Narcotics
Anonymous : A Resource in your community
Narcotics Anonymous
(N.A.) is a non-profit, international, community based organization for
recovering addicts active in over 60 countries. Narcotics Anonymous members
learn from one another how to live drug free and recover from the effects
of addiction in their lives
Who are the members of the Narcotics Anonymous
?
Any one who wants to stop using drugs may become a
member of Narcotics Anonymous. Membership is not limited to addicts using
any particular drug. Those who feel they may have a problem with drugs,
legal or illegal, including alcohol, are welcome in N.A. Recovery in N.A.
focuses on the problem of addiction, not on any particular drug.
Anonymity
The basic premise of anonymity allows addicts to attend
meetings without fear of legal or social repercussions. This is an important
consideration for an addict thinking about going to a meeting for the
first time. Anonymity also supports an atmosphere of equality in meetings.
It helps insure that no individual’s personality or circumstance will
be considered more important than the message of recovery shared in N.A.
How
does N.A. work ?
Addicts helping
each other recover are the foundation of N.A. Members meet regularly to
talk about their experiences in recovery. More experienced members (known
as Sponsors) work individually with newer members. The core of the N.A.
programme is the 12 Steps. These "steps" are a set of guidelines outlining
a practical approach to recovery. By following these guidelines and working
closely with other members, addicts learn to stop using drugs and face
the challenges of daily living. Narcotics Anonymous is not a religious
organization and does not mandate any particular belief system. It does
teach basic spiritual principles such as honesty, open-mindedness, faith,
willingness, and humility that may be applied in everyday life. The specific
practical application of spiritual principles is determined by each individual.
Recovery in N.A. is not a miracle cure that happens within a given period
of time. It is a process, ongoing and personal. Members make an individual
decision to join and recover at their own pace
N.A.'s
Meetings
N.A’s primary
approach to recovery is its belief in the therapeutic value of one addict
helping another. Members take part in N.A. meetings by talking about their
experiences and recovery from drug addiction. N.A. meetings are informally
structured, held in spaces rented by the group, and are led by members
who take turns opening and closing the meeting. N.A. meetings and other
services are funded entirely from donations by addict members and the
sale of recovery literature. Financial contributions from non-members
are not accepted. Most N.A. meetings are held regularly at the same time
and place each week, usually in a public facility. There are two basic
types of meetings, those which are open to the general public and those
closed to the public (for addicts only). Meetings vary widely in format.
Some formats are: Participation, Speaker, Question & Answer, Topic Discussion,
and some have a combination of these formats. The function of any meeting
is always the same: To provide a suitable and reliable environment for
personal recovery.
Never
alone never again !
Our message is of hope
and our promise is of freedom
If
you have considered recommending Narcotics Anonymous to someone
who has a drug problem or need more information about our fellowship
please contact us