Feature Section

The message starts here

Our primary purpose is to stay clean
and to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.

Basic Text, p. 10

Sometimes we think of only part of this statement—the part about staying clean—but our primary purpose is to carry to addicts a hopeful message that they can find freedom from active addiction. So, how do we carry that message? What are the ways we strive to fulfill our primary purpose—and who is responsible for carrying the NA message? We carry the message as individual members, but because this is a “we” program, it is also important that we work together in our groups and our service structure to carry out this essential responsibility.

Of course, we have to start with being clean to be able to carry a message about recovery. Working the steps constantly provides us with ways of carrying the message. When we apply the principles of our program in our daily lives, we exemplify recovery; we carry the message that NA recovery works in the lives of recovering addicts like us.

So, in what other ways can we carry the message? We share in meetings. We reach out to newcomers and other members. We are of service to others. We share because we know that “we keep what we have only by giving it away.” An essential part of our program is telling fellow NA members about our recovery experiences. Talking about our recovery in meetings and one-on-one allows others to share in our struggles and triumphs. We recognize our common needs and experiences in one another. Whether we are newcomers, oldtimers, or somewhere in between, we know how important it is for us to feel “a part of.” We want to identify with other members of our fellowship. This is a key factor that encourages us to continue going to meetings—at first, because we need to see our similarities; eventually, because we realize that our unity thrives on both our similarities and our differences. Through honest and open sharing, we contribute to an atmosphere of recovery that allows us to carry our message more effectively. We demonstrate that there are common needs and common hopes for all our members.

Each group creates its own personality in the way its members carry NA’s message. Some groups take extra time to explain the meeting format, while others serve “the best coffee in NA.” Your group may provide plenty of time for fellowshipping before and after the meeting. Other groups are known for the quiet, respectful attention given to each member.

We carry the message personally by staying clean and living the principles of the program. Our groups provide meetings where we pursue our recovery and share the NA message with others. We must also carry that message to the public. Our Basic Text says, “If an addict has never heard of us, he cannot seek us out. If those who work with addicts are unaware of our existence, they cannot refer them to us. One of the most important things we can do to further our primary purpose is to let people know who, what and where we are. If we do this and keep our good reputation, we will surely grow.” (p. 71) Through our service structure, we carry the message by providing information to the general public. We reach out to those in institutions who cannot attend our meetings by taking meetings or literature to them. We present information about NA to professionals and practitioners who can help struggling addicts find their way to our program.

We strive to portray NA positively—and realistically—so that it is perceived as a viable recovery program. Embodying this perception starts at home in the meetings of our service boards and committees. A regional delegate recalls attending a neighboring area service committee meeting as part of a series of visits. Business was being conducted, motions and decisions made. He saw and felt a special warmth and respect in the committee’s discussions and actions. This ASC was led by a member who knew that the same safe and loving atmosphere we strive for in our recovery meetings enhances our service meetings, too. When we approach our service with this attitude, we are able to carry this spirit into our recovery meetings as well as our interactions with those outside of NA.

Are we carrying the NA recovery message? Is our message clear, empathetic, hopeful, and honest? Are we providing an atmosphere that attracts and retains NA members? Are we reaching all those in our communities who are in need of recovery? Do we present an honest and positive public image of our fellowship? What can we do as individuals, groups, and service committees to establish or reestablish an atmosphere of recovery in our meetings? Have we considered how we apply principles of recovery in our service?

Our primary purpose is to stay clean and carry the NA message—the message that any addict can find freedom from active addiction. In our personal recovery, we have learned the value of continually evaluating and adjusting our behavior. So, too, can we assess, improve, and broaden the ways in which we carry the message.

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