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Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Learn about Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a community-driven program using a 12-step approach to help individuals recover.

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A Global Pathway to Recovery

All About Narcotics Anonymous

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or chemical dependency, then Narcotic Anonymous may be the right fit for you.

Narcotics Anonymous, also known as NA groups, is a recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous, except it’s geared towards people with other drug dependencies besides alcohol.

At Narcotics Anonymous, there is room for everyone with their multicultural and bilingual membership and a vision that:

“Every addict has a chance to experience the message of NA, in their language and culture, and find an opportunity for a new way of life.”

Narcotics Anonymous has over 67,000 meetings in 139 countries with an ever-growing population. Despite being relatively low compared to Alcoholics Anonymous, NA meetings have significantly grown over the years.

Table of Contents

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Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

The Powerlessness of Addiction

NA's View on Addiction

N/A believes that the addict becomes powerless to their addiction. They also believe that addiction is a disease, and the addicts’ power alone is not enough to adequately break free of this disease. N/A believes the addict will continue to use until they have nothing left. Only when they come to terms with the severity of their circumstances, turn their will over to God, and engage in a program like the 12 steps can they truly overcome the power of addiction.

The 12-Step Program:

Much like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous uses the Big Book, which comprises the 12 steps.

Someone who completes the 12 steps is encouraged to start at the beginning again once they end because addiction is believed to be a lifelong battle.

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Meeting and Memberships

There are no qualifications to attend a meeting besides the desire to change your life. All who believe they have an addiction are welcome to participate in any session.

Opened meetings: Opened meetings are for the addict and friends and families of the addict who chooses to participate for support.

Closed Meetings: Closed meetings are just for those who are addicted or think they are addicted.

You can always double-check with the person in charge of the meetings to see if they are closed or opened.

Meetings are usually once a week and are hosted in various places. City centers, churches, parks, outdoor areas, and clinics are all popular places where these meetings are held.

Check your local listings for areas near you. NA.org.

During sessions

Each meeting differs depending on the member’s needs, the person(s) in charge, and how that particular NA group does things.

Here are the common types of meetings:

  • Round Robin: Each member goes around and shares their story.

  • Stick meeting: Each member draws a topic on a stick to talk about.

  • Tag meeting: The person in charge randomly picks someone to share.

In meetings, you will be doing one of the following:

  • Sharing your story.

  • Reading and discussing a principle from the 12- steps, Big book.

  • Working on a specific topic or issue based on group needs.

  • Or a combination of sharing and work prompts based on specific/special needs of the group ex. Minorities, LGBTQ+Communities, HIV/AIDS-related topics.

If you are attending a specific group for a particular period that is considered your home group, know that you are allowed to make suggestions and participate in the preparations of any lessons, topic points, and even the location of the meetings.

Can NA help me?

Yes! If you allow it. Like with anything else, you have to be proactive when it comes to your sobriety. NA believes people cannot abstain from drugs and alcohol unless a higher power guides them.

Your higher power can be God, but it doesn’t have to be. Your higher power can be yourself; you can rely on your strength and motivation to change your life.

Only you can truly make the first step toward recovery.

How can I get started?

You can get started with Narcotic Anonymous in just a few easy steps:

1) Visit WWW.NA.ORG.

2) Put in your location and find one nearest you.

3) Show up with an open heart and mind, On time!

Have Questions About NA? Rolling Hills Recovery Center Is Here To Help.

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Key Features & Principles of Narcotics Anonymous

Additional Information

  • NA meetings are not an in-patient or extended stay program.

  • N/A is not a detox facility or Medication Maintenance Resource

  • NA is a spiritual-based 12- step program intended to help people recover from drugs and alcohol.

  • Most programs are weekly, lasting approximately one hour long.

  • Family friends are welcome to most meetings (except for the closed sessions).

  • NA was founded in 1947 as one of its oldest, most extensive programs.

  • NA started as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA groups) for people struggling with drugs other than alcohol.

  • You will never find any literature in NA referring to drug use but only addiction. NA believes addiction is a disease by which drug use is only one of the symptoms.

  • In NA, addiction is considered a life-long battle by which one has to maintain a daily fight for continued sobriety.

  • NA teaches powerlessness to addiction and its traps. Only when a person loses everything will they realize the magnitude of their circumstances.

  • NA believes the 12 steps can be an effective way to overcome addiction if appropriately applied.

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In Conclusion

A Chance At a New Life

Narcotics Anonymous has helped thousands of people over the years, and those numbers are still rising. Because of the many different people from all backgrounds and cultures that have come through the program, finding a program that fits your experience should be relatively easy.

Keep an open mind during your first couple of meetings; it may take some time to adjust to the new atmosphere if it is your first time. Everyone has a story; find an NA meeting near you, tell your account, and allow yourself the chance of a happy, healthy, sober life.

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Sources

Na.org

Written By:

Angel Alexander

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Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Angel Alexander is certified in mental health studies and mental health coaching. Angel has over nine years of freelance writing experience and seven years in mental health and substance abuse writing. Angel is currently in her 2nd year of studies at Wallace Community College for the study of psychology.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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