Is Narcotics Anonymous Free?

Narcotics Anonymous has proven to be a very effective organisation in helping people to overcome their drug addictions, particularly as they offer a free service. One of the primary reasons why Narcotics Anonymous, also known as NA, is so effective is because of how powerful the involved community is.

Comprised of recovering addicts who all understand what each other are going through provides a welcoming environment and are eager to help others, particularly newcomers. Many people describe NA as a safe place to turn to when you need support to get sober and to also maintain your sobriety.

 

What are Narcotics Anonymous?

Officially founded in Los Angeles in 1953, Narcotics Anonymous was created after the success that Alcoholics Anonymous saw. Narcotics Anonymous is now widely available all around the world.

Narcotics Anonymous is also known as NA and is a 12-step programme which helps people to recover from drug addiction. Within a group setting, those who are suffering from drug addiction can help each other make the right choices and ultimately overcome their battle with addiction to live a life completely free from drugs.

Like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous follows a 12-step programme to recover from addiction. This 12-step programme incorporates peer support to encourage sobriety from drugs, the 12 steps are:

• Step 1: The first step of recovery is to acknowledge that you have an addiction and accept the damaging impact it’s having on your life; this step is all about admitting that you’re powerless when it comes to your addiction.
• Step 2: Whilst you don’t need to be religious at all to join Narcotics Anonymous, they focus on using spirituality to help people along their path to recovery and promote the idea that there is a bigger power than themselves.
• Step 3: Although this step specifically mentions God, it’s also noted that each person has their own spiritual beliefs which will help them through recovery. This step focuses on surrounding the care of a higher power and actively working towards your recovery from addiction.
• Step 4: This step concentrates on taking into account your individual burdens and your individual strengths. Centred around self-awareness, by taking this inventory, you will have a better understanding of the challenges you face and what you need to do to overcome your addiction.
• Step 5: This is the step which encourages you to openly discuss your weaknesses and your mistakes with others in the group. This should help you to release a sense of shame or guilt to avoid any negative coping mechanisms which could be detrimental to your recovery.
• Step 6: This step encourages you to let go of the old behaviours you identified as negative so that you can work towards healthier behaviours to support your addiction recovery.
• Step 7: This step suggests that everyone has shortcomings and being able to understand what yours are and be willing to ask for help is very important. Humility is essential to prevent you from minimising your own weaknesses.
• Step 8: This is the step where you acknowledge the harm your addiction has caused so that you can assess the farm and the guilt you faced. This step will help you to feel motivated throughout your recovery so that you can restore any broken relationships.
• Step 9: Ask for forgiveness or offer apologies as this step tries to fix the harm you may have caused. It’s important to note that forgiveness should only be offered, and it is not always guaranteed.
• Step 10: This step of recovery is where you actively monitor your behaviour and make mistakes as they may occur. It’s expected that you’ll go through setbacks but it’s important to stay honest and remain accountable for your actions.
• Step 11: This is where you learn to live with the intention to remain focused on your values and the demands of reality as you continue your recovery journey.
• Step 12: Finally, this step reinforces the lessons that you’ve learnt throughout and encourages you to utilise what you’ve learnt to help others are their own paths to recovery.

 

What to Expect at an NA Meeting

Each person has their own personal journey when recovering from addiction. There’s no one suits all approach, so we understand that group settings might not be comfortable for everyone. Try to remember that everyone who is attending Narcotics Anonymous is there for the same reason as you, it was their first time once too. We’re confident that you’ll receive a warm and welcoming atmosphere from all the individuals at NA.

In a typical Narcotics Anonymous session, you’ll have a mediator or speaker who will direct the meeting. The group will have the opportunity to discuss their own stories of addiction and recovery in the hope that sharing their experiences can help others to open up and overcome their fears.

You can share as much or as little as you like during these sessions. If it’s your first session at NA, you’re not always required to share although if you want to, you of course can. It’s important not to talk over each other, one person speaks at a time without commenting on other people’s experiences.

 

Does Narcotics Anonymous Work?

Every person will react and benefit from Narcotics Anonymous in different ways, however, it’s proven to help many people overcome their drug addiction and support them when they feel helpless.

Whilst private rehab clinics are available for treatment programmes with a set duration, many people feel as though Narcotics Anonymous is a continuance of rehab each day that they can incorporate into their daily routine.

The 12-step programme implemented at Narcotics Anonymous has long proven to be effective in helping people recover from drug addiction. Combined with the community support found in these groups, many people deem NA to be the missing link they needed to achieve their long-term recovery from addiction.

 

Get in Touch With us for Support

If you’re ready to begin your road to recovery, get in touch with us today. We have drug rehab pro