What is any general tips would you share with someone just coming here for the first time?

I see all the time new people coming in, and all have one thing in common, they are looking for support. So, do you have any general tips for folks who are ACoNs?

• Martial Arts is almost never a bad thing. It helps you connect with yourself and you capabilities which funny enough calms you down and gives you confidence. Don't look at it as learning to kick ass, look at is a special gym with different workouts. There is the physical, and the mental, you work on breathing, control, mindfulness of your being etc.

• Look for the local resources when you are ready to get out. I often say check resources such as your local church and community. Many are happy to help you get out and get stable. You would be surprised, and it costs nothing to ask and at worst you are told no.

• When planning to get out, make a list of EVERYTHING you might need, because chances are once you leave, anything left could be gone. So make sure you know what you want to keep and what you don't mind losing.

-If you are in college, and getting decent grades, try to use the college resources to help you stay in school if you are just getting out of the rent's place. The college want to keep you there, they are making money from your tuition, chances are good you are not the first person there to ever face this sort of thing. Again, costs nothing to ask.