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NA’s Core Principles

NA follows guiding principles that help members achieve and sustain long-term recovery.

Unity

A strong sense of community fosters connection and support.

Anonymity

Protecting personal identity allows open sharing.

Accessibility

Meetings are open to anyone struggling with addiction.

Non-Religious

NA is not affiliated with any religion and welcomes people of all beliefs.

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous sprang from the Alcoholics Anonymous program of the late 1940s, with meetings first emerging in the Los Angeles area of California, USA, in the early fifties. The NA program started as a small US movement that has grown into one of the world’s oldest and largest organizations of its type.

Today, Narcotics Anonymous is well established throughout much of the Americas, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Newly formed groups and NA communities are now scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent, Africa, East Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Narcotics Anonymous books and information pamphlets are currently available in 49 languages.

For more information about our program, we invite you to review some of the items described below.

How NA Works

NA operates through self-help group meetings, where individuals share experiences and offer mutual support. There are no membership fees, no sign-ups, and no required religious beliefs.

Peer-Led Meetings

Meetings are led by members who share their experiences.

Available to Anyone

No restrictions—open to all seeking recovery.

12-Step Program

A structured guide to recovery and personal growth.

Understanding Addiction

Insight from NA Literature

Information About NA

What it covers: NA’s origin, growth, guiding principles, and the members who make up our Fellowship.

Why it fits: This provides a high-level overview of NA and helps the public understand the foundation and scope of the Fellowship—ideal for curious newcomers or professionals.

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In Times of Illness

What it covers: Experiences with mental health, chronic illness, and pain in recovery.

Why it fits: It expands the conversation around addiction to include real-world challenges many members face, reinforcing understanding and empathy.

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For Those in Treatment

What it covers: A guide for transitioning from treatment to NA recovery.

Why it fits: It’s practical and welcoming for those just beginning their journey, addressing fears and misconceptions about joining NA.

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Common Misconceptions

There are several myths about NA that we want to clarify.

Myth: NA is only for hardcore drug users.

Fact: NA welcomes anyone who wants to stop using substances, no matter their history.

Myth: NA is religious.

Fact: NA is spiritual, not religious—members interpret their own concept of a Higher Power.

Myth: You have to quit everything.

Fact: NA helps people with drug-related struggles but does not dictate medical decisions

"While maintaining an emphasis on the importance of total abstinence, still-using addicts are welcomed into our meetings with special encouragement to keep coming back."

It Works: How and Why, Tradition Three

“We do not turn addicts away, regardless of their medication status. We focus on identification, not comparison.”

NA Groups and Medication , Service Pamphlet

"NA does not express opinions—either pro or con—on civil, social, medical, legal, or religious issues. Our primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers."

NA and Persons Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment, Pamphlet

Voices & Answers From NA Literature

No. NA is for anyone who has a desire to stop using drugs—regardless of what their life looks like. Some join after losing everything. Others come while holding jobs, homes, and families. There is no threshold of suffering required—just willingness.

Yes. NA does not turn anyone away. While the program emphasizes complete abstinence, many meetings welcome those receiving MAT. Each group is autonomous and decides how to handle sharing, but anyone with a desire to stop using is encouraged to keep coming back.

One of the best ways to support someone in recovery is to get educated. Attend an open NA meeting, listen with compassion, and set healthy boundaries. NA literature and outreach can also help families understand addiction and the recovery process.

No. NA is a spiritual, not religious, program. Members are encouraged to find a “Higher Power of their own understanding”—whether that’s God, nature, love, or the group itself. Belief in a specific religion is not required.

NA meetings often include readings, sharing, and supportive fellowship. Members talk about their experiences, strengths, and hopes—not about other people’s choices or outside issues. Some meetings are open to the public, while others are closed to addicts only.

Find a Meeting Near You

Search by city, ZIP code, or meeting type in Arizona.

Additional NA Resources

Downloadable literature to better understand Narcotics Anonymous and support those in recovery.