Narcotics Anonymous in Drug Treatment
The use of Narcotics Anonymous in drug treatment takes its roots from the long and successful history of using AA as a part of comprehensive addiction treatment programs, but responds to the unique needs of drug addicts by offering addiction focused 12 steps programming.
Narcotics Anonymous in drug treatment is an organization of cooperation, but not affiliation, with Alcoholics Anonymous. The difference between the two organizations stems solely from the focus of recovery, and while AA meetings prefer to concentrate on alcohol abuse exclusively, NA meetings in drug treatment prefer to speak about addiction and recovery, and do not dwell on any particular drug of abuse.
Although distinct and separate organizations, the NA model of 12 steps group support is closely modeled on the AA system, and the 12 steps of recovery are essentially the same.
Narcotics Anonymous doesn't work for everyone, and probably shouldn’t be the only treatment offered within a drug rehab, but it does work very well for many, and does deserve a place within other therapies and methods of recovery.
Benefits of Narcotics Anonymous
Fellowship and Peer Support
The fellowship and peer support of others struggling and succeeding through similar addictions recovery can lend support and inspiration; and through the guidance of a Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, the teachings of Narcotics Anonymous in drug treatment can be more easily and comprehensively integrated into a personal recovery plan.
Narcotics Anonymous meetings may start in drug treatment programs as a part of a more complete programming, but since the philosophy of Narcotics Anonymous is that addiction is a disease for life, the support of the group is recommended for a long period of aftercare. The longer and more intensive the aftercare, the better the eventual prognosis of recovery; and using Narcotics Anonymous both in drug treatment and throughout the initial months and years of released sobriety greatly betters the odds of continuing success and relapse avoidance.
Problems of Narcotics Anonymous
NA is not for everyone
Because better drug treatment programs offer diverse programming knowing that every addict has unique and varied needs, even if the Narcotics Anonymous meetings as offered within a drug treatment program do not prove resonant or effective, there is hopefully another therapy or peer support group that does.
For many, one of the largest stumbling blocks to success within the 12 steps program is the spiritual component of recovery. To correctly work the 12 steps, recovering addicts need to accept guidance from a higher power, and although this higher power need not be God in the traditional sense, some people cannot benefit from a program that requires a Faith that is not authentically felt or believed.
Some people do not enjoy the size of the meetings, and some people feel uncomfortable with the philosophy of addiction as a disease. Narcotics Anonymous in drug treatment will not offer recovery assistance to everyone, but it does offer hope and support to enough people to make it a valued addition to any comprehensive drug treatment environment.
The Core Principles
NA: The 3 Essentials
Firstly, an acceptance of powerlessness over addiction, and a willingness to turn to a higher power to remove weaknesses and to guide the path to recovery.
Secondly, a willingness to make a full and honest list of people wronged while using and abusing drugs, and striving to make a full amends whenever possible to do so without inflicting harm.
Thirdly, using the wisdom of a sponsor to integrate the lessons of Narcotics Anonymous into everyday life, and when sufficient recovery and insight is gained, giving back to the organization by either becoming a sponsor or helping fellow addicts in some other way.
Narcotics Anonymous in a Drug Treatment Program
Narcotics Anonymous has helped millions
12 steps support group organizations like Narcotics Anonymous have been helping people recover from addiction for nearly a century, and many millions of men and women have beaten addiction and despair through the fellowship and support of groups like Narcotics Anonymous. Like AA, they can be found all over the World.
Some people initially reluctant to join a group, find that the meetings offer them great strength and hope towards a better life of sobriety, and some will never benefit from a group whose core beliefs may be very distinct from one's own. Essentially, NA worth a try, and although it doesn’t work for everyone, it's helped enough to deserve a place with a comprehensive drug treatment program.
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