Technical information
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is the largest self-help organization of its kind. Drug addicts from all over the world come together in regular meetings and help each other to lead a drug-free life. We do not differentiate between legal and illegal drugs, medicines and alcohol, but focus on the disease of addiction and its physical, mental and emotional effects. With this approach, we offer a good addition to what the healthcare system has to offer.
NA's offer
The central offer of NA are the meetings. As a rule, these take place on fixed dates and locations as well as on public holidays. NA's offering is free and voluntary. Narcotics Anonymous does not offer therapy or counseling, however experienced members (called sponsors) serve as mentors for younger members. They can work on their personal development on the basis of the 12-step program. The spiritual principles contained in the 12 Steps are at the core of NA's recovery program. Members are encouraged to develop their own understanding of these spiritual principles and values. This understanding can be religious, but it doesn't have to be. It is about applying these principles to everyday life. This form of spiritual understanding makes the program suitable for people of all faiths.
abstinence
Abstinence is not a requirement, but NA encourages its members to strive for complete abstinence from all drugs. This also includes alcohol and substances other than the individually preferred drugs. People in substitution programs are also welcome at NA. In the course of attending the meetings, they often want to get clean from their substitute as well.
NA does not endorse the use of medications to treat specific medical or psychiatric conditions. These are personal choices. Members are encouraged to consider their own experiences and the experiences of other members and to seek competent medical help.
History
NA grew out of the Alcoholics Anonymous program in the mid-1930's and was founded by Jimmy Kinnon. The first meetings took place in the Los Angeles area of California in the early 1950s. 1950s. Officially established in 1953, the NA program began as a small US movement that has grown into the largest 12-step drug addiction treatment program in the world.
Meetings
Regular meetings hosted by NA groups are the basic unit of the NA Fellowship. Meetings are held in a variety of locations, such as church meeting rooms, libraries, hospitals, community centers, parks, or any other location where a meeting can take place.
growth rate
Because attendance records are not kept, it is impossible to estimate what percentage of those who come to Narcotics Anonymous remain active in NA over time. The only sure indicator of the program's success in recruiting members is the rapid growth in the number of registered Narcotics Anonymous meetings over the past few decades and the rapid spread of Narcotics Anonymous outside of North America.
In 1978 there were fewer than 200 registered groups in three countries. In 1983 there were 2.966 meetings in more than a dozen countries. In 1993 there were more than 60 groups with over 13.000 meetings in 19.000 countries. In 2002 there were 108 groups with over 20.000 meetings in 30.000 countries. In 2005 there were over 116 groups with over 21.500 weekly meetings in 33.500 countries. In 2007, 25.065 groups in 127 countries held over 43.900 weekly meetings. In 2012 there were over 62.700 meetings in over 142 countries worldwide. In 2018 there were more than 70.000 weekly meetings in 144 countries.
sponsorship
An addict helping another is an integral part of the NA program. It is therefore strongly recommended that NA members find a sponsor. A sponsor is a member of NA who helps another fellow member by sharing their experience, strength, and hope in recovery and as a companion through the Twelve Steps. Oftentimes, NA members choose a sponsor with experience in applying the 12 Steps of NA. For convenience, many NA members have same-gender sponsors, but members may choose any other member to be their sponsor. It is also suggested that one should find a sponsor who has gone through all XNUMX steps of Narcotics Anonymous.
anonymity
Anonymity—an important pillar of the NA community—means confidentiality and protection, allowing addicts to attend meetings without fear of legal or social repercussions. Anonymity also promotes an atmosphere of equality.
Participate in NA
All people with a drug problem are welcome at the free group meetings, regardless of whether they have used illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin and cocaine, medicines or alcohol. There are no formal admission criteria, but membership is declared by the participants themselves.
Other addictions and addiction-related issues?
Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on caffeine, nicotine, or sugar use or other non-material addictions and behaviors. NA also has no opinion on any civil, social, medical, legal, or religious issue. NA also does not take a position on addiction-related sub-topics such as crime, law enforcement, legalization of illegal drugs.
contact to NA
We would be happy to inform you and your team about our recovery program and our group offers as part of a short on-site presentation. We offer regular information meetings for your clients and patients. For this purpose, we put you in touch with contact persons of the NA groups on site. you can reach us at
as well as via our free telephone hotline 0840 12 12 12.
