INFORMATION - About Narcotics Anonymous

This information is aimed both at those who have a problem and those who are in contact with people who have, or are suspected of having, a problem with drugs. This brochure tells you what to expect from Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Describe what NA does and does not do.

OPPORTUNITIES:

We welcome your enquiries about Narcotics Anonimous using the following contact details:
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: +36308669262; +36303154388; +36305733801

WHAT IS NA?

NA is a non-profit community of men and women for whom drugs have become a significant problem. Narcotics Anonymous is a program of total abstinence from all drugs, we are recovering addicts, helping each other stay clean. NA is open to anyone who feels they need it. Our community is non-professional, self-sufficient, does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race or political affiliation, and can be found almost everywhere in the world. There is no age limit or education qualification for membership.

WHAT IS NA DOING?

1. NA members share their experiences with anyone who asks for help to solve a drug problem. NA provides personal assistance, called sponsorship, to addicts who come to NA from anywhere.
2. Our twelve-step programme shows the addict a way to live a fulfilling life without drugs.
3. This programme is discussed at NA group meetings.
4. Open meetings are open to both drug addicts and interested people. Attending open meetings is the best way to find out what NA is, does and does not do. At these meetings, one or more members tell their own story, their experiences with addiction, how they came to NA and how their lives have changed since then.
5. In open group meetings, one member speaks briefly about their experiences of use and sobering up, followed by a discussion where each contributor talks about their own experiences. Closed meetings are open to NA members and anyone with a drug problem.
6. NA members also hold meetings in medical and correctional institutions.
7. NA members (groups) may be invited to hold information meetings at various events, organisations and institutions.

WHAT DOES NA NOT DO?

The NA

- Does not initiate treatment for addicts
- Does not recruit members
- Does not initiate or support research
- Does not keep an attendance record or medical history
- Not joining the councils of social institutions
- Does not follow or influence its members
- Does not make a medical or psychological diagnosis or prognosis
- Does not provide withdrawal or nursing services, hospital care or any medical or psychiatric treatment
- Does not provide religious services
- Does not provide housing, food, clothing, employment, money or other social benefits
- Does not provide household or professional advice
- Does not accept money for services or other benefits from non-NA sources
- It does not give letters of recommendation to courts, lawyers, social organisations, employers, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have selected the most important questions we received via email and phone.

Q: What is an NA meeting?
A: A meeting is a place where you get support from those who have been where you are. Come any time and you will see how people become and stay clean. Hopefully it will make it easier to believe that you can do it too. Come as often as you can! It does not cost money. Later, you will inspire others in their recovery. This is how it works: we help each other to stay clean, because we can't do it alone.

Q: I'm still using, can I go like this?
A: Of course, feel free to come! That's how many of us started our recovery. Regular attendance at meetings increases the desire to stop using.

Q: Can I attend a meeting at any time?
A: Sure. No restrictions. Meetings are made by members who were once newcomers. You'll get a warm welcome, and it's OK to be late. Come on, sit down, have a soda and listen.

Q: Is NA religious?
A: Not at all! The word god is used in the readings, but in reality the higher power is something that each person develops. A higher power is needed in the recovery process. For many, this is the group. Members who regularly attend the meeting and their sponsors create a support network.

Q: I am dependent on prescription medication, can I still go?
A: Sure. It is not the type of drug that defines the addict, we have an addictive personality! If you want to stop, but you can't do it alone, we're here for you.

Q: What is an open meeting?
A: Everyone is welcome at the open meetings. You can bring your friend, but if they are present as your friend, they must refrain from sharing. Closed meetings are only open to addicts or those who think they have an addiction problem.

Q: Who is the sponsor?
A: The person who helps you work through the steps. If you are a regular attendee, you are sure to sympathise with someone's recovery and identify easily with a member of the same sex. You can ask him to sponsor you.

Q: What is a thematic meeting?
A: There are spy meetings where an invited member speaks about his or her own story, other meetings where a piece of literature is read.

Q: Do you have contact details for the meetings?
A: Most meetings have contact details which you can find on the meeting list.

Q: Can I find the meetings on the website?
A: Yes.