What is Narcotics Anonymous?

The program of Narcotics Anonymous is the way we have found to escape lives of desperation and pain. But that’s not all NA is: it’s a path, a process, and a way of life. -Living Clean p. 1

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When new members come to meetings, our sole interest is in their desire for freedom from active addiction and how we can be of help. -It Works: How and Why p. 144

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Is NA for me?

This is a question every potential member must answer for themselves. Here are some recommended resources that may be helpful:

• Am I an Addict?

• Welcome to Narcotics Anonymous

• An Introduction to NA Meetings

• Who, What, How, and Why

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About the NA Program

NA was founded in 1953, and our membership growth was minimal during our initial twenty years as an organization. Since the publication of our Basic Text in 1983, the number of members and meetings has increased dramatically. Today, NA members hold nearly 76,000 meetings weekly in 143 countries. We offer recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings.

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The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Our name, Narcotics Anonymous, is not meant to imply a focus on any particular drug; NA’s approach makes no distinction between drugs, including alcohol.

Membership is free, and we have no affiliation with any organizations outside of NA including governments, religions, law enforcement groups, or medical and psychiatric associations. Through all of our service efforts and our cooperation with others seeking to help addicts, we strive to reach a day when every addict in the world has an opportunity to experience our message of recovery in their own language and culture.

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