Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 12-Step Alcohol Recovery Program
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide addiction recovery organization and program, designed to support recovery among people who have become addicted to narcotic medication. If you or a loved one has become addicted to a narcotic substance, you can find Narcotics Anonymous chapters throughout the world. The members of these chapters are making the same journey to sobriety that you are, and you'll benefit from continued support throughout 12-step recovery program.
History of NA
Narcotics Anonymous came into being in 1953. Each week, 61,000 meetings are held in 129 countries around the world. Although the organization was founded to deal with narcotic abuse and addiction, it currently makes no distinction between substances and welcomes anyone who is trying to break a dependence on drugs or even alcohol.
Narcotics Anonymous began as an offshoot of the previously formed Alcoholics Anonymous program. The 12-step recovery program was designed to parallel the one used by Alcoholics Anonymous and meant to be both a pathway to recovery as well as set of expectations and guidelines for members of the organization. In fact, the 12 steps of recovery are now widely recognizable outside of the many addiction programs that now exist.
The 12 steps to recovery are:
- Acknowledging the addiction and admitting that it has taken over the addict's life
- Realizing that only a higher power can restore the addict to "sanity
- Making the decision to turn the addict's life and will over to the higher power
- Taking a moral inventory of the addict's life
- Admitting wrongs that have been committed to the higher power and all others affected
- Becoming ready to hand addicts life over to the higher power to remove these wrongs
- Asking the higher power for help
- Making a list of others who have been wronged and arranging to make amends
- Making amends expediently
- Continuing to take self-assessments and admit ongoing wrongs
- Seeking a deeper relationship with a higher power through meditation and prayer
- Becoming spiritually awakened and helping others who still struggle
Although the 12 steps are meant to be explored sequentially, many people who are struggling with addictions will visit and revisit certain steps repeatedly over time. For help finding a Narcotics Anonymous meeting or organization in your area, call us at 1-888-299-5213.
Deciding if Narcotics Anonymous Is Right for You
"... many people who are struggling with addictions will visit and revisit certain steps repeatedly over time."Making the decision to seek help for a substance dependence is a highly personal process. When you are ready to begin the road to recovery for yourself or to help influence a loved one to begin their own journey, it is important to full recognize the resources available and the accountability expected. Narcotics Anonymous relies on 12 traditions that run parallel to the 12 recovery steps. Understanding these traditions may help to understand the Narcotics Anonymous support group you choose to join.
The 12 traditions of Narcotics Anonymous include:
- The unity of NA members influences personal recovery.
- Only one ultimate authority or higher power exists.
- Membership only requires the aspiration to end an addiction.
- All NA groups act independently from each other.
- All NA groups focus solely on helping addicts.
- No NA group should align itself with an outside entity.
- Every NA group should depend on its own contributions.
- Narcotics Anonymous is a volunteer organization that may at times hire professional help.
- NA groups shouldn't be regulated but committees and boards may at times be formed.
- Narcotics Anonymous should not participate in controversial issues or discussions.
- Personal anonymity surpasses promotion at all times.
- Anonymity is at the base of NA, putting "principles before personalities.
What to Expect at Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
Because all Narcotics Anonymous groups act autonomously, meeting expectations may vary based on the members involved. Some meetings are closed, accepting only recovering addicts. Other meetings may be open, or welcoming of non-addicts who wish to attend in support of a loved one or to gain knowledge and understanding. Regardless of the group, some general expectations of a Narcotics Anonymous meeting are universal:
- Every attendee deserves respect.
- Personal experiences are shared voluntarily; if someone wishes to remain silent, they can.
- Some meetings may include speakers who can share their own insights.
- Only first names are used, and attendance is never disclosed outside of a meeting.
- Any money gathered is given by choice; no fees are ever demanded.
- Although meetings may be held in public spaces or religious buildings, no affiliation should be assumed.
Narcotics Anonymous has been able to positively impact people around the world by employing the same principles and traditions universally. If you are, or a loved one is, ready to start down the path to sobriety, call us today at 1-888-299-5213 to find groups in your local area.