NCJ Number
183277
Date Published
1993
Length
225 pages
Annotation
This book explains the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), so as to help readers develop their own interpretations of the principles contained in these steps and traditions.
Abstract
The first section, which focuses on the 12 steps of NA, invites NA members to engage in a journey of recovery and gain a personal understanding of the spiritual principles in the 12 steps. It explores the spiritual principles in each step and how they may be experienced. Step one involves accepting one's powerlessness over narcotic addiction, and step two involves belief in a power greater than oneself that can help break the chains of addiction. Step three involves turning one's will and life over to this power, and step four consists of making a frank moral inventory of oneself, followed by step five, admission to the power beyond self as well as to oneself and another person the exact nature of one's wrongs. Step six is the opening up of oneself to have the power beyond self ("God") remove all defects of character. The remaining steps provide guidance in the process of becoming a new person free of the chains of addiction and involved in serving other addicts. The second section of the book addresses the 12 traditions of NA. It is intended as a resource for NA groups and the individual member. It explores the spiritual principles within the traditions, engages members with the spirit (not the law) of the traditions, and provides a basis for thought and discussion about the traditions. A subject index is provided.