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).
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.
NA meetings are held in various places. There is no certain kind of facility in which NA meetings are held. Regardless of where our meetings are located, our meetings and fellowship are in no way affiliated with any facility or organization.
Meetings can be found on the Meetings menu above or on this page.
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.
You are the only person who can answer this question. There is nothing shameful about being an addict. Addiction is a disease and addicts are sick people who need help. There is an informational pamphlet called Am I an Addict? that might be helpful if you are questioning whether or not you are an addict.
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.
NA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction.
The core of the Narcotics Anonymous recovery program is the twelve steps which include admitting there is a problem, seeking help, engaging in a thorough self-examination, confidential self-disclosure, making amends for harm done, and helping drug addicts who want to recover.
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.
There are no dues or fees for NA membership. An NA group will usually have a collection during the meeting to cover expenses, such as rent, coffee, etc., and to this all members are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish.
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.
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?”.
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 health care professional or simply curious about the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship as a whole, or our area in particular, then please visit our Public Relations sub-committee page and our Information for Professionals page.
If you are a member of NA and are looking for more information and would like to get involved in service please visit our pages on Area Service Structure or visit the Upcoming Events (below) for up to the minute details related to the Palm Coast Area and the Florida Region.
NA is not associated or affiliated with, nor endorses any religious organizations and espouses no religious beliefs. Our program is a set of principles; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions which are spiritual in nature. While these principles mention God, each member is free to develop their own concept of a higher power.
No. We believe our problem is not the use of any specific drug or group of drugs. Our problem is the disease of addiction, and our program is one of abstinence from all drugs.
You are an NA member if and when you say so. The only requirement for NA membership is a desire to stop using.
No. NA does not keep membership files, or attendance records. You do not have to reveal anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don’t want to come back.
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.
“Clean” is a term that refers to being abstinent or free of any type of mind or mood altering chemicals including alcohol.
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.
Attend as many NA meetings as you can and collect a list of members’ phone numbers to use regularly, especially when the urge for drugs is strong. The number of meetings you attend is up to you, however we suggest that newcomers attend at least a meeting a day for the first 90 days.
We in NA believe there is no such thing as a cure for addiction. We can never return to normal using, and our ability to stay away from drugs depends on maintaining our physical, mental, and spiritual health. This we can achieve by going to meetings regularly and putting into practice what we learn there. In addition, we find it helps us to stay clean if we help other addicts.
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.
We cannot answer that question. Only you can decide whether or not to attend a facility. NA neither deters nor recommends that one attend facilities of these types.
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.
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.
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.
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.