AA and NA are both community addiction treatment groups designed around anonymity and peer support. These groups focus on the differences between alcohol and narcotics addiction and how these experiences differ based on drug use. One of the cornerstones of Narcotics Anonymous is its Twelve-Step Program, which serves as a guide for personal recovery. These steps, adapted from AA’s principles, are designed to help individuals confront their addiction, make amends for past behaviors and develop a spiritual foundation for ongoing recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous follow the same format, have similar guidelines, and believe in the same tools to help those struggling with addiction. Explore Our Services to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one, or Contact Us directly to schedule a confidential consultation. Understanding California Sober The term California sober refers to a lifestyle choice where…
Is AA or NA the Right Program for You?
In addition to some differences in philosophy, both AA and NA each have their own literature. This is largely due to the fact that the organization keeps growing continually. As of 1994, there were close to 20,000 weekly meetings being held in 70 countries.
How to Choose the Right Program for You
Marlon stuck with AA and went on to work in drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. He’s now a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and CEO of both the nonprofit Vegas Stronger and rehab CrossRoads of Southern Nevada. Research tells us that about 40% of AA members who reach one year of sobriety will remain sober. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
She provides ethical, evidence-based treatment and is passionate about providing education to the families and loved ones, on the disease of addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous first introduced the 12 steps in the 1930s, and their success in helping people recover from addiction has been profound. These steps form the cornerstone of many addiction recovery programs, including Narcotics Anonymous, which was founded based on the success and format of AA. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global organization dedicated to helping people addicted to substances pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle via a 12-step program. Closed meetings are only for members of NA unless otherwise stated, where participants remain anonymous. Everyone agrees to keep the details of the sessions and those who attend private.
The program is centered around twelve steps, which is often simply referred to as The Twelve Step Program. These steps guide the alcoholic into growing spiritually, becoming aware of the hurt and pain they have caused to themselves as well as to others, and making amends for that pain. As the person progresses through the program, he learns the importance of embracing these principles throughout every area of his life. In addition, he also becomes passionate about and learns the skills to help others as they begin and complete their own journey toward sobriety.
- Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
- The creation of NA represented a significant development in how society approaches drug addiction, marking a progressive step towards inclusive recovery support for all types of substance dependencies.
- You learn to navigate daily challenges without resorting to substance use, and you gain insights into the underlying issues fueling your addiction.
- While maintaining a similar 12-step framework, NA adapted its approach to be more inclusive of all forms of addiction, not just those related to alcohol.
- Women were significantly more likely than men to sustain abstinence over 3 years although genders did not differ significantly at baseline.
While that certainly works for some people, it’s important to remember that you’re not “weaker” or “less” of a person for needing (or simply wanting) some additional help. You might feel more comfortable (and have more time) addressing these issues in an how to talk to an alcoholic in denial individual or smaller group setting, Patterson notes. There aren’t any higher powers involved, and addiction tends to be considered a habit rather than a disease.
It’s important to understand that the meetings aren’t meant to be group therapy sessions. The goal is to create a safe environment where people can connect and support each other’s recovery. The 12 steps of NA are a guide you can use to help you in your recovery.
Get Help With Alcohol Addiction
Despite the differing focus on substances and approaches to recovery, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) share foundational principles that underpin their effectiveness. Both programs are rooted in support group therapy, where members benefit from a community of peers who understand their struggles intimately. Their collaboration led to the creation of a structured framework known as the 12-step program, which remains central to AA’s philosophy today. This program emphasizes concepts like admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking spiritual growth, and making amends for past actions.
Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Up until NA’s founding many drug addicts had taken part in AA for recovery but noted the indifference they received from others who thought AA should only be for alcoholics. If one AA meeting isn’t working, try attending a different meeting or group altogether. Because it’s so accessible, you likely won’t have problems finding other meetings.