What Is Narcotics Anonymous (NA)? History, 12 Steps & How It Works - Sober.Now

Person sitting in a circle listening calmly at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting

The Basics

What Is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements; membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their substance use.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. NA does not keep membership records, conduct research, or accept outside funding. Its single purpose is to help addicts recover through a program of action based on the 12 Steps.

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Not a religious organization: spiritual, but open to all beliefs including atheism
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Not a medical treatment: a peer support fellowship, complementary to clinical care
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Not affiliated with any political party, institution, or outside organization
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Completely free: no dues, fees, or financial obligations ever
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Fully anonymous: your name and attendance are never disclosed

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The Story

The History of Narcotics Anonymous

NA was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1953 by Jimmy Kinnon (“Jimmy K.”) and other recovering addicts who saw the need for a fellowship that addressed addiction to all drugs, rather than just alcohol. Their early meetings formed the foundation of what would become a global movement.

In 1983, the fellowship published its foundational text, Narcotics Anonymous; nicknamed the “Basic Text,” it outlined the 12 Steps and the NA program of recovery. It unified the fellowship and provided a clear path for newcomers seeking recovery from addiction.

From those founding members, NA grew to include thousands of members by the 1980s, and more than 1 million members across 144+ countries today. Its model of peer support and the 12 Steps has helped countless individuals build fulfilling, drug-free lives.

1953

Jimmy K. and others hold the first NA meetings in Southern California

1983

The Basic Text is published, unifying the expanding global fellowship

1993

NA World Services establishes structured global outreach programs

2000s

NA spreads rapidly across the globe, reaching thousands of weekly groups

Today

1M+ members, 70,000+ weekly groups, available in 144+ countries

The history and legacy of recovery meetings, reflecting trust and heritage

The Program

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous

The 12 Steps are a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction. They address the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of substance use; they have helped countless individuals achieve lasting recovery since the fellowship began.

1

Admitting Powerlessness

Acknowledging that addiction has become unmanageable and that willpower alone is not enough to overcome it.

2

Believing in a Higher Power

Coming to believe that a power greater than ourselves, defined personally by each member, can restore sanity.

3

Turning It Over

Making a conscious decision to surrender self-will and seek guidance from a Higher Power as each person understands it.

4

Moral Inventory

Taking an honest, fearless inventory of personal strengths and weaknesses: fears, resentments, and harmful patterns.

5

Admitting Wrongs

Sharing the results of that inventory openly with a Higher Power, oneself, and another trusted human being.

6

Readiness for Change

Becoming fully willing to let go of character defects and the behaviors that fuel the cycle of addiction.

7

Asking for Help

Humbly asking a Higher Power to remove shortcomings: an act of surrender that many members find deeply liberating.

8

List of Amends

Creating a written list of all people harmed by one’s active addiction, and developing a willingness to make things right.

9

Making Direct Amends

Personally making amends to those who were harmed, except when doing so would cause further harm to them or others.

10

Daily Inventory

Continuing to take personal stock daily and promptly admitting when wrong; maintaining the honesty built in earlier steps.

11

Prayer & Meditation

Using quiet reflection and prayer to deepen one’s conscious awareness and seek guidance for daily living in recovery.

12

Carrying the Message

Having achieved a spiritual awakening, sharing the message of recovery with others still suffering and practicing these principles in all areas of life.

Ready to experience the 12 Steps with a supportive NA group near you?

📞 Call 1-888-708-7060 to Find a Meeting

Membership

Who Is NA For?

NA welcomes anyone with a desire to stop using drugs. There are no other requirements: no income threshold, no minimum substance use history, and no formal diagnosis needed.

The First-Timer

If you’re questioning your substance use for the first time, NA is a safe place to explore, with zero pressure to commit, speak, or identify as an addict.

Find a First Meeting →

The Long-Term User

For those who have struggled with drugs for years or decades, NA provides a non-judgmental path forward built on lived experience: not clinical theory.

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After Rehab or Treatment

Many people leaving inpatient rehab use NA as their long-term support system. NA provides daily structure, community accountability, and a sponsor relationship that clinical treatment cannot replicate.

Continue Recovery →

Family & Loved Ones

Open NA meetings welcome family members and friends. Nar-Anon, a sister fellowship, is specifically designed for those affected by a loved one’s addiction.

Find Open Meetings →

LGBTQ+ Members

Many NA groups across the U.S. are specifically LGBTQ+-affirming. NA welcomes everyone unconditionally: your identity has no bearing on your ability to seek and achieve recovery.

Find Inclusive Groups →

Atheists & Agnostics

You do not need to believe in God to attend NA. The “Higher Power” concept is deliberately broad; many atheist and agnostic members define it as the group itself, nature, or their own conscience.

Explore NA Without Religion →

Understanding the Difference

NA vs. Professional Treatment: What’s the Difference?

NA and clinical rehab are not competitors; most recovery professionals recommend using both together. Here’s how they differ and work together.

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Narcotics Anonymous

Free & Peer-Based

✔100% free, no insurance needed
✔Peer support from people in recovery
✔Attend on your own schedule
✔Long-term, lifelong availability
✔Sponsor relationship & accountability
✔Available in 144+ countries

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Professional Treatment

Clinical & Medical

✔Medically supervised detox
✔Professional therapists & counselors
✔Dual diagnosis (mental health) support
✔24/7 medical care when needed
✔Structured daily schedule
✔Covered by most insurance plans

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Used Together

Recommended Approach

Most addiction professionals recommend combining clinical treatment for initial abstinence with NA for long-term community and accountability. Together, they address both the physical and social dimensions of recovery.

📞 Get Guidance Now

Important: If you are experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention before attending an NA meeting. Substance withdrawal can be medically dangerous and may require supervised detox. Call 911 for emergencies or our helpline at 1-888-708-7060 to be connected with medical resources.

The Foundation

The Basic Text: NA’s Core Literature

First published in 1983, Narcotics Anonymous (universally called the “Basic Text”) is the foundational literature of the NA program. Written primarily by recovering addicts to share their collective experience, it describes the 12 Steps and the NA model of recovery.

With millions of copies distributed globally and translated into more than 30 languages, it serves as the ultimate guide for individuals navigating life without the use of drugs. The book includes personal stories that outline the journey from active addiction to lasting recovery.

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Published1983; now currently in its 6th edition

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ContentsThe 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and detailed guidance on living clean

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CostAvailable directly at NA groups or at low cost through na.org

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LanguagesTranslated into 30+ languages for NA members worldwide

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About NA

Is Narcotics Anonymous a religious organization?

No. NA is a spiritual program, not a religious one. While the 12 Steps reference a “Higher Power,” each member defines that concept entirely for themselves. NA has no official religious affiliation and warmly welcomes atheists, agnostics, and people of any or no faith tradition.

Does NA actually work?

Yes. Research consistently shows that participation in 12-Step programs like NA significantly increases the chances of achieving long-term recovery. Members who attend regularly and engage with the community are much more likely to maintain continuous abstinence over time compared to those who attempt recovery alone.

Do I have to stop using before my first NA meeting?

No. There is no requirement to be completely clean before attending your first meeting. The only requirement is a desire to stop. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, please seek professional medical care before attending.

What is an NA sponsor?

A sponsor is an experienced NA member who personally guides a newer member through the 12 Steps. Sponsorship is voluntary and informal: it’s one recovering person helping another. You are never required to get a sponsor, but most long-term members credit their sponsor as essential to their recovery.

What is the difference between AA and NA?

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows a similar 12-Step model to AA but is focused on recovery from the disease of addiction across all drugs, including alcohol. AA’s primary focus is specifically on alcoholism. Some people choose to attend both fellowships.

How long does it take for NA to work?

Recovery is personal and there is no universal timeline. NA suggests attending 90 meetings in the first 90 days to build early momentum and establish connections. Many members report meaningful change within weeks; others describe recovery as a lifelong process of continuous growth.

What Is Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?