- Anonymity - remember that this is an anonymous program. The names and what is said here, stays here.
- Although meetings may be located at a variety of publicly accessible buildings, meeting locations do not imply affiliation.
- Meetings use a variety of formats such as Speaker (sometimes recorded), Topic Discussion, Book Study, New Comer, Question and Answer, etc.
- Closed meetings are for addicts or those who think they may have a drug problem. Visitors, family and friends are encouraged to attend open meetings.
- There are no attendance monitors at meetings and we are under no surveillance at any time. Most meetings are about 1 hour in length.
- You may see information pamphlets, books and activity flyers. Feel free to take pamphlets and flyers. Books are for sale.
- The leader typically will open the meeting with a moment of silence followed by readings.
- Often newcomers and visitors are asked if they would like to introduce themselves by their first name. Participation in meetings is voluntary.
- At NA meetings we introduce ourselves as addicts. We refer to our time in the NA program as clean time or recovery. We do this because when NA members identify themselves as addicts AND alcoholics, or talk about living clean AND sober, the clarity of the NA message is blurred. To speak in this manner suggests that there are two diseases, that one drug is somehow separate from the rest, requiring special recognition. Our identification as addicts is all-inclusive, allowing us to concentrate on our similarities rather than our differences.
- The leader opens up the meeting for members to share their experience, strength and hope. Sharing is voluntary. We do not respond to other people’s shares (as in conversation) but from his or her own experience.
- While members are sharing we refrain from side conversations and other distracting activities that may disrupt the meeting.
- There are no fees or dues to attend an NA meeting. We are self supporting through our own contributions. You will see a basket being passed, to collect donations from members to pay rent for the meeting place, purchase literature, refreshments, etc. Nonmembers are asked not to contribute so NA can remain fully self-supporting.
It can be difficult to obtain and keep suitable meeting locations. With that in mind we ask that members please:
- Be quiet when arriving and departing from meeting facilities.
- Remember that others may be offended by our tone and language.
- Dispose of trash and cigarette butts appropriately.
For more information please read, An Introduction to Narcotics Anonymous Meetings.
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Last updated on April 19, 2012