What is Narcotics Anonymous?

A Fellowship of Recovering Addicts

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. Members are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. NA is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership: the desire to stop using. There are no dues or fees for NA membership — the fellowship is entirely self-supporting through voluntary contributions.

History and Growth

Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 in California, originating from Alcoholics Anonymous as a fellowship specifically for people whose primary problem was with drugs other than alcohol. Early NA struggled to establish itself, but the fellowship grew steadily through the 1970s and 1980s. The publication of the Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous in 1983 was a turning point, providing the fellowship with its own foundational literature. Today, NA is one of the largest recovery fellowships in the world, with meetings in over 140 countries and tens of thousands of weekly meetings worldwide.

The NA Approach

A key distinction of Narcotics Anonymous is its focus on the disease of addiction rather than any specific substance. NA members do not identify by their drug of choice — they identify simply as addicts. This reflects the program's understanding that addiction is a disease that can manifest with any mind-altering substance, and that recovery requires complete abstinence from all drugs, not just the one a person used most. This approach welcomes addicts whose substance histories vary widely, and creates common ground that supports the fellowship across diverse experiences.

The NA Program

The NA program is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps guide members through a process of self-examination, acknowledgment of past wrongs, amends-making, and continued spiritual and personal growth. Members typically work the steps with the guidance of a sponsor, an experienced NA member who has completed the steps themselves. Meetings provide regular support, accountability, and the opportunity to hear others share their experience, strength, and hope.

Who Belongs in NA?

If you think you have a problem with drugs, you are welcome at Narcotics Anonymous. You don't need to identify your drug of choice, prove you have a problem, or commit to anything. The only requirement is a desire to stop using. Whether you're currently using, recently clean, or have been in recovery for years, there is a place for you in the NA fellowship.