Alcoholics & Narcotics Anonymous (AA & NA)
Alcoholics Anonymous estimates having over 1 million members in the United States and nearly 2 million worldwide. Narcotics Anonymous has active meetings in 127 countries. The membership numbers and diverse base are testaments to the enormous success of both of and need for these organizations.
What is the history of these programs? 
The first 12-step program, which was originally intended for those with alcohol problems, began in 1935 as a result of the shared vision of two alcoholics. In 1953, Narcotics Anonymous adopted many of its ideas and principles. The membership of both of these groups has grown exponentially over the years. The groups welcome new members who are at any stage of the addiction or recovery process.
What are the 12 steps that the programs’ members follow?
- Recognize and admit that the substance has taken control over their life.
- Believe that a higher power has the ability to restore the addict’s sanity and life.
- Make a conscious decision to relinquish control of their life to the higher power.
- Begin an honest time of reflecting about the self.
- Take responsibility for their actions and confess the wrongs that they have committed to the higher power and to another person.
- Mentally prepare for the higher power to bring resolution to the areas in which the addict has somehow failed.
- Humbly request that the higher power bring resolution to these areas.
- Recall their past failures and actions that may have hurt someone else.
- Seek forgiveness from and/or make amends with the person or people they have wronged (unless doing so would bring further pain or harm to those who have been wronged).
- Become aware of behavior in the present, recognize errors, and apologize for or remedy them quickly.
- Regularly communicate with the higher power – through prayer, scripture, or meditation – and ask for guidance, strength, and discretion.
- Be willing to share these spiritual experiences with others who have experienced or are experiencing problems like those the addict has experienced, and attempt to reflect and live out what they have learned in their everyday lives.
What are the benefits of joining Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous?
- Support and encouragement from others who can truly empathize with what an alcoholic or addict is going through because they have been there themselves.
- New friends who share a common goal of leading a sober life.
- Sponsors who can help keep new members accountable.
- An anonymous and nonjudgmental environment.
How can I find an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting near me? Visit the groups’ websites (www.aa.org and www.na.org), check your local phonebook, or try an internet search. Other support groups with similar missions may be available from churches, health care facilities, and other community organizations. See also:
