In 1944, AA’s co-founder Bill Wilson discussed a separate fellowship for drug addicts.19 In 1947, NARCO (also called Addicts Anonymous) met weekly at the U.S. Jimmy K., who is credited with starting the NA as we know it today, did contact Rae Perez, a leading member of this NA fellowship. Because that fellowship did not want to follow the 12 traditions written by AA, the two NA fellowships never united.
- Narcotics Anonymous members are not required to pay any dues or fees.
- Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
- Non-members can, however, purchase a “Basic Text” from the group.
- It’s a place where you’re not alone in your struggles, and where your desire to get better is met with open arms and understanding hearts.
- With a global network of groups, you’re always within reach of someone who understands, making continuous commitment to sobriety a shared goal.
What Are the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
This step involves being honest with yourself about the harm done to the various aspects of your life and taking responsibility for your actions. Narcotics Anonymous is a fully self-sufficient organization that only accepts donations from its members. First-time NA meeting participants are not expected to give any money, this is only for established members. There are also apps available that can help you find a local meeting or attend a virtual one.
NA Meetings Are Anonymous
By the end of 1983, NA had expanded into more than a dozen countries, offering almost 3,000 meetings worldwide. On October 1, 2008, the 5th edition was replaced by the 6th edition in the Narcotics Anonymous World Services inventory at NA.org. Copies of the Basic Text are sold, or given away for free at the group’s expense, at NA meetings, and are available in over 30 different languages. Millions have been sold worldwide, and have been useful to many addicts.
What to Expect at NA Meetings
We encourage you to check each meeting out for yourself to get a better idea of what is expected at that meeting. Finally, some people may find that the self-reflection component of Just for Today can be difficult or uncomfortable. If this is the case, simply skip over that part of the program and focus on the other parts that are more helpful to you. Just for Today can also be difficult to stick with if you’re not committed to the process. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. This step involves praying or employing other spiritual or mindfulness techniques.
Members of the program learned what was effective and what was not. Relapse rates declined over time and friction between NA groups began to decrease. NA literature suggests that service work is an essential part of a program of recovery. Service is “doing the right thing for the right reason,” and is the best example of “goodwill,” which is the basis for the freedom only from active addiction by the NA program. Service work is usually chairing a meeting, but may be as simple as cleaning up after the meeting, putting away chairs, or answering a phone.
This approach allows you to hear real-life stories of addiction and recovery, which can be incredibly reassuring. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles creates an environment of mutual understanding and support. It is a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and shares many of the same principles, practices, and philosophies. The goal of NA is to create a community where people with substance use issues help each other on the road to recovery.
Through sharing personal stories and fostering a sense of community, NA helps you realize you’re not alone in your struggles. Cannabis Marijuana National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA The role of sponsorship further personalizes your recovery process, offering you a mentor who’s walked a similar path. With a global network of groups, you’re always within reach of someone who understands, making continuous commitment to sobriety a shared goal.