Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an addiction recovery organization designed to help people overcome substance addiction.
Founded in 1953, this non-profit fellowship is open to everyone who wants to fight substance addiction. It consists of recovering addicts helping each other.
The fellowship offers a 12-step recovery program that emphasizes the need for community support and a Higher power.
Narcotics Anonymous began as an offshoot of Alcoholics Anonymous and is the second-largest 12-step organization. Currently, NA has about 67,000 locally organized meetings across 139 countries.
Purpose of the NA Program
The purpose of the NA program is to create a community where addicts can help each other recover. It encourages and supports members to abstain from all drugs.
Addiction is often seen as a personal problem, and little attention is paid to recovery on a community level. However, according to studies, community recovery programs can improve one’s recovery journey. Community plays a crucial role in helping people conquer their substance problems.
The NA program’s goal is to provide support for people living with addiction through their recovery.
Who Should Go to NA?
Addiction and recovery can be a lonely and isolating situation when trying to do it on your own. Shame is attached to addiction, making it difficult for recovering addicts to find a community and social support.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. NA offers a community and is open to anyone who is seeking help for their drug problem. There is no focus on a type of drug. The only requirement is to have the desire to overcome substance abuse.
How Does the NA Program Work?
NA uses peer led support groups as therapy. Addicts help each other recover. They hold meetings with recovering addicts and use the 12 step program as the guideline to live a healthy and better life.
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Anonymity
Asides from offering a safe space and community, this program values anonymity. Anonymity allows members to be expressive without the fear of legal or social repercussions. Members don’t need to share their names or any personal information. Also, members can’t discuss details of other members publicly. This makes members feel secure to open up.
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Meetings
Meetings are an essential part of the NA programs. NA groups run 12-step weekly meetings to discuss their progress, share their stories, receive suggestions, and help each other on the road to recovery. Meetings are open to everyone regardless of age, religion, or level of recovery.
Sharing is voluntary, and members can share as much or little as they want. Meetings are either closed or open. Open meetings are opened to everyone, including people interested in how NA works and those who attend to support their loved ones.
Closed meetings are for recovering addicts and people who think they have drug problems.
Benefits of Narcotics Anonymous
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Structured Environment
NA programs are well structured and offer a safe and therapeutic environment. They have survived for 67years due to their effectiveness.
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Community
The importance of community and peer learning for recovering addicts cannot be overemphasized. Addicts can gain from listening to each other’s experiences and can receive support from peers.
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It’s Free!
Some recovering addicts want to get help but find private facilities and therapies expensive. NA is free and accessible to anyone.
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Prevents Relapse
By attending NA meetings, members gain motivation and support, which ultimately can help prevent relapse.
Get Started on the Road of Recovery at Enlight Treatment Center
You can find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting by visiting the NA Meeting search page. Need help with your addiction problems? Enlight Treatment Center has got you covered!
Enlight Treatment Center is a dual-diagnosis, inpatient drug rehab located in Ventura County, California. We pride ourselves on providing all of our clients with individualized care. Our 3:1 staff to patient ratio guarantees each client has the ability to receive help and guidance during their entire stay with us. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment center and how we are helping people find long lasting recovery!
