F.A.Q.
Q: What we do and why we do it?
NA is a fellowship of men and women who meet regularly to share our experience, strength and hope with each other and work together to help each other stay away from drugs usage and lead a healthy life.
Q: What is Addiction?
The task of defining addiction has challenged physicians, judges, clergy, addicts, their families, and the general public throughout history. There are as many potential definitions as there are groups with an interest in defining addiction. These definitions emphasize such things as physiological dependence, psychological dependence, family dynamics, behavioral problems, and morality. Debating such issues is not the task of NA. Our role is to carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers.
Q: Do you consider Addiction a Disease?
This is one of those questions about addiction that is difficult to answer. There is much public debate over the question of whether addiction is a disease, and we do not choose to become involved in this debate. However, it is our fellowship's collective experience and understanding that addiction is, in fact, a disease. We have no reason to challenge that perception now. It has served us well.Our experience with addiction is that when we accept that it is a disease over which we are powerless, such surrender provides a basis for recovery through the Twelve Steps. The number of NA members living in freedom from active addiction show that this philosophy has worked for us. So even though we as a fellowship are not in a position to argue what is or is not a disease in the strictest medical sense, we are fully confident that our use of the word "disease" in describing our condition is appropriate.
Q: Are there any dues or fees to join NA?
Nothing. There are no initiation fees or dues. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stay clean. NA is self-supporting. We do take a collection at every meeting from members (only) who wish to contribute. NA members can donate as much or as little as they want or nothing at all. This money pays the groups expenses: rent, and literature. The balance is sent to other levels of service to help carry the NA message to the addict who still suffers. In this way we remain free of outside control and self-supporting through our own contributions. NA accepts no grants, gifts or contributions from any outside sources. NA is and will continue to be fully self-supporting.
Q: Is NA a Religious Organization?
No. NA is not associated or affiliated with, nor endorses any religious organizations and espouses no religious beliefs. Our program is a set of principles; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions which are spiritual in nature. While these principles mention God, each member is free to develop their own concept of a higher power. What is important to us is that our recovery is based on these principles and they work.
Q: Does NA operate any treatment or Detox facilities?
No. NA is not a professional organization and we are not affiliated with any professional agencies or facilities. We employ no counselors or treatment staff. Many treatment centers introduce their patients to NA before being released as a great way to continue their success with abstinence. We are grateful for their belief in our program but are not connected or do we solicit referrals. We remain, simply, a fellowship of recovering addicts who meetregularly to help each other to stay clean.
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