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Below is a published abstract paper by World
Services as presented to the International Federation of
Non-Government Organizations in Jakarta, Indonesia in December
of 1996, by Garth P, a member of the former Board of Trustees.
The perspective is given from the experience of NA within the
Asia-Pacific Basin. We present this here as a historical
document.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS IN YOUR COMMUNITY;
GETTING IT STARTED, KEEPING IT GOING
Prepared by: World Services for Narcotics
Anonymous
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in Narcotics
Anonymous. This presentation has been designed to introduce you
to some of the aspects of the NA program and Fellowship of
Narcotics Anonymous as well as provide an aid to beginning and
maintaining a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in a treatment
setting, in particular within the Asian Pacific Region.
In brief, I will be covering the following in
this presentation paper:
· Who and what is Narcotics Anonymous
· Membership in NA
· What is a NA meeting
· Conducting NA meetings within a treatment facility
· Setting up a NA meeting
· NA meeting guidelines
· Demonstration of a NA meeting in action (role play)
· Various formats/types of NA meetings
· Resources for Disabled/physically challenged NA members
· Barriers/challenges in establishing and maintaining NA
meetings as experienced by some
Asian Pacific NA communities/meetings over the past decade.
Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and
women for whom drugs have become a major problem. By following
the program of recovery offered in Narcotics Anonymous, our
members have found a way to live clean (i.e. our terminology for
drug free), as responsible, productive members of society. The
program of Narcotics Anonymous consists of 36 core principles,
namely the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve
Concepts. Please refer to our NA literature to get a more
detailed perspective of our core principles. Spiritual in
nature, they are written so simply that our NA members and
potential members can follow them in their daily lives. Our
Twelve Steps detail our program of personal recovery. Our Twelve
Traditions relate experience that can help NA meetings maintain
their unity. And our Twelve Concepts are guiding principles for
our organizational structure.
Narcotics Anonymous is a program of recovery for
anyone who has desire to stop using drugs. NA is a program of
complete abstinence from all drugs. NA is not related or
affiliated to other organizations, including other Twelve Step
Fellowships programs (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous , Alanon,
NarAnon etc.), treatment or correctional facilities. We do not
employ professional counselors or therapists. NA is a non-profit
fellowship (i.e. organization) and our membership is free. The
only requirement for NA membership is the desire to stop using
drugs. You are a member when you say you are, and membership in
Narcotics Anonymous is unconditional.
It is our hope that this presentation paper will
prove to be a simple, easy guide to your efforts in establishing
an NA meeting in your facility/community. It is our experience
that NA is culturally adaptable. We are millions of recovering
addicts who have found a vision of hope and a promise of freedom
from active drug addiction.
MEMBERSHIP IN NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Membership in Narcotics Anonymous is a personal
decision reached by each individual. It is hoped that every drug
addict will be allowed to decide if Narcotics Anonymous is the
answer for him or herself. The only requirement is the desire to
stop using drugs. Anyone may join us regardless of age, race,
sexual identity, creed, religion or lack of religion. You are a
member when you say you are. Narcotics Anonymous has no dues or
fees. Each recovering addict (as opposed to an ex-addict) has
paid the price of membership through the pain of active drug
addiction. Our message is that any addict can stop using drugs,
lose the desire to use, and find a new way of life. Our message
is one of hope and the promise of freedom from active addiction.
Most of us had no idea what to expect living without the use of
drugs. It is in NA meetings that many of us first heard the
message of recovery, found acceptance and support from other NA
members and learned practical information to help each other
stay clean (i.e. our terminology for not using drugs today).
WHAT IS AN NA MEETING?
A Narcotics Anonymous meeting is any two or more
recovering addicts who meet together for the purpose of recovery
from the disease of addiction. All Narcotics Anonymous meetings
are bound by the principles of the Twelve Steps, Twelve
Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of NA. NA meetings are conducted
by recovering addicts for addicts. It is important that the
addicts, (who may be your clients) be empowered to conduct their
own meetings. Guidance in how to do that e.g. helping them with
the format of a NA meetings , supplying them with a room or safe
setting to hold their meeting, guidance with the supply of NA
literature to use (until such time they can acquire/purchase
their own) and helping with procedures is very useful. NA is a
personal and spiritual program, therefore, our personal recovery
experiences, NA principles, and NA general information are the
topics of our meetings.
The primary purpose of a NA meeting is to
provide experience, strength and hope for it's members and carry
the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers. The
meeting provides each NA member with the opportunity to share
and to hear the experience of other addicts who are learning to
live a better way without the use of drugs. The NA meeting, in
essence, is a vehicle by which our message is carried. It
provides a setting in which a newcomer (your client or a new NA
member with little drug free life experience) can identify with
recovering addicts and find an atmosphere of recovery. It is
worth mentioning here that "recovery" is not just being drug
free. Recovery is being drug free and working the basic NA
principles that eventuates in a contentment in maintaining this
new way of life.
GUIDELINES WE HAVE FOUND USEFUL WHEN CONDUCTING
NA MEETINGS IN TREATMENT FACILITIES
The meeting place should be accessible to the
most number of people as possible. Keep in mind that providing
an atmosphere of recovery is desired, such as room size and as
few distractions as possible. Note: It is recommended that NA
group meetings not be held in an individual’s living
quarters/house.
Ramps, wide doors, elevators and bathroom
facilities may be required for some members who are physically
challenged. (e.g. Wheelchairs etc.)
Generally, NA meetings are held at a time when
the most people can attend, e.g. after dinner.
SETTING UP FOR AN NA MEETING
Once the meeting space and time have been
approved by the facility, early arrival by NA members will allow
time to set up chairs in a circle for a small group or theater
style for a large meeting. NA members may like to make tea,
coffee or refreshments, to enhance a friendly atmosphere, if the
facility allows it, and set out NA literature. Depending on the
economic situation at hand, literature may be purchased,
borrowed on a loan basis or given away. Setting up chairs,
supplying refreshments, setting out literature, and cleaning up
after the meeting--these are simple things that NA members do to
host their meetings. But if one person had to do them all, these
simple things would quickly become overwhelming. By sharing the
work, it ensures that the NA meeting as a whole is
self-supporting and that the meeting’s responsibilities don't
settle unevenly on the shoulders on just one or two individuals.
FORMAT FOR AN NA MEETING
Narcotics Anonymous meetings follow a consistent
format and often center around a topic of recovery called open
discussion meetings. Other NA meetings might include a
literature discussion, speaker meeting, or the Twelve
Step/Twelve Tradition study. Only Narcotics Anonymous
conference-approved literature (includes translated literature)
and tapes are used in NA meetings. This is to ensure a clear,
consistent and focused message of recovery. Meetings usually
last about one hour (1 hour) to one and a half hours (1 ˝
hours), and it is important to start and end them on time.
DEMONSTRATION OF A NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS MEETING
IN ACTION (role play)
With the support of other NA members here with
me today, we will demonstrate how to conduct an NA meeting. We
have included the basics guidelines in this paper should you
wish to pursue a NA meeting with your clients upon returning to
your facility.
MEETING FORMAT/PROCEDURE
Chairperson: Welcome members to the meeting and
introduce yourself. Hello, my name is (FIRST NAME not FAMILY
NAME), and I am an addict/or recovering addict. Welcome to this
meeting of the (e.g. Jakarta Group) of Narcotics Anonymous. I'd
like to open this meeting with a moment of silence (15 to 20
seconds) for the addict who still suffers from this disease of
drug addiction, followed by the Just For Today Reading (a short
reading from the NA book titled Narcotics Anonymous) "We like to
extend a special welcome to newcomers. Is there anyone attending
their first NA meeting? Would you like to introduce yourself? Is
there anyone attending this meeting for the first time? For the
protection of the NA members of this group/meeting, who you see
here and what you hear in this meeting, stays in this meeting.
(This is our Confidentiality Request) For the protection of our
NA meeting being held in this facility/treatment facility, we
ask that no drugs, weapons or paraphernalia be on your person at
the meeting. It costs you nothing to belong to Narcotics
Anonymous. "You are a member when you say you are."
Chairperson: At the beginning of the meeting
select people to read one or more of the routine readings, to
help get the meeting centered. These readings can be found in
our Little White Booklet, the book Narcotics Anonymous, IP #1
(Informational Pamphlet No. 1), or the group reading cards, all
available from your nearest NA Service office (See last page for
details). The usual readings are listed below. These can be read
out at the beginning or at various stages of the meeting.
· Who is an addict?
· What is the NA Program?
· Why are we here?
· How it works.
· The Twelve Traditions.
Meetings use a variety of formats to enhance the
atmosphere of recovery in their meetings. Some examples are
speaker meetings, open discussion, literature and step study.
Chairperson: About five minutes before the
meeting is scheduled to close, announce: "That's all the time we
have. I'd like to thank you for attending." Begin passing the
basket around for collection of money contributions, (note: only
applicable outside treatment facilities), announcing: The basket
being passed around is one way of practicing our Seventh
Tradition, which says, "Every NA group ought to be fully
self-supporting, declining outside contributions." The money our
NA members contribute goes to purchase NA literature,
refreshments (usually tea/coffee) and helps to fulfill our
primary purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still
suffers. This is an empowering exercise, so NA members can take
some responsibility for their own recovery, rather than
depending on some external entity to take responsibility for
them.
Note: Open meetings: Open to anyone, regardless
if they are recovering addicts or observers. Closed meetings:
For recovering addicts only or people who feel they may have a
drug/drug addiction problem. If this is an "open" meeting: "I'd
like, once again, to thank our non-addict guests for the
interest they've shown in Narcotics Anonymous. Because of NA's
tradition of self-support, this group asks that you not
contribute any money when the basket passes your way."
Chairperson: Will make any NA related announcements such as the
next meeting, up and coming NA activities (e.g. Fellowship
events, such as outings, picnics, conventions), and any other
issues pertaining to the NA meeting.
Chairperson makes the following announcement:
"NA's Eleventh Tradition reads, our public relation policy is
based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always
maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and
films. We ask everyone attending to respect our members
anonymity by not using anyone's name, or personal details when
describing this meeting to others. The spiritual principle of
anonymity makes us all equal as members of the group/meeting.
NA's Twelfth Tradition reads, "Anonymity is the spiritual
foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place
principles before personalities." Chairperson: "Again, thank you
all for coming. I would like to close this meeting with the
following reading/and or third step prayer.”
Third Step Prayer: "Take my will and my life.
Guide me in my recovery. Show me how to live." Note: Some groups
also read "Just for Today" again prior to the closing prayer.
Chairpersons usually request from NA members
that we share responsibilities such as cleaning up the meeting
room afterwards. We try to leave the room better than we found
it. This helps protect the atmosphere of recovery and reputation
of Narcotics Anonymous.
DIFFERENT FORMATS FOR NA MEETINGS
Speaker Meeting: A speaker meeting usually
includes the personal sharing of recovery experience, strength,
and hope by one or two NA members who relate how the NA program
brought about recovery by sharing feelings, self-image, turning
points, new awareness and gratitude for a new way of life. The
speaker may share for approximately 20-30 minutes. The time left
is usually open for the rest of the NA members to share briefly.
Open Discussion Meeting: Topics should be chosen
carefully with the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in mind.
There is a multitude of topics that relate our personal recovery
in NA. It is important to remember that recovery from drug
addiction is our purpose for attending meetings and choose
topics accordingly. Because NA is not a treatment program, it is
also important we do not select Treatment Topics. The following
list is only a beginning point. Many other recovery-based topics
come to mind as the group develops and meets the needs of its
members.
· Any IP (Informational Pamphlet) or
selection from the NA book Narcotics Anonymous
· H.O.W. (honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness)
· Surrender (i.e. breaking through the denial that there is
a drug problem)
· Acceptance
· The basics (don't use drugs today, go to meetings,
communicating with other NA members,
NA literature, sponsor, and the Steps)
· H.A.L.T.S. (don't get too hungry, angry, lonely, tired, or
serious)
· Responsible for our own recovery
· Freedom from active addiction
· Identify with the similarities of the NA program rather
than comparing the differences
· NA, a spiritual not religious program
· Going to any productive lengths to find recovery
· Transition from the facility to the local
fellowship/community (if applicable)
· Tools/guidelines suggested by NA
· Letting go of the old unproductive ways of doing things
· Feelings
· Anonymity, and its importance
Literature Discussion: For a literature
discussion meeting, parts of the NA book Narcotics Anonymous or
other NA conference-approved literature are read and discussed.
This format may include study of the Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions. Passing the literature around and allowing everyone
a chance to read can be an easy way for everyone to get
involved. If you follow that format, be sure to include a
statement such as, "Feel free to pass the literature along if
you'd rather not read." Not everyone is willing or able to read
aloud.
Additional needs for disabled/physically
challenged members: Please find out what NA materials are
available through the World Service Office of NA to assist
addicts with additional needs. Update your current stockpile of
Narcotics Anonymous materials to include the items for addicts
with additional needs, e.g. sight and hearing impaired (English
speaking and ASL only at present).
BARRIERS/CHALLENGES IN ESTABLISHING AND
MAINTAINING NA MEETINGS (as experienced by some Asian Pacific NA
communities/meetings over the past decade)
Over past decade I have witnessed various
reasons why NA has not grown in the Asia Pacific region. Once
upon a time NA was perceived as a Western concept. NA is a
universal program which does not belong to any one or group of
cultures. It is maintained by recovering addicts world wide.
Cultures may vary, but addiction is addiction. Spiritual
principles transcend cultural differences. In the past, NA
literature was only available in English. As NA’s growth expands
all over the world, local translation committees are proceeding
to translate the principles and concepts of NA into their
respective languages and culture.
Government policy makers were not aware of the
vast network of NA world wide and its adaptability to local
cultures. They were also not aware it was a self supporting
organization of recovering addicts. They were not aware of its
effectiveness, even in the Asia Pacific Region. Some
professionals thought NA was a Western treatment program, rather
than a self help group of recovering addicts, which could
enhance their local treatment strategies.· Because NA Traditions
do not allow funding from outside its own NA membership, it was
never drawn into the political arena where funding issues are
discussed. While this is good for NA’s long term survival, it
never received any real serious attention in government referral
networks due to its low profile.
Legal registration of NA in some countries was
difficult due to small NA community members lacking the
knowledge of how to deal with local laws and restrictions of
addicts being in the company of other addicts. In some countries
this is forbidden, thus making NA meetings difficult to hold
outside registered institutions. There was and in some cases
still is a certain amount of fear around breaking their
anonymity that they were once a drug user. This problem is
gradually disappearing as NA gains more credibility in the Asian
Pacific.
It appears where NA has not got the support of
local treatment services, and referral to NA is minimal, NA
remains small. In these situations NA usually carries on with a
small dedicated group of members who can only do so much, as
they also have to work, look after families etc. More members
make the network stronger and as a result provide a more
reliable service to addicts who are still trying to stop using
drugs. The NA steps and Traditions have proven extremely
adaptable to local Religious values such as Muslim, Christian
and Buddhists cultures. Recovering addicts, as well as new NA
members have been reluctant to voluntarily come forward and join
NA meetings outside registered treatment facilities, due to the
fear and stigma that has stemmed from mass media campaigns
towards drug addicts in general. Some of our members believe
this has contributed to the slow growth in some NA communities.
World Service Office HQ
PO Box 9999
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Telephone (818) 773-9999
Fax (818) 700-0700
Website: http://www.na.org
WSO Europe
Rue de l’Été 48
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Telephone +32.2.646.6012
Fax +32.2.649.9239
Asia Pacific Forum
PO Box 90397
Honolulu, Hawaii 96835-0397 USA
Website: http://www.apf.com.au
Fellowship Service Office Inc
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Newtown NSW 2042 Australia
Telephone +61.2.9565.1453
Fax +61.2.9519.7554
Website: http://www.naoz.org.au |
