymous.

One member noted that the last time he saw Gail was the week before she passed when she baked a German Chocolate cake for the 16th anniversary of smobriety for Whitney S. Just three weeks before, Gail had baked and brought a chocolate cake to the sixth anniversary of the Thursday meeting of No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group. A week before that she had baked and brought another German Chocolate cake to the eighth and tenth anniversaries of smobriety for two other members. We will not only miss her example and honesty, but we also need another baker!

In all seriousness, Gail was truly a blessing to those who were fortunate to know her, and leaves us impeccable evidence of service and that release from a three pack a day cigarette affliction can be permanent! Goodbye, Gail S. - April 22, 1961 - August 14, 2015!

August 11, 2015 - New Nicotine Anonymous Speaker Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center Passes One Year Milestone!

No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group, at the request of Salvation Army leadership, initiated a Nicotine Anonymous speaker meeting at the Harbor Light Center on Monday, August 11, 2014, exactly one year ago! During this year, 53 meetings were held with no Monday meeting missed, even those on Monday holidays. And, there were several Monday holidays.

During the past year, twenty-two people have told their story of recovery from nicotine addiction, and obviously, some have spoken more than once. Actually, ten have told their stories two or more times. In fact, two have talked five times each which is acceptable since almost all patients are present for four weeks or less. An average of more than 66 people attended each meeting and made an average contribution of nearly $6.88 per meeting. The meeting has paid rent of $5.00 for each meeting for a total of $260.00 rent paid through August 3, 2015. Nicotine Anonymous is reportedly the only group to pay rent for meeting space at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, and therefore, the only such meeting to be fully self-supporting through our own contributions as Tradition Seven states.

As noted above, Monday, August 11, 2014, was the first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center sponsored by No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group. We believe it is the first Nicotine Anonymous at any Salvation Army ever. This is significant because the Salvation Army initiated treatment for alcoholism many years before anyone else. They were a trend setter! Perhaps they will be able to help others with recovery from tobacco addiction in the same manner as they have with alcoholism.

This meeting is on Mondays at 4:45 PM at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, 2400 North Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46222. There were nine people at the first meeting and 66 yesterday. Please plan to attend, use south entrance and ask for Nicotine Anonymous. It is a speaker meeting. If you are willing to share your experience, strength and hope for a half hour, please email your available Monday dates from 4:45 to 5:30 PM. Any amount continuous smobriety time is welcome, since persons living there may be able to relate with and be inspired and encouraged by a person with 30 days of smobriety as much as by one with 30 years.

Six and a half years ago, we only had one Nicotine Anonymous meeting a month here in Indianapolis, if that, since the meeting location was closed on holidays. Now, we are fortunate to have two meetings a week including all holidays. Please attend as often as you are able to help keep it that way for the new person who needs our more frequent meetings to begin recovery.

August 6, 2015 - Sixteenth Smobriety Anniversary for Whitney S.

On August 1, 1999, his last smoke was taken by Whitney S. No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group celebrated the sixteenth anniversary of this event in the Thursday evening literature discussion meeting on August 6, 2015. While Whitney has remained free of nicotine since 1999, this was the first time we have all been together for the event since the last such celebration of his smobriety in 2012. Whitney was unable to attend meetings as regularly during this time while in graduate school seminary, where he recently completed his studies. It was quite a joy to have him back here for his sixteenth. Having smoked his last August 1, 1999, Whitney had about six months when he moved here. Shortly after relocating to Indianapolis from Memphis, Whitney began attending the Nicotine Anonymous group in April 2000. He has lived the Program and the history of the Fellowship since that time. He was here when all of us came. He began the discussion following a brief reading of literature regarding the progression of Step Two in our lives. He said this was the second time the topic has been discussed this week in meetings he has attended. All others in turn shared their experience with the topic, as well as gratitude for Whitney's continued example of all of the Steps in his life and his continued participation in NicA. His experience, strength and hope continues to inspire us all.

Juliet celebrated three months of smobriety. Way to go, Juliet!

Whitney's longest attending friend in the group baked his favorite, German Chocolate cake with a touching card for all of us to sign. He brought lemon, pecan and raspberry bars from his favorite eastside bakery. We laughed, we cried, we ate, oh my! It was a great event!

July 16, 2015 - No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group Celebrates Sixth Anniversary and Twenty Seven Years of Nicotine Anonymous in Indianapolis

All but a couple of the regularly attending members were here for our sixth annual anniversary of No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group of Nicotine Anonymous. We also had a newcomer at his second meeting, a husband and a girlfriend. There were fifteen in attendance. While not a record, it was a close second for our group anniversaries. We discussed the growth of our group, especially since our move to the Carvel Club fifteen months ago. It is amazing. We all had a fine chicken dinner with terrific homemade pitch-in favorites from great cooks. The fellowship was wonderful!

Our annual speaker meeting opened with Juliet reading the Twelve Steps and Tami reading the Twelve Promises of those Steps. Our speaker was Jon F. who celebrated ten years of smobriety with us last week, having not smoked from July 4, 2005. Jon told us a thoughtful and inspiring story of his slow decline into nicotine addiction, what happened to turn his life around, and the steadfast commitment, progression and strength of his recovery. Sharing some very honest and touching moments along his path of recovery, Jon encourages us all to have hope this program helps bring about some profound changes in those who earnestly try it. His closing said it all, "I am Jon, a very grateful, recovered nicotine addict." Thank you, Jon for sharing your experience, strength and hope! Our newest member Jeff closed with the Twelve Promises of Nicotine Anonymous.

We are still a small and intimate enough group that a formal smobriety countdown is not necessary. We all know each other well. We were over 15, 10, 9, 8, 5, 3, 2, 2, 1 and 1 years, nine and three months, and a few days of freedom from nicotine addiction. 100% of the regularly attending members have maintained smobriety since our last anniversary. That is, How It Works! If a person has been unable to stop using tobacco, and stay stopped, any other way, those who come and keep coming back have found a way!

A bit of our history, for in our history lies our hope: A Nicotine Anonymous group began weekly meetings circa 1988 on Friday evenings at Fairbanks Hospital. Over the years the day, time and location changed, as did the frequency, decreasing from weekly to once a month meetings several years ago. Until six years ago, there was only this one meeting of Nicotine Anonymous in Indianapolis every month. It was a great meeting, and most members still attend and are smoke free today. Although NicA's original fellowship in Indy had only this one meeting a month for awhile, which was sufficient or none of us would be here, many of us find more frequent meetings in the beginning are often quite helpful to make a solid start on this path of recovery. It may have been more difficult for some newcomers to get a good start. Think of it, "Go to three meetings in ninety days" seems to be missing a familiar frequency often advocated in other recovery fellowships.

So, a couple of us began a weekly meeting at the Saint Francis Education Center, 5935 South Emerson Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46237, exactly six years ago, on July 16, 2009. When the third member began attending on August 13th of that year, the first group conscience meeting was soon held, with a decision to find a subsequent location more central to the three group members at the time. We did move to our second location at the Martin Luther King Service Center, 40 West 40th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205, on September 10, 2009. Four and a half years later we moved again to our current location at the Carvel Club, 4627 Carvel Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205, on March 27, 2014, where we continue to meet weekly on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM . Then on August 11, 2014, we started a second weekly meeting of Nicotine Anonymous on Mondays at 4:30 PM at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, 2400 North Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222. About a month later, all groups merged into the one No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group, one group with two meetings a week, or 26 meetings in 90 days, which is few Steps in the right direction!

Many thanks to Jon, all of our great readers and cooks, and everyone for making this the best group anniversary to date. While we live life in recovery day by day, we hope to see you all next year on July 21, 2016! Keep coming back!

July 9, 2015 - Four Anniversaries at One Meeting: Tom - Three Days; Geoff R. - Two Years; Denny A. - Eight Years; Jon F. - Ten Years

No Ifs Ands or Butts Group celebrated significant periods of smobriety of four persons on Thursday, July 9, 2015. At his first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous, Tom had not smoked in three days, a very significant period of smobriety indeed! Tom was one of two newcomers at the meeting, a good meeting for newcomers to attend, since three others were sharing experience, strength and hope of two, eight and ten years of continuous smobriety for a collective total of twenty years of learning to live without tobacco. Geoff R. last smoked on July 1, 2013. He was at an international conference of another fellowship last week, so he celebrated this week with Denny A. who stopped smoking on July 4, 2007, and Jon F. who became nicotine free on July 4, 2005. All present shared in reading STEP ONE in Nicotine Anonymous: The Book, followed by discussion of Step One in each person's recovery while enjoying fresh fruit, carrot and German chocolate cakes provided by members of the group. Having just turned double digit years of not using tobacco, Jon will be the speaker at our Group Anniversary next week of July 16, 2015. We will eat fried chicken and pitch-in treats together at 5:30 PM followed by Jon's story. All are welcome!

June 18, 2015 - First Anniversary of Freedom from Tobacco for Jonathan G.

Jonathan last smoked on June 12, 2014. On June 18th we celebrated the first anniversary of his last smoke at No Ifs, Ands, Or Butts Group. Like most people, Jonathan was still smoking when he came to our meetings. He kept coming back, read literature, asked questions and soon found the power many of us find to resist the urge to smoke, moment by moment, day by day. It is as simple as that. We are fortunate that way. Jonathan is a valuable member of our fellowship. He is honest and sincere. He has a great sense of humor. In fact, there was much laughter at this celebration. Jonathan was truly joyful over his freedom from nicotine addiction. All enjoyed the continued hope that this process of inspiration works for those who have found no other answer, and many also enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake with white icing.

May 28, 2015 - Ninth Anniversary of Smobriety for Gail S.

Gail smoked like many of us, lighting the next right after the last, smoking like a chimney for years, until May 28, 2006. As a direct result of a wonderful sponsor's example of the Steps in action, Gail received the power to stop smoking and stay stopped. On June 4th we all gathered at No Ifs, Ands Or Butts group in honor of Gail's last smoke nine years ago. In true Step Twelve and fellowship fashion, Gail chaired the meeting to pass it on, and shared her joy at release from nicotine addiction. Her quiet yet reassuring continued smobriety are encouraging to us all. Following a brief reading from Our Path to Freedom of the recovery story of an early member of Nicotine Anonymous who never smoked again, we all shared our experience, strength and hope with a couple of newcomers and a spouse, as well as a wonderful home-baked chocolate layer cake provided by a friend to celebrate Gail's ninth anniversary on continuous smobriety.

May 14, 2015 - Second Smobriety Anniversary for Rebecca P.

Rebecca last smoked on May 9, 2013. We had quite a fine meeting and party to celebrated her second anniversary of smobriety at No Ifs, Ands or Butts this evening. Rebecca also earned her first college degree last Saturday, May 9, 2015. As her friend said, "Rebecca, most people get a token on their smobriety anniversary, but you also get a college degree!" Rebecca clearly is grateful to Nicotine Anonymous for helping her through academic stress without returning to smoking. Speaking of tokens, Rebecca received her two-year smobriety chip after telling her story of nicotine recovery at the Monday Evening Speaker Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. Rebecca has a wonderful sense of humor about herself and nicotine addiction. Whether telling her story or simply commenting in a discussion meeting, she always gets a laugh or two from others who identify with her experience, strength and hope. Rebecca is a hope-giver. Tonight we also shared fresh fruit during the discussion meeting. It was a great event! Thank you Rebecca for "Keep coming back!"

April 30, 2015 - First Anniversary of Smobriety for Pete B.

Pete had his last smoke on April 29, 2014. He celebrated this first anniversary of smobriety with all of us at No Ifs, Ands or Butts a day later. Pete has discovered the truth that "It works - it really does." In his words, "If I keep doing what I am doing now, I never have to smoke again." Pete is a regular on almost every Thursday evening, attempting to encourage and inspire newcomers and the rest of us as he was when he started. He shares honestly from his heart and experience. In addition, tonight he shared a wonderful German Chocolate cake provided by a member of the group, as well as cookies, donuts and little cream filed horns provided by the Chairwoman for the evening. It was a wonderful party! Thank you Pete for joining us!

March 26, 2015 - Spring Fling Open House

No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group held their first annual Spring Fling Open House on Thursday, March 26, 2015 to commemorate our first anniversary of relocating to the Carvel Club, 4627 Carvel Avenue, Indianapolis.

A dozen members and a husband, including two newcomers, stopped in for snacks and conversation. All but one remained to hear Terry M. Celebrating her one year anniversary of smobriety, freedom from smoking, and 33 years of sobriety this week, Terry gave an inspiring lead based upon her experience, strength and hope. She spoke of a central theme, "Keep Coming Back!" Terry included a bit of the history of the group. All attending commented briefly on their own experience, strength and hope for the man at his first Nicotine Anonymous meeting. We all also shared fine fellowship, conversation and pitch-in of snacks including a delicious chocolate cake for Terry's anniversary provided by a member of our group.

Toward the end of March 2014 we began meeting at the Carvel Club, at first because our regular location was closed for spring break, then because we thought we might gain more members in this location of many other Anonymous meetings. We were right! We have grown considerably during this past year at the Carvel Club, hopefully an augury of a bright future here.

Please consider joining us any Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Our meetings are open to anyone, especially to those who are still smoking or chewing. If you are unable to stop and stay stopped, and admit it, you are at Step One. If you can stop and stay stopped, you may not need us, but we need you in Nicotine Anonymous.

December 13, 2014 - Cincinnati Nicotine Anonymous Christmas Party

The Nicotine Anonymous Group in Cincinnati celebrated their annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Twenty-one members and his wife gathered to hear Don L. He told his inspiring story of recovery from smoking and other addictive illnesses of over thirty-five years of sobriety, thirty-one years of abstinence from overeating and fourteen years of freedom from tobacco. All shared a fine pitch-in meal with great conversation and fellowship, as well as comments after the lead. The group was very warm and welcoming to both of us visiting their party.

This group started circa 1986 in Covington, Kentucky. A couple of members have attended and remained smober since nearly that beginning. The founder passed away some years ago. There are many more members with double digit smobriety. They are a very reassuring group that freedom from nicotine can be lasting. The group has moved a couple of times before arriving at the current location, Saturdays at 12:30 PM at Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Avenue in Classroom 8.

Please consider joining us next year. We had such a great discussion during the trip that the time passed so quickly.

December 11, 2014 - We Had Our Just Desserts!

Just Desserts! was held for the fourth year in a row. Humorously named as a pun on "getting what one deserves" our customary Holiday party had "just desserts" from members sharing our favorite seasonal treats and sweets with each other, and most importantly, friendship and fellowship. Our most important news, a newcomer came back to his second meeting in a row with 7 days of freedom from smoking. It works!

We are not a glum lot. Over homemade cake, pie, cookies, other treats, punch, coffee and eggnog, we read a story, discussed it's message and reflected on this past year. We have had more newcomers and gained more members than in any previous year. We are very fortunate and are headed in the right direction with a growing commitment to keep up our efforts to try to carry this message of freedom from tobacco. It is a wonderful thing in which to participate. Happy Holidays to all!

We will have our regular meeting next week, December 18th. The following two weeks, the Club and meeting room will be open both Thursdays, Christmas and New Year evenings. While not likely a formal meeting, if you are able, it will be a wonderful service to show up in case a newcomer attends.

November 13, 2014 - Celebration of Three Smobriety Anniversaries in One Week

Rebecca P. had her last smoke on May 9, 2013, and Billy D. last smoked on November 9, 2009. We had quite a celebration of these "great events" of their 18 months and five year anniversaries of smobriety at No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group tonight.

During our regular Thursday literature discussion meeting, Rebecca received an 18-month token from her sponsor and a card from all of us. Rebecca was the ninth person to attend the Thursday group and she is still attending. Her honesty and humor are a real asset to the group. She thanked the group for helping her remain smoke-free especially through the rough times including living with smokers who were not supportive of her efforts and through her college studies. Rebecca is a real giver of hope to us all!

Billy received a token for 5 years of smobriety from his wife Gail prior to telling his story at the Monday Speaker Meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center this week. He also received a card from all of us. Billy's first meeting was what is now No Ifs, Ands Or Butts Group when he was still smoking. He was the fourth person to attend the Thursday group and the first to remain smoke-free since he stopped 12 days later after that first meeting. He is still attending and sharing his experience, strength and hope. Billy expressed his gratitude for his freedom from smoking even during his first four years of working around smoking and cigarettes while remaining smober. As an excellent example of his gratitude, Billy volunteered to become the next secretary for No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group.

Zachari G. celebrated 14 years of freedom from nicotine today, although unable to attend due to family obligations. He started the Thursday group in July 2009 and spoke at our fifth group anniversary last July.

We all enjoyed the pumpkin pie, Billy's favorite, and also chocolate pie provided by his wife, along with fresh fruit, cookies, cake and coffee provided by other members of the group.

As a note of history mentioned above, Billy was the fourth person to attend the Thursday group and Rebecca was the ninth. Of those first nine, five are smober and attending, four of whom were here tonight, three celebrated smobriety milestones this week, and one other called from Long Island before the meeting to wish everyone well. Of the remaining three, two attended several meetings but not lately, and one attended only one meeting, so their recovery status is unknown. Five of first nine are not smoking. It works!

November 7, 2014 - Nicotine Anonymous Distributes Literature at Tobacco Cessation Conference at Fairbanks Recovery Center

Nicotine Anonymous had two literature displays at the Tobacco Cessation Conference sponsored by Fairbanks Hospital at their Recovery Center. Forty tobacco cessation, medical, behavioral health, school and other professionals from around Indiana participated in this five hour seminar presented by three Mayo Clinic trained presenters from Fairbanks and the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Sessions included behavioral health and interventions for nicotine use, replacement therapies, physical ramifications and special topics such as e-cigarettes, pregnancy and smokeless tobacco. Two Nicotine Anonymous members volunteered to distribute NicA pamphlets and Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business cards, and to try to carry the message that NicA may be helpful to some people to continue recovery. Two other members attended the conference. Together we answered questions and offered cooperation with cessation professionals in attendance to try to assist them in our common purpose, to help people stop and stay stopped.

September 29-30, 2014 - Nicotine Anonymous at Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium for Fifth Year In A Row

For a fifth straight year, Nicotine Anonymous had an exhibit table at the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (IN ARMS) attended by approximately 350 behavioral health and addiction professionals from all over Indiana. This was the sixth IN ARMS, and NicA has been there every year but the first. Although at its core Step Twelve is done one nicotine addict to another, this service is an excellent opportunity to try to carry the Nicotine Anonymous message throughout the State. Perhaps we will reach people who would never be able to attend our meetings or receive our message in any other manner.

While we cooperate without affiliation or endorsement, this year Indiana State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation had their own table located right next to us including Bringing Indiana Along (BIA) who we shared our table with last year due to a limited number of available tables. BIA is a program designed to help Indiana's addiction and behavioral health providers assist their patients and clients to stop using tobacco products and other nicotine delivery devices. Between visitors we chatted briefly about our common journey. However, we were too busy trying to help others to talk much among ourselves. We humorously referred to our corner of the exhibit area as the "Non-Smoking Section" which is a term rarely heard nowadays.

Seven members volunteered to hand out a few hundred Nicotine Anonymous World Services (NAWS) pamphlets and business cards, Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business cards, sell NicA books at cost, and most importantly, to try to carry the message that people do recover from this powerful addiction. We answered questions and offered hope to family and friends who stopped at our table in an attempt to find a way to help their loved ones stop using nicotine. We also tried to carry this message, sharing our experience, strength and hope with professionals from all around the State of Indiana. "Thank You!" to our volunteers, and especially to our visitors for helping us stay smober again this year!

September 18, 2014 - Recovery Month Open House

No Ifs, Ands or Butts Group hosted the third annual National Recovery Month Open House on Thursday, September 18, 2014. It was a success! One person attending his very first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous was as fortunate for us as another attending her second NicA meeting in a row. All participated in reading from the Newcomer's Booklet followed by everyone having the opportunity to talk about their experience, strength and hope in Nicotine Anonymous. All also enjoyed homemade quesadillas and deviled eggs, fruit and vegetable trays, homemade and bakery cookies, and coffee. With deep appreciation to all who baked, cooked, shopped, came early and helped, as well as everyone speaking with such honesty and sincerity, it was a wonderful event and meeting!

According to the recoverymonth.gov website: "In its 25th year, Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders. This year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out," encourages people to openly speak up about mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery, and promotes ways individuals can use to recognize behavioral health issues and reach out for help."

We certainly did so tonight! Of course, this is all in a spirit of cooperation, not affiliation or endorsement, as our Traditions suggest.

September 11, 2014 - Group Merger Results in New Group Name

On Thursday, September 11, 2014, a group conscience business meeting was held following the regular meeting. The merger of the Fourth Tuesday of the Month and the Thursday Evening Groups was again considered without objection including a comment supporting the merger from the longest attending member of the Tuesday group who has participated in that group for nearly fifteen years.

Those present also approved a new name for our combined group: No Ifs, Ands or Butts! According to the Free Dictionary online, the idiom means "without excuses or doubts" which is a good description for us.

After ample and reasonable discussion with opposing points of view seriously considered, the group decided to use the $323.68 from the former Fourth Tuesday of the Month Group prudent reserve in the following manner:

$23.68 or less toward snacks for Recovery Month Open House on September 18th
$100.00 for pamphlets for exhibit table at IN ARMS conference (same as last year)
$100.00 for literature for new meeting at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center
$100.00 or more to remain in group prudent reserve until end of year for potential contribution to Nicotine Anonymous World Services

So, all of the most frequently attending members of both meetings have now had two or more weeks to ponder and reflect upon the merger with unanimous agreement and no dissension. We are one group!

August 26 & 28, 2014 - Fourth Tuesday of Month Meeting Has Ended

After considerable discussion of ways to increase participation in the Fourth Tuesday of the Month meeting, including some emailed suggestions, the members present at a group conscience discussion decided to stop meeting on Tuesdays and to increase support for Monday and Thursday meetings. A couple members will continue to meet at library as long as possible for any newcomers who might first attend there until this news gets around. So, please help us spread the word.

This decision was not quick or easy. For example, one idea previously suggested and discussed by members present was to make Fourth Tuesday a speaker meeting. However, since Salvation Army leadership has recently asked for the Monday meeting to be a speaker meeting, it was thought that it might be difficult to find speakers, and listeners, for a second speaker meeting. Another suggestion was to increase Tuesday to a weekly meeting. Because library availability is limited to monthly, this would necessitate a location change, and might spread our yet small group too thin to cover two new weekly meetings, Mondays and Tuesdays. Another idea considered was a monthly smobriety celebration, although currently all active members' anniversaries are in May, July, August and November, and it might be quite some time before the other eight months will see additional members' anniversaries to celebrate.

Throughout this discussion was the spirit of how best to carry the message of recovery from nicotine addiction. The members present were the most frequent at the Fourth Tuesday meetings over the past several years, so obviously the time was good for them personally. Yet, they decided based upon the good for all. It was a real honor to participate in such an unselfish and considerate process.

Finally, as further evidence of this unselfish and constructive spirit in ceasing the Fourth Tuesday meeting, the members discussed the best way to pass on the legacy and assets of the group. This meeting is the latest in an evolution of Nicotine Anonymous in Indianapolis beginning during or before 1989 with meetings on Friday evening at Fairbanks Hospital. Over the past 25 or more years, a small but dedicated group of members has maintained the availability of Nicotine Anonymous on various evenings at various locations bringing us to where we are now. While all of us owe the current and former members of the Fourth Tuesday group a great deal for keeping the message here for us when we came, they are concerned only with how to best continue to give.

Therefore, it was decided by group conscience on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, to offer to merge with the Thursday Evening Group in order to pass it on, including the twenty-five year legacy, current literature inventory, and prudent reserve. In gratitude, on Thursday, August 28th, the members present agreed to accept this merger in a second and separate group conscience vote.

Between these two votes almost all active members were heard. However, in the traditions of group conscience and autonomy in deciding for ourselves in group matters, members thoughts about this group merger were invited by email and text message, to please reply with comments, and/or to attend the Thursday Evening Group on September 11, 2014, where this proposed merger would continue to be discussed, including a possible name change to reflect the merger of these two groups.

In actuality, this merger is merely a formality of the members' actions over the past few years. When the weekly Thursday meeting began, it was started by two people, one of whom was a regular member of the then Wednesday monthly group who wanted and needed more than a monthly meeting. Other members began attending where and when they needed, and were able, and also attended where needed. As members began attending both meetings, a single fellowship emerged some time ago. In fact, most Thursday regulars' first meeting in Indy was on Tuesday, or Wednesday before that, or Friday before that. And, most former Fourth Tuesday members are now more likely to attend on Thursdays.

So, we are already one group. A merger vote is only a formal process to assure continuation of our legacy and ease transfer of assets without potential controversy.

Again, this column, email and text messages invited any thoughts about this group merger to please reply with comments, and/or attend the Thursday Evening Group on September 11, 2014, where this proposed merger would continue to be discussed, including a possible name change to reflect the merger.

It has been said that the only requirements to form a new group are a resentment and a coffee pot. While that may be true, we might add that the only requirements to form one group are a common need and a common message. We have both.

August 21, 2014 - Third Anniversary of Smobriety for Susan W.

Susan last smoked on August 15, 2011. She celebrated her third anniversary of recovery from nicotine at the Thursday Evening Group on August 21st. Susan is grateful for her freedom over the past three years following more than fifty years of smoking. As a result, she continues to express her gratitude through her participation regularly and her honesty at meetings, and by continuing to serve as Group Secretary for a second year. Susan and other members reflected on experiences since she came to Nicotine Anonymous. She is an inspiration. We all enjoyed what is becoming another custom, Susan's favorite, homemade delicious white wedding cake provided by Terry M. Congratulations and thanks Susan!

August 11, 2014 - New Nicotine Anonymous Group at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center

Monday, August 11th was the first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, and as far as we know, the first Nicotine Anonymous at any Salvation Army ever. This new meeting is on Mondays at 4:45 PM at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, 2400 Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46222. There were nine people at the first meeting and over seventy last week. Please plan to attend, use south entrance and ask for Nicotine Anonymous. It will be a speaker meeting. If you are willing to share your experience, strength and hope for a half hour, please email your available Monday dates from 4:45 to 5:30 PM.

July 17-18, 2014 - Nicotine Anonymous at Susan Li Conference

We distributed over 280 Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana website cards, 130 Nicotine Anonymous World Services business cards, 60 pamphlets and six books at the Seventh Annual Susan Li Conference at Fairbanks Recovery Center on July 17-18, 2014. Through a last minute cancellation, we were offered an exhibit table at this conference attended by approximately 140 addiction professionals specializing with youth and young adults. Many participants took printed materials for patients and clients, and several asked questions about our fellowship. In keeping with our traditions of cooperation without affiliation or endorsement, we express our deepest gratitude to Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program and Fairbanks Hospital for this opportunity to try to carry our message of freedom from tobacco dependence.

July 10, 2014 - Thursday Evening Group Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

For the fifth time, the members of the Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group of Nicotine Anonymous celebrated another annual milestone. Following fun, food and fellowship including reminiscing over events during the years, while enjoying fried chicken and many very fine pitch-in dishes provided by some excellent cooks, all heard the story of recovery from nicotine addiction of Zachari G.

In addition, Jon F. and Denny A. both announced anniversaries of last tobacco use on July 4th, in 2005 and 2007, respectively. There was an informal smobriety countdown, including: 13 years and 8 months; 9 years and 6 days; 7 years and 6 days; 1 year and 2 months; 1 year and 10 days; 112 days; 72 days; and 28 days. Best of all there were two newcomers, and Zachari's daughter.

Zachari told of starting to smoke at age fourteen and having enough health consequences by age 21 to begin trying to stop. He shared the frustrations many of us were able to understand - guilt, shame, anger and fear when trying repeatedly to stop smoking only to start again. More importantly, Zachari told of the ideas and actions he found successful in his own recovery and the important benefits to his health, education and family relationships. We knew of his honesty by the smiles of agreement from his lovely daughter who joined him for the evening. Zachari spoke of the rewards, such as running a marathon, since his last smoke on November 13, 2000. Most importantly, none of us would have been here at this group without his efforts.

Five years ago, there was one meeting of Nicotine Anonymous in Indianapolis every month. While that meeting was a great one, and around for over twenty-five years now, it was hard for some newcomers to get a solid start. Think of it, "Go to three meetings in ninety days" seems to be missing a familiar frequency often advocated in recovery fellowships. While the original fellowship only had one meeting a week, which was sufficient or none of us would be here, more frequent meetings in the beginning are often quite helpful to get started.

So, Zachari who was a consultant with Rethink Tobacco, a then subsidiary of Mental Health America of Indiana, decided to start a weekly meeting of Nicotine Anonymous. He secured a location and held the first meeting on July 2, 2009. The second member began attending on July 16th. When the third member began coming on August 13th, the first group conscience meeting was soon held, and Zachari arranged for a subsequent location more central to these first three group members. Thank you, Zachari G.

Following his story, most were able to comment and thank Zachari for his lead and service. While we live recovery day by day, we hope to see you all next year on July 16, 2015! Keep coming back.

   

July 3, 2014 - First Smobriety Anniversary for Geoff R.

Geoff first came to Nicotine Anonymous about four years ago. Apparently, he found some hope here, because he started talking with members, and stopped smoking on July 1, 2013. He returned to NicA meetings regularly, both the Thursday Evening and Fourth Tuesday of the Month Groups some time ago. Geoff celebrated his First Smobriety Anniversary with the Thursday Evening Group on July 3, 2014. He is truly appreciative of the freedom from smoking and Fellowship of helping others do the same he has found with us. A long time friend gave Geoff a token for one year! Another member baked a delicious chocolate cake for him, and the rest of us, too.

Also celebrating important phases of smobriety were Paul with 7 days, Jonathan with 21 days, and Pete with 65 days.

May 29, 2014 - Eighth Anniversary of Smobriety for Gail S.

Gail chain-smoked for decades until May 28, 2006. She found the power to stop and stay stopped through the program and fellowship in these rooms. On May 29th we all celebrated her eighth smobriety anniversary at the Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group. Gail is humble and an inspiration to all of us of continued smobriety. Following a reading on Step Three from NICOTINE ANONYMOUS -- The Book, all shared experience and appreciation for Gail's contributions to our fellowship during the discussion, as well as terrific home-made chocolate layer cake and walnut brownies provided by Gail's friends who bake so very well.

May 15, 2014 - First Anniversary of Smobriety for Rebecca P.

The Thursday Evening Group celebrated her First Anniversary of Smobriety with Rebecca P. She last smoked and used any nicotine on May 9, 2013. Rebecca received a token for one year! She is very grateful for this freedom, including the ability to attend college and be around smokers who are not supportive of her recovery. She thanked the group for helping her find the power to resist urges to smoke until she was free. Her friends provided two watermelon "cakes" which are watermelon decorated like a cake, and a real cake for all to share. Rebecca is a wonderful example of "How It Works."

    

April 3, 2014 - New Meeting Place: Carvel Club, 4627 Carvel Avenue

After four and a half years at the Martin Luther King Community Center where the staff and facility were terrific, the Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group held a group conscience meeting with a decision to relocate to the Carvel Club where the group temporarily met during spring breaks when MLK Center was closed. The decision was based upon how to best try to carry this message. Please make a note of the new location, and plan to attend Thursdays at 6 PM at the Carvel Club, 4627 Carvel Avenue, downstairs in the smaller meeting room on the left. There is an elevator on the far end of the building. See you there!

December 12, 2013 - Third Annual Just Desserts!

The Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group celebrated a Holiday custom for the third year: Just Desserts! Named for a Twelve Step Fellowship expression of getting what one deserves, this pun is to note that our group Holiday party fare is "just desserts" brought by members wishing to share their favorite recipes and sweets. Including a newcomer at her very first meeting, all enjoyed these treats during the regular literature discussion. Cake and cookies and punch, oh my!

November 26, 2013 - Fourth Smobriety Anniversary for Billy D.

Billy had his last smoke on November 9, 2009. In an attempt to surprise him for his fourth anniversary of smobriety, several of us attended his home group, the Fourth Tuesday of the Month Group on November 26, 2013. We came early with his favorite, pumpkin pie, along with real whipped cream and coffee. However, the surprise was on us, since Billy was unable to attend the meeting. Two of us were at Billy's first meeting and recalled fondly his four years of recovery, smobriety and freedom from nicotine, and yes, we did this as we ate his favorite pumpkin pie with whipped cream and drank the coffee, without him. He was missed, and got his token later.

September 25-26, 2013 - Nicotine Anonymous Exhibit at Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (IN ARMS) for Fourth Year

Nicotine Anonymous had an exhibit at the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium, IN ARMS, attended by over 300 mental health and addiction professionals from all around Indiana. This was the fourth consecutive year for NicA to exhibit at this fifth IN ARMS, so we have been there every year but the first.

Since there were a limited number of exhibit tables this year, in the spirit of cooperation without affiliation, we shared our table with Bringing Indiana Along, a program designed to help Indiana's addiction and mental health workers facilitate their patients and clients to stop using tobacco.

Volunteers handed out over 250 new Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business-sized cards and 220 pamphlets to at least 200 persons visiting our display table. We answered questions about Nicotine Anonymous as we tried to carry this message, sharing experience, strength and hope with professionals from all of Indiana. "Thank You!" to our volunteers again this year!

August 22, 2013 - Second Smobriety Anniversary of Susan W.

Susan celebrated her second year of freedom from nicotine with the Thursday Evening Group on August 22nd! Her actual last smoking date was August 15, 2011. However, she was volunteering at the Indiana State Fair last week. Susan is very happy and grateful for having been free for two years after over fifty years of smoking. As a result of her happiness and gratitude, Susan demonstrates these through regular attendance and honestly sharing at meetings, and by serving as Secretary of the Group for the past year.

All in attendance shared with Susan our experiences with her since she became active in Nicotine Anonymous. She is a joy and inspiration. We also shared the homemade red raspberry sauce she made and added to vanilla ice cream, the delicious white wedding cake made from scratch by Terry M. and coffee. Congratulations Susan!

July 11, 2013 - Thursday Evening Group Fourth Anniversary

The Thursday Evening Group Fourth Anniversary pitch-in dinner was a great success! Rebecca received a token for 60 days! Denny thanked the Group for six years of freedom from nicotine as of July 4th. Our speakers were Kimberley A. who found the power to stop a pack a day addiction via the steps, last smoking on August 24, 1992, and Rebecca P. who smoked her last on May, 9, 2013.

Kimberley shared that she started to smoke at age 12 and continued off and on until she was 29. She went to twelve step meetings, read step literature, got a sponsor, took the steps, and lost the desire for cigarettes. The desire did very strongly return once later, and she did these same things and scrubbed the kitchen floor on her hands and knees. She has not had a strong desire since that day many years ago. This is a literal twist on a co-founders simple description of the program, trust God and clean house.

Rebecca gave a humorous lead about her experiences, including trying to smoke grapevines as a child, and many attempts to stop on her own. She also shared some of the tough times. She has had several periods of freedom from nicotine, all coincidently when she was going to meetings regularly and calling her sponsor. She is a true example of persistence, as are some other members in our area, those who keep coming back until the miracle happens. Some simply have a tougher path to follow, perhaps as encouragement to others yet to start that path.

Some shared memories of the past four years since the group was started while eating a delicious fried chicken dinner with potato salad, Grandpa’s coleslaw, vegetables with dip, chips, sugar cream pie, cupcakes, brownies, fruit punch and coffee.

Thanks to Kimberley, Rebecca, and all who made this 4th Anniversary a really fine party!

May 28, 2013 - Seventh Smobriety Anniversary for Gail S.

This month’s Fourth Tuesday of the Month Group meeting was on May 28, 2013, which was coincidently the seventh anniversary of the last smoke of Gail S. Many attended and shared in the evening. Others sent well wishes from Madison, Indiana to Madison, Wisconsin. In the true spirit of gratitude of our Fellowship, Gail brought a wonderful German chocolate cake to share with us all. A card and her usual fine coffee was provided by Terry M. Gail brought up the discussion topic, benefits of smobriety. It is easy to take these things for granted and forget what a wonderful freedom we have received in Nicotine Anonymous. So, this was a good reminder of our recovery, and most importantly to try to pass it on to others. This is the main reason for smobriety anniversaries – to inspire others that it works!

If you scroll to the bottom of this column you will notice it began with Gail’s sixth smobriety anniversary a year ago. There are twelve persons having smobriety listed during this past year. Nine are still tobacco free and trying to carry this message. Some newcomers and others are on their way. Yet others are still tobacco free who have not been with us during the past year on their anniversary. It does work!

May 2, 2013 - First Smobriety Anniversary for Steven C.

Steven smoked last and attended his very first Nicotine Anonymous meeting on April 26, 2012. He celebrated his first anniversary of smobriety with all of us in the Thursday Evening Group on May 2, 2013. Since his first meeting, Steven has attended the Thursday Evening Group every single week during the past year. He has chaired meetings and shared some of his story with everyone who may be helped. He has come early to greet and set out literature for any newcomers. Steven shared fresh fruit, other goodies and coffee brought for him by other group members. Steven is the first to attend the Thursday Evening Group to have continuous smobriety from his start. His regular attendance and helpful approach has encouraged many!

November 15, 2012 - Third Smobriety Anniversary for Billy D.

Billy last smoked on November 9, 2009. He celebrated his third anniversary of smobriety with all of us on November 15, 2012. Billy shared the evening with his wife and the rest of us, including a couple of us who were here when Billy first came to Nicotine Anonymous. He chaired the meeting and shared some of his story. When he first came, Billy was still smoking. Since the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using nicotine, he was welcomed. He soon found the power to stop, and has not smoked since then.

Billy is a living example of the Step Ten promise -- We will seldom be interested in smoking. If tempted, we recoil from it as from a hot flame. (Oh wait! it is a hot flame!) -- because he has worked around cigarettes and has not been tempted enough to smoke. Billy shared his experience, strength and hope with all of us, as well as a terrific pumpkin pie and coffee brought for him by another group member. Billy's third anniversary is an inspiration to us all!

September 26-27, 2012 - Nicotine Anonymous Exhibit at Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium (IN ARMS) for Third Year

This was the third consecutive year for Nicotine Anonymous to have an exhibit table at the Indiana Annual Recovery Month Symposium, referred to by its acronym, IN ARMS, a conference attended by approximately 450 mental health and addiction professionals. This was the fourth IN ARMS, so we have been there for all but the first. Four hard-working and dedicated volunteers stocked and distributed 20 Nicotine Anonymous books, over 200 new Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business cards, and nearly 400 pamphlets to at least 200 persons visiting our exhibit display table.

We answered questions and shared a bit of our experience, strength and hope with each as we tried to carry this message to professionals from all around Indiana, South Bend to Evansville, and Terre Haute to Richmond. Perhaps some will use the information to send us new prospects. We offered each visitor to the exhibit our new Nicotine Anonymous Around Central Indiana (NicA-ACIN) website business card to aid in future contact. If you do not have any, please pick up some at your next meeting. These are a great way to try to carry this message to interested persons. Here is a very big "Thank You!" to all who helped.

August 16, 2012 - First Smobriety Anniversary for Susan W.

Susan had her last smoke on August 15, 2011. She celebrated the first anniversary of that event with all of us on August 16, 2012. Susan was joined by her daughter and son-in-law. Her daughter has not smoked in even longer, and was so happy for her mother because it was so difficult for her. Susan shared part of her story. She said that while she had stopped smoking for six months a time or two in the past, she is amazed that she was able to get beyond that six-month limit. Susan also said that although not always easy, she has found the power to stay smober, and that it is getting easier as each day goes by. Her favorite cake, "wedding cake" with white cake and white icing was prepared by another member and enjoyed by everyone. It was excellent!

August 2, 2012 - Thirteenth Smobriety Anniversary for Whitney S.

For his thirteenth smobriety anniversary, Whitney briefly shared his story. He is the longest attending member of Nicotine Anonymous here in Indianapolis and shares a bit of the history of our Fellowship in his story. Whitney also wrote: "It was thirteen years on August 1, 2012. My long-, and I do mean long-awaited quit date was August 1, 1999. I finally quit smoking in Memphis, Tennessee, but have had all but six months of my "smober time" here in Indianapolis.

I began attending Nicotine Anonymous meetings in April of 2000, on Friday nights at Fairbanks. In my opinion, there is a strong correlation between the fact that this was the quit attempt that "took" and the fact that, this time, I began working the Steps of Nicotine Anonymous.

I still do, by the way, with a great deal of gratitude for my Higher Power as well as the fellowship. Peace, Whitney." His experience, strength and hope are an inspiration to us all and an excellent demonstration of these principles in action. Imagine, Whitney is now in his "teens" in smobriety. It was a very good thing that two of Whitney's friends both brought cakes to his thirteenth smobriety anniversary celebration, because they were needed to feed the crowd.

July 12, 2012 - Third Anniversary of Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group

Nineteen people attended our Third Anniversary celebration, including members, families and friends. Telling some of her story, Terry M. shared her experience, strength and hope. She is an inspiration especially in the importance of coming back. Receiving an 18-month token after relocating to the area was Nancy J. Also, at her first meeting of Nicotine Anonymous and who has not used nicotine since August 24, 1992, was Kimberley A. Since he was absent last week, announcing his fifth anniversary as of July 4th was Denny A. All shared in the fried chicken and some delicious "pitch-in" specialty side dishes and desserts. The group has grown from one, two or three each week in July 2009 to five, six or seven at regular non-eating meetings, and double digits when we celebrate a smobriety milestone. Keep coming back!

July 5, 2012 - Seventh Smobriety Anniversary for Jon F.

So many people helped Jon to celebrate his seventh anniversary of continuous smobriety which began July 4, 2005, that it took two cakes to feed them all. This was good because two of his friends both brought fine cakes. Seriously, Jon does inspire us to continue to practice these principles to maintain serenity and smobriety under all conditions. He listens carefully to each person and has a knack of understanding. Jon usually has a simple way of summarizing the program approach to most problems of living and recovery. Jon definitely practices the principles, shares words of encouragement with us all. Thank you, Jon, for showing us an ongoing path of happy and serene smobriety.

June 21, 2012 - First Smobriety Anniversary for Tom J.

We had a fine and fun first anniversary celebration with Tom who last smoked on June 18, 2011. Tom spoke of having smoked for 52 years and having tried many times to stop on his own before coming to Nicotine Anonymous. He is truly grateful for the fellowship, and friends. One of those friends brought a beautiful cake for Tom, and all of us, of course! We were delighted to share Tom's success and friendship, and cake and/or coffee, too! This is what we are all about -- a place where those who cannot stop or stay stopped may find hope, encouragement and the power to do what was previously impossible for us, to be free from tobacco. Tom is a great example for us all! Thank you for "Coming back!"

June 7, 2012 - First Smobriety Anniversary for Terry J.

Terry celebrated his first year of smobriety with us at the Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group. He is a fine example of how Nicotine Anonymous works. Unable to stop on his own power, Terry attended his first meeting on March 1, 2011. He read the literature, got a sponsor and took the Steps. The day after reviewing his Step Eight list with his sponsor and being willing to make amends, Terry got the power to stop smoking on June 5, 2011. He has not smoked since then. Terry was visibly surprised and moved when his wife and daughter joined us for the party. This was touching since they all came to his first meeting only fifteen months ago. While not required, family understanding and encouragement can be extremely helpful. Terry was nominated as the Group's WebTrustedServant, since we did not want the title Web"Master" to go to his head. Seriously, Terry designs and maintains our fine website you see here.

May 31, 2012 - Sixth Smobriety Anniversary for Gail S.

If you were not able to join us, you missed it, and we missed you! Eleven people celebrated Gail's sixth smobriety anniversary (May 28, 2006) with chocolate cake and coffee at the Indianapolis Thursday Evening Group. In true Step fashion, Gail chaired the meeting and selected the topic as Step Twelve. After reading from NICOTINE ANONYMOUS -- The Book, many shared their experience, strength and hope with Step Twelve, which includes all of the others, for those who are still struggling. Most went for dinner with Gail at a nearby restaurant after the meeting. As was said, you missed it and we missed you! We are celebrating nearly every other week this summer. Please join us next time!