What Is NA?

While NA is its own organization, it shares AA’s core philosophy of mutual support, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth. It’s also helped millions of people worldwide overcome drug addiction. In today’s opioid crisis, this is arguably more important than ever. 

If you’re struggling with a drug addiction, know you aren’t alone, and help is available. If you’re interested to learn more about NA and what it involves, keep reading below.

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What Does NA Stand for in Addiction?

NA was founded in California in 1953, nearly two decades after AA. It was started by a group of recovering addicts who adapted the 12-step model from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to address drug addiction in all its forms. While it began small, NA began to grow rapidly in the 1980s as the addiction crisis expanded globally. 

Today, NA is active in over 140 countries and holds tens of thousands of meetings each week, offering a supportive, non-judgmental space for individuals seeking freedom from addiction.

It’s also worth noting that NA isn’t focused on specific drugs—anyone with any kind of drug addiction can attend meetings. There are also no fees or costs to join. 

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The 12 Steps in NA

NA’s 12 steps are very similar to AA's and include:

1. We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

While it sounds like a lot at first glance, NA reinforces the idea of taking everything one day and one step at a time. For the most part, all NA requires is an open mind and a willingness to change.

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Does NA Work?

NA is for anyone with a drug addiction who wants to stop using. It’s open to everyone, regardless of their background, type of drug use, religion, age, or income. It also doesn’t discriminate based on whether you’ve been in treatment previously or not.

Research shows NA and AA are both effective in helping individuals adhere to sobriety. As a community-led approach, peer support can improve treatment outcomes and even reduce the risk of relapse. And it doesn’t have to be only for the short term. Many members attend meetings long after they’ve achieved sobriety for long-term support and connectedness.

Additionally, NA works best alongside holistic treatment approaches, such as a comprehensive treatment program involving therapy, medical support, and more.

Overall, NA offers a judgment-free, community-based path to recovery. While addiction recovery is very personal, NA is one of many supportive tools available. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team understands the vital importance of peer support throughout the recovery process. Ready to start your journey? Call us at 804-635-3746. Your best days are still ahead of you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between AA and NA?

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) focuses on recovery from alcohol addiction. In contrast, NA (Narcotics Anonymous) supports people recovering from any kind of drug addiction.

What do people go to NA for?

Individuals attend NA for support in overcoming addiction, to connect with others in recovery, and to follow a structured path toward long-term sobriety.

How long do the 12 Steps take?

There’s no set timeline—some people move through the steps quickly, while others take months or years, depending on their specific circumstances and journey.

What are the rules for NA?

NA has only one requirement: a desire to stop using drugs. Members are encouraged to attend meetings, respect the anonymity of others, and work through the steps at their own pace.