What is Narcotics Anonymous? or should we say: What is NA? NA does seem like a collective name for recently discovered narcotics. Is it?
Either way, NA describes a non-profit society or fellowship of people – and not of narcotics. So, what people are a part of this fellowship? Why do these people call themselves Narcotics Anonymous? What are the benefits of attending NA meetings?
At Laguna View Detox, encourage you to keep reading to find the answers to all of your questions about NA!
What Is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a 12-step, nonprofit, mutual-help organization. It is the second-largest of such an organization, only after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Unlike AA, which only helps alcoholics, NA extends its services to people suffering from various substance abuse disorders.
How Does Narcotics Anonymous Help?
NA offers its members a fellowship (for free!). Members attend a series of NA meetings that help them achieve long term sobriety. NA uses a 12-step model for the structure of the meetings. The main concepts of the model, as summarized by a resource on Naadac, are as follows:
- Surrender
- Self-centeredness
- Honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness
In the end, the goal of NA is for members to accept their flaws, learn to live anew, and help others like themselves. The key to lifetime recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Who Should Go to NA?
There are two types of NA meetings: open and closed. Open meetings allow entry to everyone, people who are addicted to drugs or now. Non-addicts are welcomed and even encouraged to come and support their loved ones.
The closed meetings, on the other hand, are for addicts and recovering addicts. Even at that, Narcotics Anonymous closed gatherings are not for everyone suffering from substance abuse. How so?
NA is a nonprofit and free with no hidden due or agenda. There is also only one requirement for joining Narcotics Anonymous: the desire to stop using drugs.
So, back to the question: who should go to NA? Anyone who is looking to quit using drugs! There are no special requirements other than the one mentioned above; the desire to stop using drugs.NA is a non-judgmental and welcoming environment. NA remains a non-judgmental and welcoming environment.
What Are the Benefits of Joining NA?
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Support
One of the biggest benefits of joining Narcotics Anonymous is having the support of other recovering addicts. Members of NA are encouraged to find a sponsor to meet with and go through the 12-steps. A sponsor is someone you can call day or night, almost like a sobriety buddy.
Aside from a sponsor, NA attendees receive support from the people around them at every meeting they go too. During every meeting, members will speak and share about their experiences using drugs.
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NA Meetings Are Free and Accessible
Members don’t pay to join NA or attend any of its meetings. The best part yet is that Narcotics Anonymous meetings hold in virtually any place – community centers, libraries, parks, and even hospitals. For that reason, Narcotics Anonymous meetings are accessible to all.
Does NA Work?
Participation in groups like NA after addiction treatment can help maintain long term recovery. Research shows that the more a recovery addict frequents NA meetings, the more they will refrain from drug use. While there is no perfect solution for maintaining sobriety, and it’s important that recovery addicts take their recovery a day at a time, 12-step groups like NA have been proven to help addicts maintain sobriety.
Seek Recovery at Laguna View Detox
No one should have to battle drug addiction alone. At Laguna View Detox, we offer addiction treatment in an intimate, luxury setting. We offer detox, inpatient treatment, and comprehensive aftercare services for all of our clients. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact us today!