Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a international network of individuals who have found recovery from substance abuse through the第十二 Step Program. The NA tradition represents the shared experiences and values of its members. These traditions are the cornerstone of the organization and serve as a guide for living a drug-free life. This article explores the core principles and practices that define Narcotics Anonymous.
1. Our Common Welfare
The first canon of the Twelve Traditions states how a NA meeting should begin – pondering on our common welfare and considering how our actions impact others. This tradition underscores the importance of unity among members to achieve personal and community wellness.
2. One Ultimate Authority
In NA, the ultimate authority is the concept of a loving God, as expressed by members within the group's conscience. This tradition emphasizes the importance of relying on spiritual guidance rather than external influences to make decisions.
3. Membership Requirement
The second canon of the Traditions outlines the only requirement for a member to be a Desire to Stop Using. This indicates that the focus of NA is on the act of quitting drugs, not on the personal beliefs or opinions of the individual.
4. Autonomy
NA groups operate with a sense of autonomy, meaning they have the freedom to establish and maintain their own services and governance without being constrained by the central office. This tradition reflects the respect for the sovereignty of individual groups.
5. Primary Purpose
Each NA group is dedicated to carrying the message to the addicted individual still suffering. This tradition highlights the commitment to spreading the message of recovery and advocating for those struggling with substance abuse.
6. Non-Affiliation
NA groups are encouraged to not endorse, finance, or lend the name of the organization to related facilities or outside enterprises. This tradition promotes independence fromexternal sources and emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the primary purpose of helping addicted individuals.
7. Self-Support
NA groups should strive to be fully self-supporting and decline external contributions. This tradition emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility and the need for members to contribute to the group's costs without relying on external donations or funding.
8. Non-Professional Service Centers
NA remains forever non-professional, although service centers may employ special workers. This tradition acknowledges that the organization is primarily made up of volunteers who are committed to the shared goal of recovery.
9. Service Structure
NA, as an organization, is not organized but creates service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. This tradition reflects the idea of decentralized governance and the importance of local communities taking ownership of the recovery process.
10. External Issues
Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, and the name should not be dragged into public controversy. This tradition underscores the commitment to maintaining a spirit of neutrality and avoiding political or controversial positions that could distract from the shared goal of recovery.
11. Public Relations Policy
The public relations policy of NA is based on attraction rather than promotion, requiring constant personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. This tradition emphasizes the importance of privacy and the need for members to protect their identity while engaging with the broader community.
12. Spiritual Foundation
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all the traditions, constantly reminding members to place principles before personalities. This tradition encapsulates the essence of the NA philosophy and the underlying belief that by focusing on the principles of recovery rather than personal characteristics, individuals can achieve a deeper and more meaningful form of sobriety.
Through these Twelve Traditions, the members of Narcotics Anonymous create a supportive and compassionate environment that fosters recovery and encourages individuals to live lives free from the turmoil of substance abuse.
