In the context of addiction recovery, NA is the recognized acronym for Narcotics Anonymous, a global, non-profit fellowship of people for whom drugs have become a major problem. This organization is one of the largest peer-support programs in the world, helping millions find and maintain a life free from active substance use. It provides a structured pathway to recovery through shared experience and a set of guiding principles.
The Meaning and Mission of Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 in Los Angeles, California, inspired by the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. The fellowship’s core mission is to provide a setting where addicts can help one another stop using drugs and find a new way to live. NA views addiction as a progressive disease that affects individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The program maintains that the disease can be arrested through abstinence and the application of its principles.
NA literature emphasizes that the problem is the disease of addiction itself, not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. The organization does not distinguish between different types of substances; all drugs, including alcohol, are considered equally capable of triggering the disease. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using, making the fellowship open to anyone regardless of their background or status.
The Foundational Principles: The Twelve Steps
The program of recovery in Narcotics Anonymous is built upon the Twelve Steps, a sequence of actions designed to facilitate a complete change in perspective and behavior. The process begins with an act of surrender, where the individual admits powerlessness over their addiction, recognizing that their life has become unmanageable. This initial admission is followed by developing a belief that a power greater than oneself can restore sanity, paving the way for hope and trust. Members then make a decision to turn their will and lives over to the care of this Higher Power, which is understood in a non-denominational, personal way.
The next phase of the Steps involves a thorough, honest self-examination, known as taking a moral inventory. This fearless assessment leads to the admission of the exact nature of past wrongs to oneself, to a Higher Power, and to another person. Following this confession, the process shifts toward proactively addressing character defects and seeking to make amends for past harm. The steps guide members to make direct restitution to people they have harmed, except when doing so would cause further injury.
The final steps focus on maintaining and growing the spiritual awakening experienced as a result of this work. Members commit to continuing self-inventory and promptly admitting when they are wrong. They seek to improve their conscious contact with their Higher Power and, finally, carry the message of recovery to other suffering addicts. This progression is considered the mechanism through which addicts achieve and maintain a sustained, drug-free lifestyle.
Structure of NA Meetings and Membership
NA operates through regular group meetings, which are the primary service the fellowship provides. These gatherings encourage members to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. Meetings are generally classified as either open or closed. Closed meetings are reserved only for those who identify as addicts or think they may have a drug problem, ensuring a safe and private space for sharing.
Sponsorship and Support
Open meetings welcome anyone interested in the NA program, including family members, students, and other non-addicts. A central component of membership is the concept of a sponsor, who is an experienced member of the fellowship. A sponsor provides one-on-one guidance, helping the newer member navigate the Twelve Steps and apply the program’s principles to daily life.
Non-Professional Structure
The fellowship is non-professional, meaning members are not therapists or counselors, and the program offers no medical or legal services. Instead, it relies on peer-to-peer support. Furthermore, NA groups are self-supporting, declining outside contributions to maintain their independence and focus on their primary purpose.