This step encourages those in recovery to talk about their mistakes and weaknesses. The goal is to gain a sense of release of shame and guilt that can help people avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms going forward. This step focuses on taking stock of both individual burdens and strengths.

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 or who your connections were, what you have done in the past, how much or how little you have, but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help. The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting, because we can only keep what we have by giving it away. We have learned from our group experience that those who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean. At its core, NA is a global, community-based organization for individuals seeking recovery from drug addiction. Through regular meetings and a structured program, NA provides a haven where members support each other’s journey to sobriety.

NA is welcome to any person who thinks they’re addicted to substances and wants to change their life. If for any reason you walk away from your first meeting feeling like you didn’t connect with the style or the people there, you can try a different meeting to find the right fit for you. Narcotics Anonymous is closely modeled after its predecessor and as such, NA meetings are centered around confidentiality and non-judgemental support. The literature that’s read, the types of discussions held, and even who’s allowed to attend the meeting, are all variables that can affect the format of the meeting.

These meetings are free to attend and are held in various locations across the U.S and beyond, making them accessible to virtually anyone in need. During meetings, members share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding unique to those who have faced the harsh realities of addiction. Discussion meetings allow members to share their personal stories. Meanwhile, speaker meetings involve one or more members speaking for most of the meeting. Many NA members believe regular meeting attendance is a helpful tool for staying drug-free. Other meeting formats include round-robin (sharing goes around in a circle), tag meeting (each speaker picks the next person to share), and stick meetings (each member draws a stick with a topic to share on).

Organizational structure

12-step groups differ in their approach to the treatment of addiction and recovery. NA has no opinion on these groups, as these are outside issues and the traditions suggest against taking a definitive stand on outside issues. Some are topic discussion meetings, some are speaker meetings, some are literature discussion meetings and some are part of or combinations of these and other variations. Some are open to the public (to listen) and others are for addicts only. Unless they are addicts and there for their own recovery, there are no counselors or professions present at closed meetings.

1. The only exception is when trying to make amends in situations that could do more harm than good, such as opening up old wounds or causing fresh pain, in which case it is better left alone.
2. The 12 steps mention God, but NA stresses that this isn’t necessarily a religious figure but sort of a power outside of yourself that helps motivate you.
3. There are various types of discussion formats in Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
4. Embracing the journey of recovery becomes more manageable with the support and guidance found in Narcotics Anonymous.
5. They don’t just serve as a mentor but also as a sounding board for your concerns, questions, and achievements.

Twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous can be helpful, but you should start by talking to your doctor about your first steps. If you are preparing to quit, medications are also available that can help you detox and manage your symptoms of withdrawal. The community support and 12 steps found at NA meetings seem to be the missing link for many people with substance use disorders who wish to stay sober.

Step 6

The idea is that as you have benefitted from someone else’s help, you should pay it forward by helping others. Without people’s contributions, these mutual support groups will cease to exist. For those who wish to participate, meetings will conclude with another reading of the Serenity Prayer along with ‘Just For Today’ and the third step prayer. Once the meeting has begun, a person will open with a moment of silence as well as a recitation of the ‘we’ version of the Serenity Prayer.

Regional service committees

The 6th edition of the NA Basic Text was approved with over forty new “personal stories” from around the world. Because of the addition of so many new stories of NA member experiences, it is larger in size than all earlier editions. After the rapid succession of five editions during the 1980s, this was the first new edition in twenty years.

This step stresses that humility is essential because it prevents people from minimizing their own weaknesses when facing addiction. This step focuses on letting go of the old coping mechanisms and behaviors identified and acknowledged in the earlier step. It signifies that a person is willing to let these things go and move toward healthier behaviors that will support long-term recovery. Anyone who wants to learn more about the program is welcome to open meetings.

Despite these potential pitfalls, Just for Today is a valuable program for those recovering from addiction. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. There may be times during the recovery process when you make mistakes or relapse.

This step focuses on acknowledging the harm caused by an individual’s addiction. In doing so, people can then feel more motivated to stick to their recovery in order to improve or restore their relationships with others. While this step specifically references God, it notes that it is the individual’s understanding of their own spiritual beliefs that will guide their recovery. It also stresses Sobriety Gift 60+ Gift Ideas for 2024 the importance of actively deciding to work toward recovery.