Frequently Asked Questions

T his page briefly explains in general what to expect from Narcotics Anonymous. It describes what NA is, what NA does, and does not do. Here we have tried to answer the commonly-asked questions we ourselves had, when we first came to NA. Most of the information is available in more detail in literature published by NA World Services. If you have a question which is not in this section, please contact us.

Our primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict. If you are an addict, give yourself a break and try Narcotics Anonymous. It can work for you as it has worked for countless others. Read Who, What, How and Why (Information about the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship from our NA World Services Website – Reprinted from the White Booklet Information Pamphlet of Narcotics Anonymous).

Who are the members of Narcotics Anonymous?

Our members come from all walks of life. Anyone with the desire to stop using may join our fellowship. We seem to have many differences; the drugs we used, the circumstances of our lives and the degree to which our disease had progressed may have been different. We do share two important things in common: the disease of our addiction and the desire to stop using drugs. We concentrate on our similarities, not our differences.

Where are NA meetings held?

How do I know if I have a problem?

This is a question only you can answer. All of us have preconceived ideas of what an addict is. There is nothing shameful about being an addict once you begin to take positive action. If you can identify with our problems, you may be able to identify with our solution.

Am I Addict?

I think I might have a problem. What do I need to do to get help?

If you need immediate help, you can call our 24 hour helpline at (561)848-6262 and ask to speak with a recovering addict. We also suggest you attend one of our meetings as soon as possible and let someone there know you are new and seeking help.

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

How does NA work?

What happens at NA meetings?

Members share their successes and challenges in overcoming active addiction and living drug-free productive lives through application of the principles contained within the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of NA.

There are many different kinds of NA meetings. 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. NA meetings are run by addicts for addicts. Regardless of format, NA meetings usually start with readings from our literature. Addicts share their successes and challenges in overcoming active addiction and living drug-free productive lives through application of the principles contained within the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of NA.

Does it cost anything to attend an NA meeting?

Can anyone attend NA meetings?

There are two types of NA meetings, open meetings and closed meetings. Anyone may attend an open NA meeting regardless of whether they have a problem or not. This includes family members, professionals, students, etc. Only those who think they may have a problem with drugs or may consider themselves addicts may attend closed meetings. This is to insure the anonymity of members who wish to have their identity remain private.

I think one of my family members has a problem with drugs, what can I do?

It is our experience there is not much we can do other than suggest that person go to an NA meeting. It is up to that person whether or not they wish to admit they have a problem and are willing to seek help. The person with the problem can call our 24 hour helpline at (561)848-6262 and ask to speak with a recovering addict who may be able to offer more assistance.
You are welcome to attend one of our open Meetings, but we ask that you just listen and then get with someone after the meeting. If you have questions about what is addiction, please read NA Bulletin #17 “What is addiction?”.

Visit this page for some more information also.

If you are a professional

If you are a Member of NA

Is NA a Religious Organization?

Is NA only for Narcotics Addicts?

How do I join?

If I go to a meeting, does that commit me to anything?

What is the difference between ``Open`` and ``Closed`` NA meetings?

An “open” meeting is one which non-addicts may attend to see how NA functions. Since only addicts can share in meetings, visitors are welcome to listen. A “closed” meeting is only for those who are there because of their own addiction problem.

What do you mean when you say ``Clean``?

Does a person have to be clean to attend an NA Meeting?

Newcomers don’t have to be clean when they get here but after the first meeting we suggest that they keep coming back and come back clean. We want the place where we recover to be a safe place. For that reason we ask that no drugs or paraphernalia be brought to any meeting. If you can’t stop using for now, don’t stop attending meetings or not attend them. We do not turn people away from meetings because they are not yet clean or because they have relapsed.

How many meetings do I have to go to?

Why do people continue to go to meetings after they are cured?

Does NA operate Detox or Treatment Centers?

NA does not operate detox or treatment facilities. NA is not a professional organization and we are not affiliated with any professional agencies, facilities, or orginizations. We employ no counselors or treatment staff. Many treatment centers introduce their patients to NA before they release them. We are grateful for their cooperation, but cannot allow this to influence us in any way. We remain, simply, a fellowship of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other to stay clean.

Should I go to a Detox or Treatment Center?

What is Anonymous?

The principle of anonymity protects the membership and reputation of the fellowship and provides a safe setting for each and every member to seek recovery on an equal basis. We do not disclose what you share to anyone.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is another member of NA who has experience in working the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Someone who is willing to build a supportive, one-on-one relationship with a newcomer in order to help that person understand and work the Twelve Steps. Someone in who we can confide and share things we may not feel comfortable sharing in a meeting.

How do I get a Sponsor?

All you have to do is ask. We suggest you go to meetings with an open mind and listen to others and what they are sharing. When you hear someone’s story that you can relate to, ask for that person’s phone number and tell them you are looking for a sponsor. We suggest women get women sponsors and men get men sponsors.
Most of the information is available in more detail in literature published by NA World Services. This page tells what to expect from Narcotics Anonymous. It describes what NA is, What NA does, and what NA does not do.