Who can attend an NA meeting?

An “open” meeting is open to any person who wants to attend. This includes addicts, those learning about addiction, family members, friends, etc. A “closed” meeting is only for those who identify as addicts or think they may have a drug problem. The meeting list will indicate if it is a closed meeting.

What are NA Meetings like?

All meetings are different as each is fully autonomous. However, many meetings in the New Brunswick area, follow a similar format. At the beginning of the meeting, there are readings about the 12 steps and 12 traditions, and other short readings. Clean time is celebrated for those with 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, 9 months, one year, 18 months, and multiple years clean. The group may read from one of the Narcotics Anonymous books, such as the Basic Text, It Works How and Why, Spiritual Principle a Day, the Guiding Principles, Just for Today, or Living Clean. A recovering addict may be invited to speak and usually the meeting will open up to allow anyone to share. Meeting lists will provide information about the format of a particular meeting. If you do not like the format of a certain meeting, we suggest you try another one.

Are there any requirements to be an NA member, and how much does it cost to participate?

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. All meetings pass around a basket for a 7th tradition, which allows addicts to donate to help keep the meeting fully self-supporting. If you do not have anything to donate you are still welcome; it is more important for you to attend a meeting than it is for us to have your money. One day you will be able to contribute to Narcotics Anonymous and help others who are seeking freedom from active addiction. Those visiting an NA meeting who don’t identify themselves as addicts should not donate money. In the spirit of our 7th tradition and to keep our autonomy, NA groups are fully self-supporting, and we decline contributions from non-addicts.

How do I know if I am an addict?

Only you can decide that for yourself. However, we have found that often addicts lives are controlled by drugs. Addicts are people with a progressive illness who ends are always the same, jails, institutions, and death. You may find our pamphlet, Am I an Addict?, helpful as you decide.