Narcotics Anonymous is the world's largest organization to aid recovering drug addicts.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) evolved from Alcoholics Anonymous and originally began in the Los Angeles area in 1953. NA adopted the principals of alcoholics anonymous expanding them to include anyone who believes their drug abuse causes significant damage to their relationships and ability to function. The program incorporates structured peer support with regular scheduled events to assist recovering drug addicts. Members of the Narcotics Anonymous community have demonstrated successful recovery programs that continue to be replicated on an international basis.
Philosophy
NA encourages members to be sober in order to gain maximum program benefits.
Narcotics Anonymous explains its philosophy is "to provide an environment within which drug addicts can help one another stop using and find a new way to live." NA uses a 12-step program that says addiction is a disease that can be overcome if the addict admits he is powerless. Members use their belief in god and personal introspection as tools to fight addiction and begin a drug-free lifestyle. Members are asked to maintain sobriety to participate in NA programs.
Structure
Participants can choose from a variety of NA meetings and service committees.
There are two types of meetings NA offers. Open community meetings are educational and available to anyone interested in learning about NA. Closed meetings are restricted to people who are using drugs but want to stop. NA has service committee meetings which help coordinate volunteers and create programming for events. Meetings vary in size from a few to more than 100 people. They last an hour or more. Participation is encouraged but not required. Meetings can target specific populations like gays or only women.
Activities
Meetings and events have offered support to NA members worldwide.
According to Narcotics Anonymous, it offers "nearly 20,000 registered weekly meetings in 70 countries around the world, the greatest concentration being in the USA (16,000), Canada, Latin America and Western Europe (1000 each). Activities range from musical shows to races or dining out. Members vary in ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Your local NA office is listed in the phone book. Call to learn about events.
Considerations
There are no dues to join NA. Members can donate what they want at meetings.
There are no fees associated with NA meetings although members can choose to make donations. NA meetings are not led by professionally trained addiction specialists although members may seek professional help in conjunction with NA participation. Addiction experts may make presentations at NA speaker meetings. The confidentiality of NA members is strictly enforced. Referrals to NA can be made through treatment programs, addiction specialists, other NA members or walk in yourself.
