“We are not interested in what or how much you used or who your connections were…but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help.”

Basic Text, p. 9

I once received a call for help from an addict wishing to attend a meeting. She felt she didn’t “qualify” because she’d heard NA was about substances other than the one she was using.

I find it disheartening that NA members—especially those with experience in our program—continue to identify the specific substances they used. This emphasizes our differences, instead of highlighting our similarities. I know several members who, for this reason, found it very difficult to identify and find a sense of belonging in NA.  In the chapter on the Third Tradition in It Works: How and Why, we read: “Because of the wording of this tradition, we are able to attract and welcome addicts who think they didn’t use the ‘right’ drugs to qualify for membership in NA.” (p. 147)

The most obvious symptom of addiction is our uncontrollable drug use, not the specific drug(s) we used. Our understanding of addiction broadens as we continue in recovery, but early on, differences can be the trigger that results in the newcomer leaving NA and not returning. The newcomer needs to hear a constant, clear message about recovery from addiction. It is inclusive and encompassing to use the word “drugs.”

I have a sponsor of seven years who has no idea what drugs I used. I never told him because he’s not interested. I also don’t find it necessary to reveal in our meetings what I used. If you ask me personally which drugs I used, I would decline to answer.

Addiction thrives on the division our differences can cause, but the disease is rendered powerless when we are unified by our similarities. We have a responsibility to NA and the newcomer to be all inclusive, regardless of creed, race, sexual identity…, and drugs used. The common denominators in NA are our recovery from the disease of addiction and our desire to stop using. And it doesn’t matter what we want to stop using.

Dale T, Gloucestershire, England