<H3>It can be really hard, facing up to the sobering reality of your Steemit addiction...</H3>

In case you missed our first ☁️*Steemit Anonymous*☁️ meeting, you may want to read about it here: [**True Confessions of a ☁️Steem Junkie☁️,**](https://steemit.com/humor/@creatr/true-confessions-of-a-steem-junkie)

<H3>Admit it, Steemian. *You* Are An *Addict!*</H3>

Come with me now as we look in on a meeting of *Steemit Anonymous*, just about to start.

![Hooked on Steem...](https://source.unsplash.com/zXQdgHr2KIw)
<H6>Hooked on Steem<BR> Photo courtesy of [Stas Svechnikov](https://unsplash.com/@svechnikov) and [http://unsplash.com](http://unsplash.com)</H6>

<H3>The moderator bangs her gavel...</H3>

*"Please take your seats!"*

On my way in the door, I pass a folding table decked out with styrofoam coffee cups, an old coffee urn, and what appear to be left over Christmas cookies. I keep my head down, trying to avoid the stares of the others milling around.

Nervously looking for a seat, I try very hard to be invisible. This is *not* what you'd call a *comfortable experience.*

*Let's go, folks! You'll have plenty of time later for refreshments and socializing."*

God, I wish this group was bigger! It's really hard to blend in. Quickly grabbing an open chair, I find myself seated between a somewhat overweight woman in a puffy purple jacket and a rather grizzly looking guy in a plaid flannel shirt. Just in time, too; the moderator starts talking:

<H3>"Good evening, and *Welcome* to Steemit Anonymous."</H3>

*"We're here tonight to **bear one another's burdens.** A new year has begun, and we need to commit to being strong, to **staying** strong for each other this year!"*

A smattering of *"Amen"*s rises from the rag-tag audience of about thirty.

![A rag-tag audience of about thirty...](https://source.unsplash.com/-5rA4DRrEXU)
<H6>A rag-tag audience of about thirty...<BR> Photo courtesy of [Kaleb Nimz](https://unsplash.com/@kalebnimz) and [http://unsplash.com](http://unsplash.com)</H6>

I try hard to keep my mind from wandering as the facilitator — who I'd guess to be either a social worker or minister, she just has "that look" about her — opens the meeting with a refresher course in the twelve steps on the journey to sobriety.

<H3>Before I know it, sharing time has arrived.</H3>

*"Who'd like to start out our sharing tonight? Don't be shy; just come on up and introduce yourself."*

Screwing up my courage, I rise to my feet... You see, nervous though I am, one of my New Year's resolutions is to not hold back at these meetings. I excuse myself as I squeeze past seated members, and make my way up to the podium.

><H3>"Hi, My name is Duncan... *and I'm a **Steemit addict.**"*</H3>
><H2>"Hi, Duncan!"</H2>

I'm shaking a bit as I look out across the room. There are people from every walk of life here; a veritable cross-section of humanity. I take a deep, calming breath.

>"I've only been "on Steem" for a little while; it all started out back in August, when someone on Facebook posted a link to a Steemit article. It seemed so innocent at the time! You know, write a little bit now and then, get paid for it?

Understanding murmers emanate from the crowd. 

>"But then, before I knew it - I was pumping out one, two... OK - *I admit it!* - sometimes three and four posts a day!"<BR>
>"I've finally come to realize - to admit to *myself*, really - that I can't help myself. I am *powerless.* I can't stop myself from *steeming!*"

Now I'm a little choked up; this is harder than I expected! But I continue anyway:

>"That's why I'm here tonight... And I plan to keep coming back, for *as long as it takes!"*

![What appear to be left over Christmas cookies...](https://source.unsplash.com/XBx3uQBCn1k)
<H6>What appear to be left over Christmas cookies...<BR> Photo courtesy of [Mira Bozhko](https://unsplash.com/@mirchi) and [http://unsplash.com](http://unsplash.com)</H6>

<H3>There are smiles, then applause!</H3>

I'm overwhelmed by the response of the audience. I see understanding, even *compassion,* in the faces of many. A few call out brief encouragements; "Glad you're here!" - "Right on, Duncan!" - "We're with you, man!"

Wow, sharing from the heart like this is cathartic! A wave of relief passes over me as I step away from the podium. Moving back toward my seat, several in their chairs reach out and pat my arm or my back, some shake my hand.

Yes, I think I will definitely be back!

---

<H3>Be sure to contact me...</H3>

...for the time and date of the next **Steemit Anonymous** meeting. Perhaps we can help each other!

If nothing else, maybe we'll get **some good ideas** for our next article...?

<H3>If you recognize yourself in this article...</H3>

... How about sharing? Tell us about *your* addiction. How has Steemit encroached on *your* life?

Remember, leave **your first name ONLY** in a comment below. ;) At **Steemit Anonymous,** we always respect your right to privacy.

🏁

This post is intended to count towards @dragosroua's [**Challenge30.**](https://steemit.com/challenge30/@dragosroua/let-s-start-2017-on-the-right-foot-a-30-days-writing-challenge-proposal)

Thanks for your time and attention. I'm here on Steemit because of *you,* my readers. Wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!

---
<P>

<H4>I have very eclectic interests and hope, over time, to write about all of them.<BR>Did you enjoy this post?<BR><BR>⬇️**Please check out @creatr's world - *CLICK* each of the images below**⬇️</H4>

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