NCJ Number
231600
Date Published
2007
Length
149 pages
Annotation
This handbook, whose size makes it suitable for carrying in a pocket or pocketbook, answers some of the user's questions about the program of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which has helped participating drug addicts to live satisfying lives without using drugs.
Abstract
The handbook first presents a checklist with questions whose answers indicate whether or not the user is a drug addict. Following the checklist, the handbook advises that if the user is a drug addict, he/she must first admit the addiction before any progress can be made toward recovery. The handbook, which is apparently given to those attending a NA meeting the first time, then welcomes the user to the NA meeting and describes the pilgrimage experienced by those who have committed to the NA program. For the "newcomer," NA is described as a nonprofit fellowship/society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. NA members acknowledge that they are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other live drug-free lives. The only requirement for membership is "the desire to stop using" drugs. The central mindset of NA members is that they are powerless over their addiction and that they must rely on a power greater than themselves to live fulfilling, drug-free lives. They have turned their lives over to the "care of God" as each member perceives this power beyond themselves. Remaining sections of the handbook outline the adverse effects of drug addiction, list each of the 12 steps NA members follow in maintaining drug-free lives, provide details on the features of and reasons for each of the 12 steps, and describe the role of an NA "sponsor" in guiding and supporting new members in their pilgrimage to become and remain drug-free.