Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for people who are addicted to drugs, clean addicts and active drug users, to help them learn how to live without using mind- and mood-altering chemicals. It uses a 12 step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. There are subtle differences between the steps used by members of Alcoholics Anonymous and by the members of Narcotics Anonymous. The steps were changed to reflect an all-inclusive program that does not cater to one specific substance problem. NA members believe that the underlying disease of addiction is the problem -- and the problem doesn't disappear just because they stop using. NA members believe addiction is a fourfold disease -- physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. They also believe the spiritual path laid out by the 12 steps provide recovery.

Meetings

Meetings are held regularly, and can be either open (when visitors are allowed to join) or closed (only addicts can come). They are usually held in church or community halls.

The group is chaired by one person, and may open up with the Serenity Prayer. Around the group everyone states their name, and sometimes how long they have been clean. People who have used drugs that day are welcome to be in the group.

Various readings are done by participants.

There are several types of meetings. Open discussion, literature study, speaker meetings, etc. In an open discussion meeting the chairperson asks for volunteers, and if there are none the chairperson asks a few members to discuss their life, and how being clean has been going and the problems they have been facing. While this person is talking the rest of the group listens.

The session usually ends with a prayer, and a collection box is passed around the group. Part of the ideology of Narcotics Anonymous is that they are addicts helping each other, and donations from visitors are not accepted.

Spirituality

Another important ideological point is that Narcotics Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious program. Each member is entitled to freely choose the "Higher Power" and spiritual practice they want, free from coercion or evangalisim.

NA is neither a sect nor a cult, the members choose their own higher power, as they understand it.

Narcotics Anonymous is not related to Narconon. Narconon is a branch of the Church of Scientology, presenting Scientology doctrine.

Sponsorship

It is recommended that addicts recovering in Narcotics Anonymous find a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who helps another addict stay clean and work the 12 steps by sharing their own personal experience with recovery.

See also

• Jimmy Kinnon (Jimmy K)
• Cocaine Anonymous

External links

• Official Narcotics Anonymous Website
• Who, What, How, and Why
• Am I an addict?