🌊 What is Narcotics Anonymous?
NA is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Our program is one of complete abstinence from all drugs, with only one requirement for membership: the desire to stop using.
No strings attached
We are not affiliated with any other organization, and we have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, and no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious, or law enforcement groups, and we are under no surveillance at any time.
Anyone may join us, regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion. We are not interested in what or how much you used, who your connections were, or what you have done in the past — only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help.
“We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break.” — NA Fellowship
Who are members of NA?
Anyone 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 NA.
Recovery in NA focuses on the problem of addiction, not on any specific substance. If you’re looking for a place to belong and a path to change, you’ll find people here who understand and are ready to help, one day at a time.
What is an NA meeting?
NA’s primary approach to recovery is the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. Members share openly about their experience and recovery from drug addiction. Meetings are informally structured, held in spaces rented by the group, and are led by members who take turns opening and closing the meeting.
NA meetings and other services are funded entirely by member donations and the sale of recovery literature. Financial contributions from non‑members are not accepted. Most meetings are held at the same time and place each week, usually in public facilities.
How does NA work?
Addicts helping each other recover is the foundation of NA. 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 NA program is the Twelve Steps, a simple set of guidelines for a practical approach to recovery.
NA is not a religious organization and does not mandate any particular belief system. It teaches basic spiritual principles such as honesty, open‑mindedness, faith, willingness, and humility, which each person applies in their own way. Recovery in NA is a process — ongoing and personal — lived one day at a time.
“The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting, because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.” — NA Basic Text