Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1953 to help men and women suffering from drug addiction problems. It is a fellowship or society of people with substance abuse issues to come together and help each other stay clean. Narcotics Anonymous follows in the footsteps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in using the powerful 12-step method to help people resume their everyday lives from addiction disorders.

What Exactly is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a membership-based non-profit organisation that is involved in helping and supporting people with substance abuse habits. It was started in Los Angeles by Jimmy Kinnon (Jimmy K.).

Like AA, NA was also founded from the struggle of Jimmy K. with drug addiction, who then wanted to provide a recovery program for others going through the same. The foundation of treatment at NA is their 12-step method.

Their 12-step method is effective in ridding people of addiction to Prescription drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Opioids, Alcohol and other narcotics. Like AA, NA uses regular meetings where anyone interested in "a desire to stop using" can join. It is the second-largest 12-step organisation after Alcoholics Anonymous.

The 12-Step Method of Narcotics Anonymous

The 12-step method of NA is the second largest after the AA's. The members of the NA go through these 12 steps with integrity to successfully come out of their substance abuse disorders.

Step 1: Powerlessness

The person acknowledges that they are powerless over their drug addiction. Admitting to oneself that they have a drug addiction problem and a powerless one on their own is the key to recovery.

Step 2: Hope

Hope involves looking to a higher power for guidance and support in recovering from drug addiction. The higher power can be a religious power, a god, a deity, or a powerful concept that reminds the person that they don't have all the answers.

Step 3: Surrender

Submit to a higher power more significant than you to remind you that there is more to life outside of addiction.

Step 4: Inventory

You are taking stock of mistakes made during drug addiction as an exercise of self-reflection.

Step 5: Confession

Admit to yourself honestly about the mistakes you have made. Speaking truth is hard at first, but admittance ensures integrity during recovery.

Step 6: Acceptance

After reflecting on the mistakes you have made, self-acceptance is the path to absolve yourself from the addiction. Everyone has good and bad sides to them, but they do not define who we are.

Step 7: Humility

Step seven encourages you to seek support and inspiration from a higher power. This could mean praying for guidance or reflecting on a core philosophy that helps you realise you don't have to shoulder all the burdens alone.

Step 8: Amends List

Step 8 involves making a list of people you might have hurt due to your drug addiction problem.

Step 9: Make Amends

Reach out to the people you might have hurt to offer an apology. Not all people might be willing to converse with you but remember that making amends is more critical than receiving forgiveness.

Step 10: Maintain Inventory

Step 10 refers to the task throughout the recovery process. Throughout the journey, take inventory of yourself continually, remaining honest about your progress.

Step 11: Reflect

Prayer or meditation is part of the recovery process to find a higher purpose in life.

Step 12: Serve Others

Many people might help you during your recovery journey including family members. In the 12th step, it is time to take the chance to help others.

Attending a NA Meeting Near You

The details related to meetings in various locations are available on the official NA website in the "For the Public" tab. While in-person meetings are more effective, NA facilitates phone and virtual meetings as well. Those looking for virtual meetings may find them here.

The phone meetings in various locations are controlled by Area Service Committees (ASC). If you're interested in attending phone meetings, you must learn about the Area Service Committee near your location. It will contain local helpline numbers to attend phone meetings.

If you're looking forward to attending an NA meeting or thinking of helping others with drug addiction problems, decide on the mode of meeting and get details for relevant meetings from the website or the above links.

NA Literature

Narcotics Anonymous has produced substantial literature that can be a massive support for people to maintain their sobriety. They include various books, workbooks, informational pamphlets, etc. Prominent literature among them are as follows:

Narcotics Anonymous: This is an overview of the NA program, covering the twelve steps, traditions, and personal stories.

It Works, How and Why: A detailed explanation of the twelve steps and traditions in the NA program.

The Step Working Guides: A workbook containing questions and exercises for each step in the NA program.

Just For Today: A collection of daily meditations and quotes from the Basic Text and other approved NA literature.

Sponsorship: A discussion on the role of sponsorship in NA, including personal experiences from members.

Miracles Happen: This book features photos and stories about the NA organisation's early years.

Living Clean: The Journey Continues: Insights into staying clean while navigating life's challenges like illness, parenthood, and employment.

Guiding Principles: The Spirit of Our Traditions: An exploration of the 12 Traditions of NA and their application in various settings.